United States travel guide for Britons

Britons can enter the United States without a visa for tourism or business for up to 90 days, but you must have an approved ESTA before you fly. Apply online at least 72 hours before departure; the fee is US$21 (about £16). You also need a valid e-passport and a return or onward ticket. If your ESTA is denied, or you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa from the US embassy.

ESTA is not a visa. It authorises you to board a plane or ship bound for the US. Border officers still decide entry on arrival, so carry your return ticket and proof of funds if asked.

The Visa Waiver Program lets UK citizens stay up to 90 days for tourism, business or transit without a visa. You must have an approved ESTA, which is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Each visit is limited to 90 days.

You cannot use the Visa Waiver Program if you have been denied a US visa, have a criminal record, or have visited Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011 (with some exceptions). In those cases, apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the US embassy in London before travelling.

Border officers may ask about your plans, funds and return date. Answer honestly; a mismatch between your ESTA application and your answers can lead to refusal.

The British Embassy is in Washington, DC, with consulates in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, Boston, Miami, Atlanta and Denver. For lost passports, arrests or emergencies, contact the nearest consulate. Routine services like passport renewals are by appointment.

If you lose your passport, report it to the police and contact the consulate for an emergency travel document. Keep a photocopy or photo of your passport's data page and visa separately.

A typical trip for a UK traveller: return flights from London to New York or Los Angeles from about £400–£700 in low season, £600–£900 in summer. Hotels: budget £60–£120 a night, mid-range £120–£250. Meals: street or casual £10–£20, sit-down with tip £25–£50. Car hire from about £40–£70 a day plus fuel.

Sales tax (5–10% depending on state) is added at the till, so budget an extra 8–10% on purchases. Tipping adds 18–22% at restaurants, which is not optional.

Direct flights from London (Heathrow, Gatwick) to New York take about 7–8 hours; to Los Angeles about 11–12 hours. Other direct routes from London include Boston, Washington, Chicago, San Francisco, Miami and Orlando. From Manchester, direct flights go to New York, Orlando and a few other hubs.

Time difference: New York is 5 hours behind London (UTC−5), Los Angeles 8 hours behind (UTC−8). Daylight saving runs mid-March to early November, so the difference is 4 or 7 hours in summer.

The US uses type A and B plugs at 120 V, 60 Hz. UK devices (230 V) need a plug adapter and, for most electronics, a voltage converter or a dual-voltage charger. Phone and laptop chargers are usually dual-voltage (check the label); hairdryers and kettles are not.

Tipping is expected and not optional in most service jobs. At sit-down restaurants, leave 18–22% of the pre-tax bill. For drinks, US$1–2 per drink. Taxis and ride-hailing: 15–20%. Hotel porters: US$1–2 per bag. Housekeeping: US$2–5 per night. Counter service and fast food: no tip needed, though a jar may be out.

Some restaurants add a service charge for groups of six or more; check the bill before adding extra.

Dial 911 for police, fire or ambulance anywhere in the US. For non-emergency police, use the local non-emergency number. For UK consular help, call the British Embassy in Washington or the nearest consulate; the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office also runs a 24/7 line from the UK.