esta usa visa uk

ESTA USA Visa UK: Cost, Application Process, and More

If you're a UK citizen planning to visit the United States for tourism, business, or transit purposes, one of the easiest and most efficient ways to gain entry is by applying for an ESTA USA Visa. This online travel authorization is designed for citizens of countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which includes the UK. In this detailed guide, we will explain everything you need to know about the ESTA USA Visa UK, including the cost, the application process, and key considerations to ensure smooth travel to the United States.

What is the ESTA USA Visa?

The ESTA USA Visa is an electronic travel authorization that allows citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, such as the UK, to travel to the United States without a full visa. It is primarily intended for short stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes. This means that you do not need to apply for a traditional U.S. visa if your trip is under the allowed 90 days.

Unlike a traditional visa, the ESTA process is quick, simple, and entirely online. Once approved, the ESTA is electronically linked to your passport, and you don’t need to print it out unless you prefer to. An approved ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires—whichever comes first—allowing for multiple visits to the U.S. during that period.

ESTA USA Visa UK Cost

The cost of the ESTA USA Visa UK is straightforward and affordable compared to traditional U.S. visas. Here’s a breakdown of the fees:

Official ESTA Fee: The official ESTA application fee is $21 USD (approximately £17 GBP), which is payable at the time of application.
- This fee is broken down into:
  - $4 USD for processing the application.
  - $17 USD for the actual travel authorization.
Additional Service Fees: If you decide to use a third-party service provider to help process your ESTA, you may incur additional service fees. These fees can vary depending on the provider, but using the official government website will ensure that you only pay the official fee of $21 USD.

It’s important to remember that the ESTA fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.

How to Apply for the ESTA USA Visa from the UK

Applying for the ESTA USA Visa UK is a straightforward and user-friendly process that can be done entirely online. Follow these steps to apply for your ESTA:

Visit the Official ESTA Website: Go to the official U.S. government website for ESTA applications. Be sure to use the official website to avoid unnecessary third-party charges.
Complete the Application: Fill in the required fields with your personal information, passport details, and travel itinerary. You will also need to answer several security-related questions regarding your travel history and criminal background.
Pay the Fee: Once you’ve completed the application, you’ll need to pay the $21 USD fee via credit card or other accepted payment methods.
Submit Your Application: After payment, submit your application for processing. In most cases, you will receive an approval or denial notification within minutes. However, it is recommended that you apply at least 72 hours before your departure to allow for any unforeseen delays.
Receive Your ESTA Approval: If approved, your ESTA authorization will be electronically linked to your passport. You don’t need a physical copy, but you may choose to print it for your records.

Key Points to Remember About the ESTA USA Visa

Before you apply for the ESTA USA Visa UK, there are several key points you should keep in mind:

Eligibility: To be eligible for an ESTA, you must be a citizen of the UK and meet all the requirements for the Visa Waiver Program. This includes having a valid e-passport and intending to visit the U.S. for business, tourism, or transit purposes.
Travel Purpose: The ESTA USA Visa is only valid for short-term visits. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days or for other reasons, such as studying or working, you will need to apply for a different type of U.S. visa.
Validity: The ESTA USA Visa is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever happens first. During this time, you can make multiple trips to the U.S. as long as each visit does not exceed 90 days.
No Guarantee of Entry: While an approved ESTA allows you to board a flight to the U.S., it does not guarantee entry. The final decision is made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers when you arrive at the port of entry.
Application Time: Most ESTA applications are processed within minutes, but you should always apply at least 72 hours before your departure to ensure that any issues can be addressed in time.

What to Do If Your ESTA Application is Denied

In some cases, your ESTA USA Visa UK application may be denied. A denial can happen for several reasons, such as a previous violation of U.S. immigration laws or security concerns. If your ESTA is denied, it does not necessarily mean you can’t visit the U.S. You can apply for a traditional visa through the U.S. embassy or consulate in the UK. Keep in mind that the process may take longer and require an in-person interview.