Do you need a visa for the United States?

It depends on where you’re from. Many countries now operate under the United States Visa Waiver Program, meaning a visa isn’t required for stays of up to 90 days for travel purposes. There are 40 participating countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and Spain.

If you are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, you must obtain an authorisation letter confirming you have been approved to travel. Authorisation letters can be obtained by submitting an application through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). It takes roughly 20 minutes to apply, and you’ll need to complete the application before you travel to the States.

If you’re a national from a non-participating country of the Visa Waiver Program, you will need to apply for a non-immigrant visa instead. Please see the Department of State website for more information. If you’re from a participating country but are a dual citizen of Iran, Iraq, Syria or Sudan, or if you have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Syria or Sudan since 1 March 2011, you will no longer be eligible. You will also need to apply for a non-immigrant visa.

ESTA requirements

To apply for an ESTA, you will need to provide documents including:

  • Passport details – note that you must be able to present a machine-readable passport (which meets US requirements) at the port of entry, otherwise a US visa is required
  • Valid email address
  • Contact number
  • Home address
  • Emergency contact number and email address
  • US address (you can use your starting point hotel/hostel address)

Visit the Department State website for a full list of documents required.

All ESTA registration applications or renewals require a US $21 fee paid by credit card, debit card PayPal. You should apply for your visa waiver authorisation at least two weeks before travel to avoid any last-minute delays. Once your ESTA has been approved, it’s valid for two years or until your current passport expires.

It’s important to note that if there are any discrepancies between the name on your ESTA, your passport, your tickets and even your frequent flyer membership, you may be detained at Immigration and subject to a secondary inspection which could take a few hours – not a fun way to start your trip! If you have recently changed your name, please check that your details have been updated on all your identity documents.

And remember – visa and entry requirements can change anytime, so it’s always best to check for the latest information before you set off. If you have any questions or concerns about visa or entry requirements for the United States, contact your nearest embassy or high commission for advice.

Click to return to USA FAQs

Our USA tours

5 Days From 2695

Set off on a five-day adventure through some of the USA’s most epic scenery, including...

5 Days From 3191

Follow your feet on this 5-day walking tour that shows off the very best of Yosemite...

7 Days From 4217

Walk in famous footsteps on a 7-day musical journey from Nashville to Memphis and New...

8 Days From 2548

Explore rugged Utah on this eight-day adventure. Hit Zion National Park, Monument...

5 Days From 1649

Take a five-day road trip from Los Angeles to Vegas, stopping by Joshua Tree National...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

6 Days From 1416

Hit the road from Las Vegas to San Francisco on a six-day adventure, stopping by...

6 Days From 3970

Take a discovery tour of Wyoming’s highlights, with plenty of wildlife-spotting and...

4 Days From 3155

Discover the very best of Northern Arizona on this 4-day hiking adventure through...

6 Days From 4153

Explore Anchorage, Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Seward on foot...

10 Days From 5678

From the famed LA streets to the glitz of the Vegas strip, travel through the hush of...

8 Days From 3932

Explore the Georgia History Trail on your way to Nashville on this small group tour...

4 Days From 2592

Explore Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon and Antelope Canyon on this glamping adventure...