FAQ and Help - Visas and Passports
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Visas and Passports
Do I need a current passport?
If you are traveling to the United States you are required to have a valid British passport and your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. You will not need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.
For more information visit the Foreign and Commonwealth office: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry-requirements
Do I need to apply for a Visa Waiver or ESTA?
All UK citizens traveling to the United States by air or sea under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to travel.
Failure to obtain ESTA approval may result in denied boarding, processing delays, or refusal of entry at a U.S. port of entry.
We strongly recommend applying for your ESTA as soon as possible, ensuring that:
- Your departure date is within 2 years of your ESTA approval
While applications must be submitted no less than 72 hours before travel, we encourage early application to avoid last-minute issues or delays.
Fees
- Current fee: $40 USD per person
Important Notes
- ESTA applications can be completed online via the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website:
- https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta
We are unable to advise or guarantee whether a customer will be approved for an ESTA. The outcome is entirely at the discretion of U.S. authorities.
Please note that not all UK citizens are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. This includes (but is not limited to):
- Individuals with criminal convictions- Travelers who have visited Cuba on or after 12th January 2021
In these cases, you will be required to apply for a full U.S. visa, which:
- May take several weeks or months (appointments can take up to
- 6 months to obtain)
- Is not a guarantee of entry to the United States
Ocean Holidays cannot advise on ESTA approvals, visa eligibility, or embassy appointment timelines, and accepts no liability for passengers denied entry into the United States.
Foreign Travel Advice
Make sure you visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find the latest advice for the country you're visiting. This includes the latest entry requirements such as rules around passport validity and visas, advice on health such as any recommended travel vaccinations, and guidance on safety and security.
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