Travelling to the USA
What you need for the USA, by passport.
- UK passportGet an ESTA ($40.62) before you flyAction needed
- Irish passportGet an ESTA ($40.62) before you flyAction needed
- Canadian passportNo visa or ESTA needed for up to 6 monthsCleared
- Australian passportGet an ESTA ($40.62) before you flyAction needed
- New Zealand passportGet an ESTA ($40.62) before you flyAction needed
Quick answers
Do I need a visa for the USA?
It depends on your passport. UK passport: Get an ESTA ($40.62) before you fly. Irish passport: Get an ESTA ($40.62) before you fly. Canadian passport: No visa or ESTA needed for up to 6 months. Australian passport: Get an ESTA ($40.62) before you fly. New Zealand passport: Get an ESTA ($40.62) before you fly.
Good to know
Face scans when you arrive and leave. Since 26 December 2025, US border officers can take a photo of your face each time you enter or leave the USA, at airports, seaports and land borders. This applies to everyone who isn't a US citizen, including most Canadians.
US travel ban and dual nationals. Since 1 January 2026, the US has limited entry for nationals of some countries. It doesn't apply if you travel on a passport from a country that isn't listed, such as your UK, Irish, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand passport. The separate ESTA rules for dual nationals still apply.
Checked 26 October 2026 against US Customs and Border Protection, US Embassy and Consulates in the United Kingdom, US Embassy and Consulates in Canada, US Citizenship and Immigration Services, USAGov and The White House.
See the 11 official sources
- Official ESTA application website (US Customs and Border Protection)
- ESTA frequently asked questions (US Customs and Border Protection)
- Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act FAQ (US Customs and Border Protection)
- CBP's Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) (US Embassy and Consulates in the United Kingdom)
- Countries that extend passport validity for an additional six months (Six-Month Club update, 18 December 2025) (US Customs and Border Protection)
- DHS announces final rule to advance the Biometric Entry/Exit Program (US Customs and Border Protection)
- Canadians requiring visas (US Embassy and Consulates in Canada)
- Alien registration requirement (US Citizenship and Immigration Services)
- Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant (US Customs and Border Protection)
- Travel documents for children (USAGov)
- Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States (proclamation of 16 December 2025) (The White House)