Visa Requirements for UK Citizens

Who Needs an ESTA?

All UK citizens entering the United States for tourist or business purposes of up to 90 days must have a valid ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This includes transit through US airports en route to another destination.

Processing Times

Most ESTA applications receive one of three responses:

• Authorisation Approved — typically within 72 hours, often within minutes.
• Authorisation Pending — may take up to 72 hours. Check back using your reference number.
• Travel Not Authorised — you will need to apply for a full US visa at the US Embassy in London. Do this urgently if you have upcoming travel booked.

Apply at least 72 hours before your flight. Do not book non-refundable flights without a valid ESTA or confirmed US visa.

What Your ESTA Covers

• Valid for 2 years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first.
• Allows multiple entries — if you leave and return within the 2-year validity period, you do not need a new ESTA.
• Permits stays of up to 90 days per visit.
• Does not allow you to work in the USA or extend your stay beyond 90 days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using a third-party site: Dozens of unofficial sites charge £50–150 to submit ESTA applications on your behalf. The process takes 10 minutes and costs US$21 on the official site. Only use esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
• Passport number errors: Your ESTA is tied to your specific passport number. If you renew your passport after obtaining an ESTA, you need a new ESTA — even if the old one is still within its 2-year validity.
• Not checking an existing ESTA: If you travelled to the USA previously, log in to check your ESTA is still valid. Many people assume it has carried over when it has already expired.
• Previous travel to certain countries: If you have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen after 1 March 2011 (or hold dual nationality with any of these countries), you are no longer eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and must apply for a full US visa.
• Criminal convictions: Even minor or spent convictions can affect VWP eligibility. When in doubt, apply for a visa rather than risk being turned away at the airport.

If Your ESTA Is Denied

Contact the US Embassy in London immediately to schedule a visa appointment. Given tournament travel timelines, act urgently. A Tier B nonimmigrant visa appointment may take several weeks.

Who Needs an eTA?

UK citizens flying to Canada (Toronto or Vancouver for tournament matches) need a valid eTA. The eTA is not required if entering Canada by land or sea from the USA — for example, driving from Seattle to Vancouver or crossing at Niagara Falls. For those overland journeys, your passport is sufficient.

How to Apply — Step by Step

1. Visit the official Government of Canada eTA site: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html
2. Click "Apply now" — the form takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
3. Enter your UK passport details precisely.
4. Pay CAD$7 (approximately £4). The fee is minimal — beware third-party sites charging significantly more for the same application.
5. Submit and receive your eTA confirmation by email.

What Your eTA Covers

• Valid for 5 years from the date of issue, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first.
• Electronically linked to your passport — you do not need to print or carry any certificate; border agents see it automatically.
• Permits stays of up to 6 months per entry.
• Allows multiple entries within the validity period.

Common Issues

• eTA must match your travel passport: If you hold multiple passports or renew your passport after applying, you need a new eTA linked to the new document.
• Processing time: The vast majority of eTAs are approved within minutes. Occasionally applications require additional review, which can take up to 72 hours.
• Land border re-entry to the USA: If you cross from Canada into the USA by land, you will need your ESTA for US re-entry as normal.

Entry Requirements for UK Citizens

UK passport holders do not need a visa to visit Mexico for tourist stays of up to 180 days. This is one of the most commonly misunderstood points among UK travellers — Mexico is a straightforward destination for British passports.

The FMM — Forma Migratoria Multiple

When you arrive in Mexico, you will receive a Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) — a simple tourist card that serves as your official authorisation to remain in Mexico as a visitor.

• How you receive it: Usually distributed on your flight by the cabin crew, or available at immigration desks on arrival at the airport.
• Digital FMM: Some airlines now offer pre-completion of the FMM form online before departure. Check with your airline when you check in.
• Keep your FMM safe: You will surrender it when you depart Mexico. If you lose it, you can request a replacement at any immigration office (Instituto Nacional de Migración), though this can cause delays at departure.
• Length of permitted stay: Typically 180 days for tourist purposes. The immigration officer may stamp a shorter duration — if your trip requires the full 180 days, you can politely ask for the maximum at the desk.
• No fee applies for tourist entry.

At Mexican Immigration

Expect a short queue and standard questions: purpose of visit (tourism/football), accommodation address, and length of stay. Have your hotel or Airbnb address written down if your Spanish is limited. Officials at major international airports (Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey) typically speak some English.