us travel visa rules

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Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in the US set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the US Embassy or a consulate in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering the US.

Passport validity requirements

To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay.

If you’re 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. 

Dual nationals  

US law requires US citizens to enter and exit the US using a US passport. Contact the US Embassy or a consulate in the UK for more information.

Visa requirements

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

The US State Department has more information on visas .

Applying for an ESTA visa waiver 

Apply for an ESTA visa waiver through US Customs and Border Protection. You can also apply using the ESTA Mobile app on android or on 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)
• a criminal record
• been refused admission into, or have been deported from the US
• previously overstayed under an ESTA visa waiver

You cannot normally apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you were in the following countries on or after March 2011: 

• North Korea

You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you 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.

Applying for a visa

The US Embassy in London has information on how to apply for a 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.

The US Embassy has more information on visa appointments .

Children and young people

Anyone aged 17 and under must:

• have a valid visa or ESTA visa waiver on arrival
• be able to provide evidence about the purpose, location and length of their visit if asked by immigration officials
• have written consent from one or both parents if travelling alone, with only one parent, or with someone who is not a parent or legal guardian

The US authorities can stop you entering the country if they have safeguarding concerns about a child. If this happens, the US authorities will take the child into their care, and their return from the US could take months. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot speed up the return of British nationals aged 17 and under from the US.

The US government has information about children travelling to the US . If you have questions, contact the US Embassy in the UK .

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s US guide .

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the US . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Global Entry programme

The US Customs and Border Protection programme Global Entry allows pre-approved travellers through border control faster at some US airports. If you’re a British citizen, you can  register to get a UK background check . If you pass the background checks, you’ll be invited to apply for Global Entry.

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The Latest on U.S. Travel Restrictions

By Lauren Hard Oct. 19, 2021

• Share full article

What to Know: U.S. Travel Restrictions

Beginning today, international visitors who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus can enter the United States by air or across the land borders with Canada and Mexico.

Here’s the latest →

The new policy ends an 18-month ban on nonessential travel from 33 countries, including China, Brazil and European Union members. The ban had affected tourists and those hoping to visit family and friends in the U.S.

The rules reorient the U.S. approach to vetting its visitors during the pandemic.

Instead of basing entry decisions on travelers’ countries of origin, the U.S. is focusing on vaccination status.

International visitors flying into the U.S. now need to show proof of vaccination before boarding and a negative coronavirus test taken within three days of their flight.

The three vaccines available in the U.S. — Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson — are accepted, as are vaccines cleared for emergency use by the W.H.O., including AstraZeneca and Covaxin.

Unvaccinated foreign visitors cannot enter the country, with limited exemptions.

Unvaccinated Americans returning home need to test negative for the coronavirus within one day of their flight and show proof they have purchased another test to take after arriving.

The hope is with these longstanding bans being lifted, the U.S. tourism industry will start to recover. The halt on travel caused a loss of nearly $300 billion in visitor spending, according to the U.S. Travel Association.

Keep up with the latest travel news, trends and feature stories.

Our Coverage of U.S. Immigration

Undocumented Spouses:  A judge paused a Biden administration program  that could offer a path to citizenship to undocumented immigrants who are married to U.S. citizens, ruling in favor of 16 Republican-led states.

Biden’s Asylum Restrictions:  In the months since President Biden imposed sweeping restrictions on asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border, the policy appears to be working exactly as he hoped and his critics feared .

Texas Stopped Busing in June: Gov. Greg Abbott’s program  forced Democrats to talk about the border. But a  dramatic drop in the number of migrants  has left the buses idle.

Citizenship Backlog Ebbing: The federal government has reduced an accumulation of applications that built up  during the Trump administration. New citizens say they are looking forward to voting in November.

The Right-Wing Dream of ‘Self-Deportation’: Some conservatives have a grim proposal to make undocumented immigrants leave: Exclude their children from schools .

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• For Travelers

Visit the United States

The Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State work together to create and maintain an effective, efficient visa process that secures America’s borders from external threats and ensures that our country remains open to legitimate travel.

DHS provides a full range of online resources to help you plan your trip, manage your arrival and if needed extend your stay.

