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🇬🇧 Does a British need a visa for the United States 🇺🇸?

What this means for your trip

An ETA (electronic travel authorisation) is not a visa: it is an online pre-screening that airlines check before boarding.

It is normally approved within minutes to a few days; apply before you book non-refundable travel.

Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and have blank pages for stamps; many countries apply this rule.

United States at a glance

Capital: Washington D.C. · Currency: United States dollar (USD, $) · Official languages: English · Calling code: +1

Plugs and voltage

You need a travel adapter: the United States uses plug types A, B, the United Kingdom uses G. Mains voltage differs (the United States: 120 V; the United Kingdom: 230 V): most phone and laptop chargers accept 100–240 V, but single-voltage devices such as some hair dryers need a converter.

More about entering the United States →

Your embassy in the United States

If your passport is lost or stolen, or you need help in an emergency in the United States, contact the embassy of the United Kingdom:

• Embassy of the United Kingdom, Washington, D.C. · 3100 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 · gov.uk
• British Consulate General Atlanta · gov.uk
• British Consulate General Houston · gov.uk
• British Consulate General Los Angeles · gov.uk

Missions from Wikidata (CC0), checked 2026-09-26. Addresses and opening hours change: check the mission's website before you go.

Easier destinations near the United States for British passport holders

• 🇲🇽 Mexico — Visa-free 180 days
• 🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda — Visa-free 180 days
• 🇦🇷 Argentina — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇧🇸 Bahamas — Visa-free 240 days
• 🇧🇧 Barbados — Visa-free 180 days
• 🇧🇿 Belize — Visa-free
• 🇧🇴 Bolivia — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇧🇷 Brazil — Visa-free 90 days

The other way round

🇺🇸 American passport holders visiting the United Kingdom: American passport holders do not need a visa for the United Kingdom, but must get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) online before travelling.

The British passport at a glance

All destinations for United Kingdom passport holders → · Who needs a visa for the United States →

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