How To Apply For A Visa Waiver (UK to USA)

The United Kingdom is part of the Waiver Program (VWP) which allows UK citizens to travel Visa free to the US. People traveling to the US for tourism, business or in transit for less than 90 days are eligible to travel without the American Visa under the Visa Waiver plan if they meet the set requirements. The travelers must first have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before the travel. ESTA applications can be submitted at any time before the trip, but travelers are advised to apply as soon as they start their travel preparations. You still have the question, how can I apply for a Visa Waiver? (UK to USA) Read on for more.

Eligibility

The Visa Waiver arrangement is available to all UK citizens holding a full validity e-passport which has an electronic chip, who are traveling to the US for tourism, transit or business for less than 90 days. When traveling to the US by air on an electronic ticket, you must present a copy to the US immigration at the entry airport. However, travelers with criminal records, severe communicable diseases, or who have been previously deported from the US are not eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver arrangement.

How to Start the Application

The ETSA application process is done entirely online by clicking here or the link below. The automated system “screens” and determines the eligibility of travelers before they travel to the US. You are recommended to apply for your ETSA at least three days before the travel to allow you time in case of complications. Travelers are not required to be physically present at the US embassy. Children are also needed to have a valid ETSA when traveling to the US.

There are three easy steps in the ETSA application process. First, you will need to fill the online ETSA form. You will then be required to make and submit your payment. Lastly, you will sit back and wait for your application to be approved.

How Do You Know When the Application is Approved?

Once you receive the “authorisation approved” message, you can then travel to the US under the VWP program. You can also get an “authorisation pending” message which will mean that you will have to keep on checking for updates. However, you cannot travel to the US under the Visa Waiver arrangement if your ETSA application is denied.

It must be noted that the Visa Waiver plan cannot be used by travelers seeking employment, permanent residence, or working as foreign journalists, film, or any other information media.