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 US.
What kind of documentation do UK citizens need to travel to the US?
So, UK citizens need a US visa? Let’s explore!
UK citizens must have a valid passport and visa to travel to the US. You need a United States Visa when you are traveling from the United Kingdom, when you are going to stay in the United States for more than 90 days, or when you are going to work or study in the United States. If you plan to stay less than 90 days in the United States and travel from the United Kingdom for tourism or business reasons, you can apply for an ESTA visa. ESTA is an automated system designed to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.
A Visa application for UK nationals traveling to the US for more than 90 days or those who will be working there includes:
– nonimmigrant visa application form
– valid passport 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 exempted by country-specific agreements). If your passport has more than one person, you will need a visa for each of them.
– a photo – You will upload your photo while filling out the online visa application form.
– a receipt showing payment of the non-refundable nonimmigrant visa application processing fee of USD 160, paid online by credit card through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website ).
What are the best airlines to choose when traveling to the US from the UK?
There are a few different airlines that fly from the UK to the US, and they all have their pros and cons. Some of the more popular airlines include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Delta.
British Airways is a good choice if you are looking for an airline with a lot of experience. They have been flying to the US from the UK for many years, and 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 is not always the best, and there have been some reports of lost luggage.
Delta is another option, and they are 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 are 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 is cheaper, but with more potential delays, then Delta may be a better choice.
Suggested itineraries for first-time visitors to the United States
There are a few things to remember when planning your trip to the United States. The country is huge, and there are many things to see in the United Statesso you will 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 United States:
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, DC, to see the nation’s capital. Then, make your way up the coast and check out some of the historic cities like Philadelphia and Boston. End your trip by exploring the beautiful beaches of Cape Cod or Rhode Island.
West Coast: Start your trip in Los Angeles and explore all that the “City of Angels” has to offer. Make your way south and check out some of the amazing national parks like Yosemite or Joshua Tree. From there, head north to San Francisco and experience the unique culture of this west coast city. And end your trip by soaking up some sun on one of California’s many beaches.
The Midwest: Start your trip in Chicago and experience all that the Windy City has to offer. From there, head east to Detroit and explore America’s automotive history. Then, make your way south to Indianapolis and see all this midwestern city has to offer. Finish your trip by exploring some of the smaller towns in Ohio or Michigan.
What else do UK travelers need to keep in mind when traveling to the US?
One of the most important things to remember is that the UK and the US use different electrical plugs and sockets. This means you will need to bring your own adapter if you want to be able to use your electronic device 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 is customary to leave a tip of around 15-20%, while, in the UK, tipping is not standard and is usually limited to 10% or less.
Finally, it is important to remember that the driving culture of the two countries is also quite different. In the United States, people tend to drive on the right side of the road, while in the United Kingdom, people drive on the left side of the road. This of course can take some getting used to, so it is essential to be very careful when renting a car and driving in unfamiliar territory.