The United Kingdom and the United States share a very special relationship. Not only are they both English-speaking countries with a shared history, but they also have a lot in common when it comes to customs and traditions.
However, there are also some significant differences between the two countries, which is why UK travelers need to be prepared before visiting the USA.
What type of documentation do UK citizens need to travel to the USA?
So, do UK citizens need a visa for the USA? Let’s explore!
UK citizens must have a valid passport and a visa to travel to the USA. You need a Visa for the USA when you’re traveling from the UK, when you’re going to be staying in the US for more than 90 days, or you’re going to be working or studying in the US. If you’re planning to stay less than 90 days in the USA and travel from the UK for tourism or business reasons, you can apply for the ESTA visa. ESTA is an automated system designed to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program.
A Visa application for UK citizens traveling to the USA for more than 90 days or those who will be working there includes :
– a nonimmigrant visa application form
– a passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements). If your passport has more than one persona, you’ll need a visa for each of them.
– a photograph – You will upload your photo while completing the online visa application form.
– a receipt showing payment of your US$160 non-refundable nonimmigrant visa application processing fee, paid online with a credit card via the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website.
What are the best airline companies to choose when traveling to the USA from UK?
There are a few different airline companies that fly from the UK to the USA, and they all have their own pros and cons. Some of the more popular airlines include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Delta.
British Airways is a good choice if you’re looking for an airline with a lot of experience. They’ve been flying to the USA from the UK for many years, and they have a good reputation. The downside is that they can be a bit more expensive than some of the other airlines.
Virgin Atlantic is another popular choice, and they often have good deals on flights. The downside is that their customer service isn’t always the best, and there have been some reports of lost luggage.
Delta is another option, and they’re usually a bit cheaper than British Airways. The downside is that their flights can sometimes be delayed, and their customer service isn’t always great either.
So, which airline should you choose? It really depends on your budget and what you’re looking for in an airline. British Airways is a good choice if you want an experienced airline with good customer service. If you want an airline that’s cheaper, but with more potential delays, then Delta might be a better option.
Suggested itineraries for first-time visitors to the USA
There are a few things to remember when planning your trip to the USA. The country is huge, and there are a lot of things to see in the USA, so you’ll need to narrow down your list of destinations.
With those things in mind, here are a few suggested itineraries for first-time visitors to the USA:
The East Coast: Start your trip in New York City and experience all the sights and sounds of the “Big Apple.” From there, head down to Washington, D.C., to see the nation’s capital. Then, make your way down the coast and check out some of the historical cities like Philadelphia and Boston. Finish up your trip by exploring the beautiful beaches of Cape Cod or Rhode Island.
The West Coast: Start your trip in Los Angeles and explore all that the “City of Angels” has to offer. Make your way down south and check out some of the amazing national parks like Yosemite or Joshua Tree. From there, head up north to San Francisco and experience the unique culture of this west coast city. And finish up your trip by soaking up some sun on one of California’s many beaches.
The Midwest: Start your trip in Chicago and experience all the Windy City has to offer. From there, head east to Detroit and explore America’s automotive history. Then, make your way down south to Indianapolis and see all this midwest city offers. Finish up your trip by exploring some of the smaller towns in Ohio or Michigan.
What else do UK travellers need to keep in mind when traveling the USA?
One of the most important things to remember is that the UK and the US use different electrical plugs and sockets. This means that you’ll’ need to bring your own adapter if you want to be able to use your electronic devices while in the States.
Another thing to remember is that tipping culture is very different in the US compared to the UK. In most restaurants and bars in the States, it’s customary to leave a tip of around 15-20%, whereas, in the UK, tipping is not as standard and is usually limited to 10% or less.
Finally, it’s important to remember that the two countries’ driving culture is also quite different. In the US, people tend to drive on the right side of the road, whereas in the UK, people drive on the left side of the road. This can obviously take some getting used to, so it’s essential to be extra careful when renting a car and driving around in unfamiliar territory.