Plan Your Trip

• Obtain a Visitor VISA - (U.S. State Department) Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. The visa allows a foreign citizen, to travel to the United States port-of entry and request permission of the U.S. immigration inspector to enter the U.S.
• Determine the correct VISA category - (USCIS) There are more than 20 nonimmigrant visa types for people traveling to the United States temporarily. There are many more types of immigrant visas for those coming to live permanently in the United States.  The type of visa you need is determined by the purpose of your intended travel.  Get help determining the right VISA category at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services homepage.
• Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM)  - Provides biometric identification services to federal, state and local government decision makers to help them accurately identify the people they encounter and determine whether those people pose a risk to the United States. OBIM currently applies to all international visitors (with limited exemptions) entering the United States, but not to U.S. citizens.
• Visa Waiver Program: Passport Requirements Timeline - As of October 26, 2006, any passport issued on or after this date by a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country must be an e-Passport  for VWP travelers to be eligible to enter the United States without a visa. If your passport is older, see requirements here
• Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) - A fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Voluntary ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel to the United States, and Visa Waiver Program travelers are encouraged to apply for authorization as soon as they begin to plan a trip to the U.S.

Your Arrival

• Locate a Port Of Entry - Air, Land, or Sea (CBP) - At a port of entry, CBP enforces the import and export laws and regulations of the U.S. federal government and conducts immigration policy and programs. Ports also perform agriculture inspections to protect the USA from potential carriers of animal and plant pests or diseases that could cause serious damage to America's crops, livestock, pets, and the environment.
• Global Entry Program (CBP) - Expedited screening and processing for pre-screened international travelers entering the United States.
• CBP Traveler Entry Forms (CBP) - Whether you are a visitor to the United States or U.S. citizen, each individual arriving into the United States must complete one or more of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) entry forms.
• DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) - If you have difficulties experienced during their travel screening at transportation hubs--like airports and train stations--or crossing U.S. borders, use this system to make inquiries or seek resolution.

Extend Your Stay

• Apply to Extend Your Stay - (USCIS) If you want to extend your stay in the United States, you must file a request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status before your authorized stay expires. If you remain in the United States longer than authorized, you may be barred from returning and/or you may be removed (deported) from the United States.
• Change Your Non-Immigrant Status - (USCIS) If you want to change the purpose of your visit while in the United States, you (or in some cases your employer) must file a request with USCIS on the appropriate form before your authorized stay expires. 

Tips During Your Trip to the United States

Beware of Scams - (Federal Trade Commission) The Department of State, Office of Visa Services, advises the public of a notable increase in fraudulent emails and letters sent to Diversity Visa (DV) program (Visa Lottery) applicants. The scammers behind these fraudulent emails and letters are posing as the U.S. government in an attempt to extract payment from DV applicants.

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For International Visitors

Get the Information you need to smoothly navigate the process and procedures if you are a visitor to the United States, coming to work, study, conduct business or to immigrate.

• Admission into the United States
• Bringing Food into the United States
• I-94 Instructions
• I-94 Expiration Dates
• SAVE Case Check

Foreign Students and Exchange Visitors: The United States supports international education and welcomes foreign students and exchange visitors. Students and exchange visitors must be accepted by their schools or program sponsors before applying for visas. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of State website.

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What types of visas are available for people to come to the United States?

There are more than 20 nonimmigrant visa types for people traveling to the United States temporarily. There are many more types of immigrant visas for those coming to live permanently in the United States. The type of Visa you need is determined by the purpose of your intended travel. For an overview of visa types, please see  Types of Visas for Temporary Visitors  or  Visa Types for Immigrants .

After Visa Issuance

How do i read and understand my visa.

Please use the illustrated guide below to learn how to read your new nonimmigrant visa (for travel to the U.S. as a temporary visitor). In addition, as soon as you receive it, check to make sure information printed on the visa is correct (see below). If any of the information on your visa does not match the information in your passport or is incorrect, please contact the nonimmigrant visa section at the embassy or consulate that issued your visa.

What is a Visa? Nonimmigrant Visa Types (Classifications) Immigrant Visa Types (Classifications)

My visa expires in 5 years, what does this mean?

A visa must be valid at the time a traveler seeks admission to the United States, but the expiration date of the visa (validity period/length of time the visa can be used) has no relation to the length of time a temporary visitor may be authorized by the Department of Homeland Security to remain in the United States. Persons holding visas valid for multiple entries may make repeated trips to the United States, for travel for the same purpose, as long as the visa has not expired, and the traveler has done nothing to become ineligible to enter the United States, at port-of-entry.

Visa Validity

My old passport has already expired. my visa to travel to the united states is still valid but in my expired passport. do i need to apply for a new visa with my new passport.

