A UK tourist visa (also called a Standard Visitor Visa) allows you to enter the UK for short visits such as tourism, business meetings, or family trips. However, this visa is only valid for the UK and does not allow you to enter the United States.
If you want to travel to the US, you must meet US entry requirements—either through the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) or by applying for a US visitor visa (B1/B2).
UK Citizens: Visiting the USA Under ESTA
If you are a British passport holder, you are in luck. The United Kingdom is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows citizens to travel to the USA without a visa for stays up to 90 days.
Key ESTA Requirements for UK Citizens:
- Must hold a biometric e-passport.
- Must apply online for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before travel.
- ESTA is valid for two years (or until passport expiry).
- Travel must be for tourism, business, or transit purposes only.
Example: If you are a British tourist planning a holiday in the USA from the UK, you just need an approved ESTA and a valid return ticket.
Non-UK Nationals in the UK: Do You Need a US Visa?
If you are in the UK on a visitor visa but you hold another nationality (for example, Indian, Pakistani, Nigerian, etc.), you cannot travel to the USA with just your UK visa.
- If your passport country is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, you must apply for a US Visitor Visa (B1/B2) at the US Embassy in London or another consulate.
- You will need documents such as:
- Valid passport
- UK visa or residence permit
- Proof of funds
- Travel itinerary
- Evidence of strong ties to your home country
Example: An Indian passport holder visiting the UK must apply for a US visitor visa before traveling to America.
Step-by-Step Guide to Travel from UK to USA
For British Citizens (Visa Waiver Program Eligible):
- Check if your passport is biometric.
- Apply for ESTA online through the official CBP website.
- Receive approval (usually within 72 hours).
- Carry your ESTA, passport, and return/onward ticket when flying.
For Non-British Nationals in the UK:
- Check your nationality eligibility under the VWP.
- If not eligible, apply for a B1/B2 US Visa.
- Attend an interview at the US Embassy in London.
- Once approved, you can travel to the US.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I travel to the USA with a UK visitor visa?
No. A UK visa only grants entry to the UK, not the US.
2. Do British citizens need a visa for USA?
No. They can apply for ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program.
3. How long can I stay in the USA with ESTA?
Up to 90 days per trip.
4. Can I extend ESTA once in the USA?
No, you must leave within the allowed period.
5. I am an Indian in the UK on a visitor visa. Can I go to the USA?
No, you need to apply for a US B1/B2 visa first.
Final Thoughts: UK Visa vs. US Entry Rules
A UK tourist visa does not allow you to visit the USA. If you are a UK citizen, you can use ESTA for short trips to the United States. If you are a foreign national in the UK, you will likely need to apply for a US visitor visa before traveling.
Pro Tip: Always apply for ESTA or a US visa well in advance of your planned travel date to avoid delays.