How to obtain a US visa for British citizens

Introduction

The United States of America generally referred to as the United States or the United States, located in the North American continent, occupies an area of 9,826 million square kilometers, making it the third-largest nation in the world in terms of population. Bordered by Canada to the north and Mexico to the south, the nation is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The United States includes 48 contiguous states, with the State of Alaska and the Mid-Pacific island state of Hawaii becoming the 49th and 50th states, respectively. As a tourist, covering the United States of America in one single visit is impossible. Planning trips to this location are advised to explore inside an area to get the most of it. This vast land boasts a presence of stunning sights and sprinkled tourist attractions across the country.

I am holding a British passport, do I need a United States visa?

Not necessarily, but you will require an Electronic System Travel Authorization (ESTA). British tourists wishing to travel to the United States must do so under the Visa Waiver Scheme. To be registered, you need to apply for an ESTA online.

What is an Electronic System for a Travel Authorization?

The Electronic Travel Authorization System is an interactive system that helps to assess eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and whether that travel poses any protection or law enforcement risk. ESTA does stand for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. ESTA is an online application system developed by the USA government to pre-screen travelers before they can board an airplane or ship to the U.S. Any person entering the United States under the visa waiver system will be required to hold an authorized ESTA commencing on January 12, 2009. Foreign nationals not qualifying for ESTA or refused an ESTA may need to apply for a US visa.

What is a Visa Waiver Program?

The US Congress established the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) in 1986. The program’s goal was to allow more short-term tourist and business travelers, as well as to reduce the burden of local U.S. resources of the State Department in handling applications for tourist visas. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) people would need an authorized ESTA, or Electronic Travel Authorization System, to enter the United States for short-term tourism, business, transportation, or medical purposes. Under the Visa Waiver Program, once you enter the United States, you are not entitled to extend your stay in the United States past the initial entry period. Upon entering the United States, you must leave the United States on or before the date on your entry stamp.

If I already hold a valid visa. Do I require an ESTA to travel to the United States? 

Individuals from the United Kingdom who have a valid visa will also be able to travel to the United States with that visa for the reason for which it was issued. Persons traveling on valid visas are not required to enroll for an ESTA.

How long can passengers with a British passport stay in the United States?

No, you really can’t. The Myanmar e-Visa gives you a single entry, so don’t forget that you can enter only once before planning your trip to this country. You can NOT seek paid work or employment.

What are the forms and documents need to obtain a US visa for British citizens?

British citizens are required to bring the following documents and forms in support of your application for a visa:

 Form DS-160

              When you arrive at the Embassy, you must show a printout of your DS-160 confirmation page (the barcode page)

Photograph

                One photograph in color 5cm x 5 cm (2 “by 2”) taken in the past six months.

Passport

               Your passport or travel document must have several pages in it. U.S. visas are printed in a passport or travel book, not as a single paper or stamp, which means that for a visa to be issued, one blank page is required. On top of it, U.S. Customs and Border Control require you to have at least one more blank page ready to stamp your passport if you are admitted to the US. The passport or other travel document must be valid for certain nationalities for at least six months after the planned US visit. The six-month rule does not extend to passports issued by the United Kingdom.

Evidence of your status

                  Evidence of your citizenship in the United Kingdom, whether you are not a passport holder in the UK or the EU.

Previous US visas

                   Proof of previously issued U.S. visas: If you no longer have the passport(s) containing the visas, you can notify the consular officer at the time of your interview or, if you apply by courier, provide a document with your application form.

What is the Processing Time to get a US visa for British citizens?

The processing time for US visa for British citizens will take within 3 – 5 days.

 How many times can I enter with an ESTA to the United States?

The ESTA allows multiple entries.

How can you apply for a US visa for British citizens? 

 It is quite a simple step for British citizens to apply US e-visa. Kindly follow the below steps carefully: 

• Choose the departure and arrival country, select the required visa type, enter your name, and click ‘CLICK TO START.’

• Verify the visa fee and terms and conditions on the next page.

• On the third page, enter your basic details in the respective field and upload the necessary documents (you can upload the documents in a later stage also).

• After that, review and confirm the information of your form, then proceed with the payment. We support all types of cards for payment.

• You will receive the invoice and a confirmation mail with a link in your registered email id.

• Click the link and complete the remaining form (you can also upload the document in this stage) and submit it for processing.

• Once the visa process is completed, click2visas will send your visa related documents to your email.

• Based on your Consulate’s application procedure, you can submit and collect the visa application by visit or Mail. You will be notified by the Consulate about the decision made to your application.