No. If your visa is still valid you can travel to the United States with your two passports, as long as the visa is valid, not damaged, and is the appropriate type of visa required for your principal purpose of travel. (Example: tourist visa, when your principal purpose of travel is tourism). Both passports (the valid and the expired one with the visa) should be from the same country. When you arrive at the U.S. port-of-entry (POE, generally an airport or land border) the Customs and Border Protection Immigration Officer will check your visa in the old passport and if s/he decides to admit you into the United States they will stamp your new passport with an admission stamp along with the annotation "VIOPP" (visa in other passport). Do not try to remove the visa from your old passport and stick it into the new valid passport. If you do so, your visa will no longer be valid.

My visa will expire while I am in the United States. Is there a problem with that?

No. If the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection Immigration Officer at the port-of-entry admitted you into the United States for a specific period of time, s/he will note your authorized period of stay on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94, called an Arrival/Departure Record. You will be able to remain in the United States during your authorized period of stay, even if your visa expires during the time you are in the United States. Since your admission stamp or paper Form I-94 documents your authorized stay and is the official record of your permission to be in the United States, it is very important to keep inside your passport.

What are indefinite validity visas (Burroughs visas) and are they still valid?

Indefinite validity visas (Burroughs Visas) are tourist/business visas manually stamped into a traveler’s passport which were valid for ten years. Effective April 1, 2004, all indefinite validity Burroughs visas became void. Therefore, if you have an indefinite validity visa you must apply for a new visa for travel to the U.S.

I changed my name. Is my U.S. visa with my old name still valid?

If your name has legally changed through marriage, divorce, or a court ordered name change, you will need to obtain a new passport.  Once you have a new passport, the Department of State recommends that you apply for a new U.S. visa to make it easier for you to travel to and from the United States.

Administrative Processing

What is administrative processing.

Some refused visa applications may require further administrative processing. When administrative processing is required, the consular officer will inform the applicant at the end of the interview. The duration of the administrative processing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case.  Except in cases of emergency travel (i.e. serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family), before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants should wait at least 180 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later. Learn more .

Visa Refusals

My visa application has been refused. why can't i get my money back.

The fee that you paid is an application fee. Everyone who applies for a U.S. visa anywhere in the world must pay this fee, which covers the cost of processing your application. This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether you are issued a visa or not, since your application was processed to conclusion. As one example, if your application was refused under Section 214(b) and you choose to reapply for a visa, whether applying at the same embassy or elsewhere, you will be required to pay the visa application processing fee. See the  Fees for Visa Services  page for a list of fees.

I have a nonimmigrant visa that will expire soon and I would like to renew it. Do I need go through the whole visa application process again?

Yes, you will have to go through the whole visa application process each time you want to apply for a visa, even if your visa is still valid. There are some situations where a visa applicant may not need to be interviewed when renewing his/her visa. See the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for more information.

Entering and Departing the United States

After i have my visa, i will be able to enter the u.s., correct.

A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to the U.S. port-of-entry, and the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) immigration inspector authorizes or denies admission to the United States. See  Admissions  on the CBP website.

How can I find out how long I am authorized to stay in the United States?

A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States, but allows a foreign citizen coming from abroad, to travel to the United States port-of entry (generally an airport or land border) and request permission to enter the United States. The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States, and determine how long a traveler may stay. At the port of entry, upon granting entry to the United States, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. immigration inspector, provides you an admission stamp or paper  Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record  in your passport. On this admission stamp or paper form, the U.S. immigration inspector records either a date or "D/S" (duration of status). If your I-94 contains a specific date, then that is the date by which you must leave the United States. Your admission stamp or paper Form I-94 is very important to keep in your passport, since it shows your permission to be in the United States. Review information about  Admission  on the CBP Website. Also, see  Duration of Stay .

I did not turn in my paper Form I-94 when I left the United States, what should I do?

If you failed to turn in your paper Form I-94 Departure Record, see  Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection  website for more information.

Lost, Stolen or Damaged Visas

My passport with my visa was stolen, what should i do.

If your passport with your admission stamp or paper Form I-94 are lost or stolen, you must get them replaced immediately. There are a number of steps you need to take, learn more, see  Lost and Stolen Passports, Visas, and Form I-94s .

My visa was damaged. What should I do?

If your visa has been damaged in any way, you will need to reapply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. 

