How Long Can I Stay in United States?
Complete guide for UK passport holders. Last verified 2026-02-02.
Maximum Stay
Up to 90 days
At a Glance
Duration
Up to 90 days
per visit
Visa Type
ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
Entry Requirements
- ESTA approval (apply at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, $21 USD)
- Passport valid for length of stay
- Return/onward ticket
- Sufficient funds
- No criminal record (including arrests without conviction)
- No travel to Iran, Iraq, Libya, N.Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen since 2011
- No travel to Cuba since Jan 12, 2021
Important Things to Know
ESTA ineligible if EVER arrested (even without conviction) - need visa
Visiting certain countries (Iran, Iraq, etc.) makes you ineligible
Cuba travel after Jan 2021 = ineligible for ESTA
Border officials can search electronic devices, emails, social media
Children need ESTA/visa and may need parental consent letter
UK Global Entry program available for expedited clearance
Officer makes final entry decision even with valid ESTA
Can I Extend My Stay?
Generally not possible on ESTA - must leave and reapply
Additional Information
Bilateral Agreement
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
Visa processing times can be long - book appointments early. US rules often stricter than other countries for UK passport holders.
Official Sources
Official Government Source
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry-requirementsLast verified: 2026-02-02
Always verify current requirements with official government sources before traveling, as visa policies can change.
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