Travellers can pose a threat to the safety and security of the country they are traveling to. Therefore, the government needs to regulate the people who enter their territory. Usually, most state governments will issue authorisation documents such as visas. Before approving an application, the state will screen the applicant’s information to determine whether they threaten the country. This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about ESTA for UK citizens.
What Do UK Citizens Need to Travel to the USA?
Do UK citizens need a visa for USA? Initially, United Kingdom citizens were required to apply for a visa to travel to the US. However, this changed when the United States government introduced the Visa Waiver Program. Countries that are members of the Visa Waiver Program do not need to apply for an American visa but instead use an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The United Kingdom joined the ESTA program in 1988, proposing to aid its citizens in traveling to the US quickly.
Basically, the ESTA involves a visa-waiving scheme for nationals of specific countries to travel to the US without a visa. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization helps the United States DHS and CBP utilise authorised databases to pre-screen travellers. Thus, they can quickly identify criminals, terrorists, or no-flyers. However, you must acquire a visa if you want to travel to the US for more than 90 days during a single trip.
Is an ESTA Similar to an American Visa?
No, an Electronic System for Travel Authorization differs from an American visa. One of the reasons is because an authorized ESTA application does not grant United Kingdom passport holders equal rights with American visa holders in the US territory. Persons applying for an American visa will be required to complete a more complex form called the DS-160. Also, you must attend an interview at the US Embassy. Again, American visa applicants must provide additional documents indicating their intentions to relocate to the US and how genuine their plans are. Note that this additional document presentation situation will differ between visa types.
Can Each UK National Obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization?
It is important to note that not all UK nationals are eligible for an ESTA application. The following United Kingdom nationals are not permitted to benefit from an ESTA application:
- UK Subjects
- British Protected Persons
- UK Overseas Citizens
- UK Dependent Territories Citizens
- UK Overseas Citizens
- UK National/Overseas Citizens
These persons cannot travel by order of the Visa Waiver Scheme or obtain an ESTA. Consequently, persons in the United Kingdom, through the “Indefinite Leave to Remain” or “Right of Adobe,” cannot travel by the ESTA or the Visa Waiver Program Scheme. Thus, these persons must obtain an American Visa to travel to the US.
Is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization Free for UK Citizens?
ESTA application is not free for UK citizens. Nevertheless, it is an affordable scheme that requires about 11 Euros. If your application is declined and you must reapply, you will only pay 3.2 Euros.
Visa Waiver Program & Electronic System for Travel Authorization Guide