U.S. Citizens

I may have a claim to u.s. citizenship. can i apply for a u.s. visa.

With few exceptions, a person born in the United States acquires U.S. citizenship at birth. A state-issued birth certificate serves as evidence of citizenship. Review the  Apply for a Passport  webpage to learn more.

Persons born in countries other than the United States may have a claim to U.S. citizenship if either parent is a U.S. citizen under U.S. law. Learn more on the  Birth of U.S. Citizens Abroad  webpage.

If a person is a U.S. citizen, he or she is not eligible for a visa.  Any prospective applicant believing he or she may have a claim to U.S. citizenship should have his or her citizenship claim adjudicated (officially determined) by a consular officer at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate before applying for a U.S. visa.  

I have dual citizenship. Which passport should I use to travel to the United States?

All U.S. citizens, even dual citizens/nationals, must enter and depart the United States using his/her U.S. passport.

Further Questions

Can i get a visitor visa for birth tourism.

Birth tourism (travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for a child) is not a permissible basis for issuance of a visitor visa.  For more information, please click here

How do I know whether to contact the Department of State or Department of Homeland Security about my issue?

Contact the Department of State,  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  abroad with questions about U.S. visas, including application, the status of visa processing, and for inquiries relating to visa denial. Once in the United States, the traveler falls under the authority (jurisdiction) of Department of Homeland Security. The Department of Homeland Security,  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)  is responsible for the approval of all petitions, the authorization of permission to work in the United States, the issuance of extensions of stay, and change or adjustment of an applicant's status while the applicant is in the United States.

I would like to know if my friend has applied for a visa and what the status is. Who should I contact?

Your friend, the visa applicant. Under U.S. law, specifically the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) 222(f), visa records are confidential. Therefore, the visa applicant should inquire at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad where he/she applied regarding necessary information about visa application status. Because of confidentiality of visa records, you’ll need to ask your friend, the visa applicant your questions about whether a visa application was made, or a visa was issued or denied.

Visa Applicants from State Sponsors of Terrorism Countries

To find information regarding FAQ's from visa applicants from state sponsors of terrorism countries please  click here .

Social Media Identifiers

On May 31, 2019, the Department of State updated its immigrant and nonimmigrant visa application forms to request additional information, including social media identifiers, from most U.S. visa applicants worldwide. Please see our Frequently Asked Questions .

More Information

Visa Types After Visa Issuance Visa Validity Administrative Processing Visa Refusals Renewals Entering and Departing the U.S. Lost and Stolen Visas U.S. Citizens Further Questions

Immigrant Visa Interview-Ready Backlog Report

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• Immigration

H-1B Visa Change of Status: What You Need to Know

An h-1b visa approved under change of status (cos) allows foreign nationals in the u.s. on other visas to switch to h-1b status without leaving the country. it involves strict timing and travel restrictions. despite challenges like cap limits and processing times, h-1b visas contribute significantly to the u.s. economy by filling skill gaps and fostering innovation..

Key Takeaways

• H-1B Change of Status allows visa holders to transition within the U.S. without returning to their home country.
• Recent trends show reduced denial rates and increased electronic registration, with concerns over system misuse and multiple registrations.
• H-1B visas positively impact job creation, wage growth, and addressing specialized skill shortages in the U.S. labor market.

An H-1B visa approval under Change of Status (COS) marks a transformative moment in an individual’s immigration journey within the United States 🇺🇸. This process allows foreign nationals present in the U.S. on a different nonimmigrant visa, like an F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor visa, to transition to H-1B status without needing to exit the country. Such a shift eradicates the necessity for individuals to return to their home country to acquire their new visa at a U.S. consulate, streamlining their integration into the U.S. workforce.

Change of Status for H-1B Visas

When an H-1B visa is approved under COS, several critical factors merit attention:

• Timing : COS approvals adhere to the H-1B cap and lottery system. Notably, for the fiscal year 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) received an unprecedented 780,884 H-1B registrations, illustrating the high demand for these visas.
• Effective Date : When COS is approved, the new H-1B status takes effect on October 1st of the relevant fiscal year or the specified start date in the petition, whichever is later.
• Maintaining Status : Obligations persist for individuals to maintain their nonimmigrant status until H-1B status is active. This stipulation is particularly pertinent for F-1 students using Optional Practical Training (OPT).
• Travel Restrictions : Those with pending or approved COS should avoid international travel, as this can be regarded as forfeiture of the COS application.

