USA Visa Guide for UK BRP / eVisa Holders
B1/B2 tourist visa, ESTA eligibility, DS-160 application, and embassy interview guide
Check your ESTA eligibility first
If your passport nationality is in the Visa Waiver Program, you may only need an ESTA ($21, applied online). Check eligibility at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. If not eligible, you will need a B1/B2 visa.
Overview
Visiting the United States as a UK BRP or eVisa holder requires either an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) or a B1/B2 tourist visa, depending entirely on your passport nationality. The UK BRP itself does not grant any special access to the USA — it is your passport that determines which route you must take.
If your nationality is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) — which includes citizens of most Western European countries, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and others — you can apply for ESTA online for just $21. This allows stays of up to 90 days. If your nationality is not in the VWP, you must apply for a B1/B2 non-immigrant visa through the US Embassy, which involves completing the DS-160 form, attending a biometrics appointment, and having an in-person interview.
USA Visa at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| ESTA cost | $21 USD (online) |
| B1/B2 visa cost | $185 USD |
| ESTA validity | 2 years or until passport expires |
| B1/B2 validity | Typically 10 years (multiple entry) |
| Maximum stay | 90 days (ESTA) / Up to 6 months (B1/B2) |
| ESTA processing | Usually within 72 hours |
| B1/B2 processing | 3-8 weeks (including interview) |
| Embassy | US Embassy London, 33 Nine Elms Lane, SW11 7US |
ESTA — Visa Waiver Program
Who Can Apply for ESTA?
ESTA is available to citizens of approximately 40 countries in the Visa Waiver Program. These include most EU nationalities, UK citizens (British passport holders), Japanese, South Korean, Australian, and New Zealand citizens, among others. If you hold a passport from a VWP country AND a UK BRP, you should use ESTA rather than applying for a visa. ESTA is simpler, cheaper, and faster.
How to Apply for ESTA
- Visit the official site: esta.cbp.dhs.gov — beware of unofficial sites that charge extra fees
- Complete the online form with your passport details, travel plans, and security questions
- Pay the $21 fee by credit or debit card
- Receive approval (usually within 72 hours, often within minutes)
- ESTA is linked electronically to your passport — no need to print anything
- Valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first
- Allows unlimited entries of up to 90 days each
B1/B2 Visa — Embassy Application
Step 1: Complete DS-160 Online
The DS-160 is the US non-immigrant visa application form, completed entirely online at ceac.state.gov. It requires personal details, travel history, employment information, and security-related questions. The form takes 60-90 minutes to complete. You will need a digital photo (600x600 pixels). Save your confirmation number — you will need it to book your interview.
Step 2: Pay Fee & Book Interview
Pay the $185 visa application fee (known as the MRV fee) online. Then book your interview appointment at the US Embassy London through the ustraveldocs.com portal. Interview wait times can be several weeks during busy periods, so book as early as possible. You will also attend a separate biometrics (fingerprint) appointment, usually at a visa application centre.
Step 3: Attend Embassy Interview
The US Embassy is located at 33 Nine Elms Lane, London SW11 7US. Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment. You will go through security screening and then meet with a consular officer. The interview typically lasts 3-5 minutes. Be prepared to explain the purpose of your trip, your ties to the UK (job, family, property), and your plans to return. Bring all supporting documents.
Step 4: Receive Your Visa
If approved, your passport will be returned by courier with the visa stamped inside, typically within 5-10 business days. The B1/B2 visa is usually issued for 10 years with multiple entry. However, the immigration officer at the US port of entry determines the actual length of stay permitted (usually up to 6 months).
Documents Needed for B1/B2 Interview
- DS-160 confirmation page with barcode
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Visa application fee receipt ($185)
- Interview appointment letter
- Recent photograph (6 months, 2x2 inches, white background)
- Proof of UK residence — BRP card or eVisa share code, current address proof
- Employment letter stating job title, salary, and approved leave
- Bank statements (last 3-6 months) showing sufficient funds
- Travel itinerary — flights (even tentative), hotel bookings, plans
- Proof of ties to the UK — property ownership, family, business, enrolled education
- Previous travel history — passport stamps showing you have travelled and returned
For Schengen travel, see our Schengen Visa Guide. For other visa destinations, return to our Visa Guides hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: March 2026. Always verify entry requirements with the relevant embassy or official government website before booking travel.