In general, a citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States temporarily must first obtain a U.S. nonimmigrant visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport.

For information regarding the new VWP/ESTA eligibility requirements, click here.

European Travel Info & Health Advisory:  advice on travel for UK citizens and Global Health Advisory

On June 22, 2020, the President signed a Proclamation which extends the previous Proclamation 10014 and suspends the entry of certain additional foreign nationals to the United States through December 31, 2020. Please read the Proclamation in full for details, including exemptions.

Please also carefully review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the latest information about travel to the United States and visa services in the UK.

UPDATE: As of July 27, 2020, the United States Embassy in London and as of August 3, 2020 the United States Consulate General in Belfast are resuming certain immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services, including: immigrant visas for spouses and children of U.S. citizens; F-1 and M-1 student visa categories.

While we aim to process cases as soon as practicable, there are likely to be increased wait times for completing such services due to substantial backlogs. The MRV fee is valid and may be used to schedule an interview appointment in the country where it was purchased within one year of the date of payment.

If you have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately, please follow the guidance provided through your Visa Appointment Service account to request an expedited appointment. Once you have booked the earliest available appointment, you can then follow the on-screen instructions to request an expedited appointment.

Applicants for H1B, H2B, H4, L and certain J categories covered by Presidential Proclamation 10052 should request an appointment only if you have reason to believe you may qualify for one of the exceptions listed in the Proclamation.

Entry of foreign nationals who were physically present within the following list of countries within 14 days prior to their entry or attempted entry into the United States is suspended, per Presidential Proclamations 9984, 9992, 9993, 9996 and 10041:

• Brazil;
• The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, excluding overseas territories outside of Europe;
• The Republic of Ireland;
• The 26 countries that comprise the Schengen Area (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland);
• The Islamic Republic of Iran;
• The People’s Republic of China, not including the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau

Please review the Presidential Proclamation for detailed information.