Traveling For Work: Uk To Us, What's The Deal?

If you're a UK citizen wanting to travel to the US for work, you will need a valid passport and either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver or a visa. You cannot work on a visitor or business visa, or under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). In most cases, a petition must be filed and approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before applying for the visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Passport validity

To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay. If your passport is not valid for the duration of your trip, you will not be allowed to enter the country.

If you are travelling through another country on your way to or from the US, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months' validity remaining on your passport.

US citizens are required by law to enter and exit the US using a US passport. US passports are valid for travel to the US until the day they expire. However, the US Department of State recommends that US citizens always have at least six months' validity left on their passport when travelling internationally, as some countries require a passport to be valid for a certain period after travel.

If you are a dual national and have a question about which passport to use to enter or exit a country, contact the immigration authorities of that country for clarification.

Visa requirements

To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay. If you are travelling through another country on your way to or from the US, check the entry requirements for that country as many will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months' validity remaining on your passport.

To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver or a visa.

Applying for an ESTA visa waiver

You can apply for an ESTA visa waiver through US Customs and Border Protection. You can also apply using the ESTA Mobile app on Android or iOS.

You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you:

• Have been arrested, even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction
• Have been refused admission into, or have been deported from, the US
• Have previously overstayed under an ESTA visa waiver
• Have travelled to or were in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021

If you are not eligible for an ESTA, you must instead apply for a US visa.

US visa appointments

Visa appointments at the US Embassy in London are limited. Plan your application as far ahead as possible before travel. If you need to travel urgently, you can request an expedited interview through the US Embassy's appointment service provider.

Travel advisories

Travel to the US from the UK

US authorities set and enforce entry rules. Before travelling, check the US Embassy or consulate in the UK for the latest information.

There are currently no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering the US. However, you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver or a visa.

To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay. If you are travelling through another country on your way to or from the US, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries require at least six months of validity remaining on your passport.

Travel to the UK from the US

The UK has a Travel Advisory Level 2 alert, indicating that travellers should exercise increased caution due to terrorism. Terrorist attacks can occur without warning and often target tourist spots and transportation hubs.

To enter the UK, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay. US passport holders can use the ePassport Gates upon arrival.

Visas for specific categories of visitors, including workers, interns, and volunteers, must be obtained prior to travel. Visit the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website to determine if you need a visa.

Travel insurance

It is therefore important to buy the best medical insurance for travel to the USA, to ensure coverage for travel-related medical expenses. Travel insurance for the US is more expensive than for other destinations, so it is worth shopping around for the best deal.

US travel insurance from the UK is often cheaper than British plans, and can be customised for specific needs, such as for older travellers or those with pre-existing conditions. US insurance plans can also be more convenient, as US healthcare providers are familiar with US insurance providers.

When choosing a travel insurance policy for the US, ensure that you have enough medical cover. Check that the cancellation cover provided is sufficient to reimburse you in full if you need to cancel, and check the excess you have to pay towards any claim. It is also worth comparing the cost of single- and multi-trip policies.

Your travel insurance should cover:

• The full length of your trip
• Treatment in state or private hospitals
• Emergency transport, such as an ambulance
• Pre-existing medical conditions
• All activities you may undertake, such as sports or adventure tourism
• All the places you intend to visit, even if only in transit
• Repatriation costs if you or a family member die abroad
• Reasonable costs for a family member or friend to stay with you, or travel out to accompany you home if required
• 24-hour assistance helplines

Specialist insurance or an add-on may be required for some activities.

Travel with pets

If you are travelling with pets, there are a number of requirements that must be met. The following information applies to dogs, cats and ferrets.

Firstly, your pet must be microchipped. The microchip must be ISO compliant (15 digits long). If your pet does not have an ISO-compliant microchip, you will need to travel with a microchip reader that can read the microchip, or get your pet microchipped again with an ISO-compliant microchip.

Secondly, your pet must be vaccinated against rabies. This must occur on the same day as, or after, the microchip is implanted. If your pet is under 15 weeks old, it will not be allowed entry to the UK unless it has been vaccinated for rabies for 21 days before entry.

Thirdly, there is a 21-day waiting period after the primary vaccination before your pet can enter the UK.

Fourthly, you must obtain a health certificate for your pet. This must be issued by a USDA Accredited or Military Veterinarian.

Finally, if you are travelling with a dog, it must be treated against tapeworm by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian between 24 and 120 hours before entering the UK. The medication must contain praziquantel as the active ingredient.

Please note that there are different rules for bringing other types of animals into the UK.

Frequently asked questions