Recent Developments and Trends

The terrain of H-1B visas and COS approvals has undergone notable shifts in recent years:

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• Increased Scrutiny : During the Trump administration, the denial rate for H-1B petitions peaked at 24% in FY 2018. However, this has been reduced dramatically, with a mere 2% denial rate in FY 2022, the lowest on record.
• Registration Process : The introduction of an electronic registration process by USCIS in 2020 streamlined the initial application phase. However, concerns about potential system misuse persist.
• Multiple Registrations : In FY 2024, instances of multiple registrations surpassed single registrations for the first time, raising questions regarding system abuse.
• Proposed Rule Changes : USCIS has suggested alterations to the H-1B selection mechanism to counteract potential system exploitation, potentially favoring applicants with single registrations.

Economic Impact and Labor Market Considerations

The H-1B program, inclusive of COS, significantly affects both the economy and labor market of the United States:

• Job Creation : Data suggests that each H-1B visa holder generates an estimated 1.83 additional jobs for American citizens, bolstering economic expansion.
• Wage Effects : Contrary to some apprehensions, research indicates that the H-1B visas can catalyze wage increases for highly educated Americans, with the potential for a 2 percentage point rise over two decades.
• Innovation and Competitiveness : Workers on H-1B visas, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, are pivotal in upholding U.S. technological prominence and strategic competitiveness globally.
• Skill Gaps : Nearly 70% of H-1B visa holders freshly employed in FY 2021 possessed a master’s degree or higher, addressing critical skill shortages in specialized sectors.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite the advantages, several challenges weigh on the H-1B and COS processes:

• Cap Limitations : The annual cap of 85,000 H-1B visas, including 20,000 for degree holders, is often deemed inadequate to meet demand.
• Processing Times : COS applications can endure long processing durations, causing unpredictability for employers and prospective employees.
• Dependency Concerns : Some critics allege industries may become overly dependent on H-1B labor, potentially displacing U.S. workers.
• Political Volatility : Political discourse frequently targets the H-1B program, fostering uncertainty for both businesses and foreign nationals.

Future Outlook

Going forward, several elements promise to shape the trajectory of H-1B and COS approvals:

• Technological Advancements : USCIS is advancing towards digital processes, with intentions of implementing online filings to simplify applications.
• Fee Increases : Proposed increases in fees could raise the cost of H-1B applications, affecting both employer strategies and application frequencies.
• Policy Changes : Shifts in administrative priorities stemming from upcoming elections could bring substantial changes to H-1B policies.
• Economic Factors : The sustained demand for skilled workers in tech and specific fields is likely to pressure the expansion or reform of the H-1B framework.

Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that H-1B visa approvals under Change of Status embody a complex intersection of immigration strategy, workforce needs, and economic impact. They serve as a crucial route for facilitating skilled immigrant work, while compelling policymakers to judiciously balance stakeholder interests. As the situation evolves, it is clear that effective management and adaptive policies will be pivotal in addressing both opportunities and challenges inherent in this pivotal immigration pathway.

For detailed guidelines regarding the H-1B visa process and Change of Status applications, prospective applicants can refer to the official USCIS H-1B page .

Learn Today

H-1B Visa: Allows foreign nationals to work in the U.S. in specialized occupations requiring expertise, often in STEM fields. Change of Status (COS): A process enabling nonimmigrant visa holders to switch to another visa category without leaving the U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa: A temporary visa allowing foreign nationals to enter the U.S. for specific purposes without intending permanent residency. Cap and Lottery System: The mechanism that limits H-1B visas issued annually, requiring participation in a selection lottery due to high demand. USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services): The government agency overseeing lawful immigration to the United States, including visa and status changes.

This Article in a Nutshell

Navigating the H-1B COS Journey Securing an H-1B visa through Change of Status (COS) revolutionizes a foreign national’s U.S. stay, bypassing consulate trips and integrating into the workforce smoothly. With demand skyrocketing, understanding the process’s timing, legal stipulations, and evolving regulations is crucial for successful immigration and career advancement. — By VisaVerge.com

Read more: • Impact of H-1B Visas on India-US Relations • Court Decision on H-1B Spouses’ Work Permits • Consequences of H-1B Wage Violations by Employers • Managing H-1B Visa Status After Employer Bankruptcy • Understanding H-1B Visa Portability and Transfer Requirements

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