United States
United States visa and entry requirements for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens
US citizens need no visa to return home. UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens do not need a visa for tourism or business under 90 days, but must get an ESTA online before flying. Canadians can enter without ESTA by land. Check your passport validity and the ESTA rules before booking.
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GuideUnited States
Key facts
- Visa needed for tourism
- No for UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens under 90 days (Visa Waiver Program)
- Electronic travel authorisation
- ESTA required for UK, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens flying or cruising in; not for Canadians
- Max stay without visa
- 90 days for VWP travellers; Canadians usually 6 months
- Passport validity
- Valid for the duration of stay for VWP; check for Canadians
- ESTA cost
- US$21 (2026 estimate)
- ESTA validity
- Two years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first
- Canadians by land
- No ESTA needed; passport or approved ID for entry
Quick answer
US citizens need no visa to return home. UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Irish citizens can visit for tourism or business up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program, but must obtain an ESTA before flying; Canadians entering by air also need an ESTA, but those arriving by land do not.
Requirements by passport
The table below summarises entry rules for short‑term visits (tourism or business). For work, study, or stays longer than the limits shown, apply for a US visa at the nearest embassy or consulate.
| Passport | Visa needed | Electronic authorisation | Max stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | No | No | Unlimited for citizens |
| United Kingdom | No (VWP) | ESTA | 90 days |
| Canada | No | No ESTA for air; required for land entry | Usually 6 months |
| Australia | No (VWP) | ESTA | 90 days |
| New Zealand | No (VWP) | ESTA | 90 days |
| Ireland | No (VWP) | ESTA | 90 days |
Check official government sites for any changes before travel.
How to apply for ESTA
Apply online at the official ESTA website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov). Provide passport details, travel itinerary, and answer eligibility questions. Pay US$21 (2026 estimate). Approval is usually immediate; the authorisation is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Apply at least 72 hours before departure, but earlier is recommended. No third‑party fees are required; avoid other sites that charge extra.
- Have a valid e‑passport from a Visa Waiver country.
- Enter travel details and answer security questions.
- Pay with a credit or debit card.
- Print or save the confirmation for airport check‑in.
Questions people ask
Do US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens need a visa for United States?
US citizens need no visa. UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens do not need a visa for tourism or business under 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program. Most must get an ESTA before flying. Canadians are exempt from ESTA.
How long can I stay in United States without a visa?
Under the Visa Waiver Program, UK, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens can stay up to 90 days. Canadians are usually admitted for up to six months. The border officer sets the exact period at entry.
Do I need an electronic travel authorisation before flying to United States?
Yes, if you are a citizen of a VWP country (UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland) and arriving by air or sea. Apply for ESTA online at least 72 hours before departure. Canadians do not need ESTA.
How much does ESTA cost?
US$21 (2026 estimate). This covers two years or until your passport expires, whichever is first. Pay only on the official ESTA website; third‑party sites charge extra.
Can I extend my 90‑day stay?
No. The Visa Waiver Program does not allow extensions. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and apply for a visa from your home country.
What if I have a criminal record?
A criminal record, including a DUI, can make you inadmissible. You may need a waiver from the US embassy. Check before booking flights.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
- officialUS Department of State – Visas
- officialUK Foreign Travel Advice
- officialGovernment of Canada – Travel
- officialAustralian Government – Smartraveller
- officialNew Zealand – SafeTravel
- officialIreland – Department of Foreign Affairs
- officialGovernment of Canada – travel advice
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialUS Department of State – Visas
- officialUK Foreign Travel Advice
- officialGovernment of Canada – Travel
- officialAustralian Government – Smartraveller
- officialNew Zealand – SafeTravel
- officialIreland – Department of Foreign Affairs
- officialGovernment of Canada – travel advice
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