If you are considering visiting the UK and might be passing via the USA, you might wonder whether you require a visa to go from the UK to the USA in transit. This post will go over all the necessary information you are required to know. 

Do I require a transit visa to travel from the UK to the USA?

    Several elements, including your nationality and the reason for your journey, determine whether you require a visa to transit through the USA from the UK. However, as a rule, British nationals do not require a visa to travel through the USA if they are merely stopping for a brief layover and do not leave the international area.

    You must apply for a visa, even briefly, if you want to leave the international zone. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is an alternative strategy for British citizens.

    The VWP enables nationals of participating nations, including the UK, to visit the USA for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business.

    What conditions must be met before traveling to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program?

    A valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a passport that will still be valid at least six months after your intended departure from the United States, and a return or onward ticket to another country must all be met to qualify for the VWP.

    Remember that the VWP is only for travel and business. You must apply for a visa to work, study, or remain in the USA for over 90 days.

    If you have previously used the VWP and are satisfied with its requirements, you may do so once again for upcoming visits to the USA. You might not be qualified for the VWP and must apply for a visa if you have a criminal record or have been arrested. Similarly, you could not be qualified for the VWP and will need to apply for a visa if you have visited specific nations, such as Iran, Iraq, Syria, or Sudan.

    How can I submit a visa waiver application?

    The application procedure is reasonably straightforward is processed entirely online without the need for in-person appearance. You can submit an application here for full visa waiver processing and document delivery.

    British nationals do not require a visa if they merely use the airport for a layover and not exiting the international zone. However, you must apply for a visa or participate in the Visa Waiver Program to exit the international zone, even briefly. If you decide to use the Visa Waiver Program, be sure you meet all the prerequisites, which include having a current ESTA, a passport that will still be valid at least six months after your intended departure from the United States, and a return or onward ticket to a country outside of the USA.

    FAQ

    What is the Visa Waiver Program?

    The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables people of member nations, including the UK, to visit the USA for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business.

    Start your Visa ApplicationStart your Visa Application
    Visa Applicationsinformation centre

    Copyright © 2024 . All rights reserved.

    All visa applicants are responsible for the accuracy of their visa application forms and must carefully consider the requirements set out in the visa application forms and complete all application forms fully and truthfully. Visa-Applications.org is a private company and is not affiliated with any government body. All support and advice of your visa documentation will be under the guidance of an SRA registered legal practitioner. Visa fees must be paid directly to the relevant consular authority as advised and are not included in our service fees.
    Visa Applications Ltd – 11887108.

    It is necessary to use/accept cookies on this site to process your application.

    NOTE, we do not use tracking or advertising cookies or provide your details to 3rd parties. For more information please refer to our .