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Britons given updated travel guidance for visiting the United States – what you need to know

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Britons given updated travel guidance for visiting the United States – what you need to know

Britons wanting to visit the United States of America have been shared information on applying for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).

To enter or transit through the US, it is a requirement that you must have either an ESTA or a visa.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) have alerted Britons on certain requirements and criteria to apply for an ESTA.

The information is for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK.

American performers entertained fliers to the US in 2021

PA

The FCDO said: “ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

“You can apply for an ESTA via the Official ESTA Application Website or using the ESTA Mobile app on Android or iOS.

“All Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travellers intending to enter the US by land, sea and air will be required to obtain an approved ESTA prior to application for admission at land border ports of entry.

“Individuals who are not eligible to travel under the VWP may apply for a visa at any U.S. Embassy & Consulates.”

The FCDO told Britons they may not be able to apply for an ESTA visa waiver if they have the following.

  • Been arrested (even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction)
  • A criminal record
  • Have been refused admission into, or have been deported from, the US
  • Previously overstayed under an ESTA visa waiver

The FCDO stated: “Information on whether you are eligible for an ESTA visa waiver can be found in the help section [on their website, or on] the official ESTA Application Website.”

Passports

The information is relevant for those with a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK.

GETTY

If you have travelled to the following countries since March 2011, the FCDO warned Britons they “cannot normally apply for an ESTA visa waiver.”

  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Libya
  • North Korea
  • Somalia
  • Sudan
  • Syria
  • Yemen

In addition, if you have travelled to or were in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021, the FCDO said: “You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver.

“If you are not eligible for an ESTA, you must instead apply for a US visa.”

The information also covers American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands.

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