Entry Requirements for UK Passport Holders
You'll need different documentation depending on which host country you're visiting. Here's the breakdown for British passport holders.
United States — ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
Required for: All UK citizens visiting the USA for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program.
How to apply:
- Go to the official ESTA website: esta.cbp.dhs.gov
- Complete the online application (takes ~20 minutes)
- Pay the $21 fee (as of 2026)
- Most applications are approved within 72 hours
Important details:
- Valid for 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first)
- Allows multiple entries — you don't need a new ESTA for each trip
- Must be approved before you board your flight
- If you have certain criminal convictions or have previously been denied entry, you may need a full visa instead
Warning: Only use the official .gov website. Third-party sites charge inflated fees for the same application.
Canada — eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
Required for: UK citizens flying to Canada. Not required if entering by land or sea.
How to apply:
- Visit the official Government of Canada eTA site: canada.ca/eta
- Complete the online form (takes ~10 minutes)
- Pay CAD $7 (~£4)
- Usually approved within minutes
Important details:
- Valid for 5 years or until your passport expires
- Allows stays of up to 6 months
- Linked electronically to your passport — no printout needed
Mexico — No Visa Required
UK citizens do not need a visa for Mexico for tourist stays of up to 180 days.
What you need:
- A valid UK passport (must be valid for the duration of your stay)
- A Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) — this is a simple tourist card, usually distributed on your flight or available at the airport immigration desk
- Some airlines now offer digital FMM completion before arrival
No fee for tourist entry.
Multi-Country Travel Tips
If you're following your team across matches in different countries, here's what to know:
- USA → Canada: Your ESTA covers the USA. You'll need a separate eTA for Canada if flying. If crossing by land (e.g., driving from Seattle to Vancouver), no eTA is needed — just your passport
- USA → Mexico: Your ESTA covers entry/exit to the USA. Mexico entry is visa-free for UK citizens
- Get all authorizations before you leave the UK — ESTA and eTA are quick online processes, but don't leave them to the last minute
Passport Requirements
- USA: Passport must be valid for the duration of your stay (no minimum validity beyond trip dates for UK passports under the VWP)
- Canada: Passport must be valid for the duration of your stay
- Mexico: Passport must be valid for the duration of your stay
Recommendation: If your passport expires within 6 months of your travel dates, renew it before booking. Some airlines may refuse boarding with a nearly-expired passport even if the destination country doesn't require extended validity.
Travel Insurance
Essential for the USA. US healthcare costs are extremely high — a simple hospital visit can cost thousands of pounds. UK EHIC/GHIC cards are not valid in the USA, Canada, or Mexico.
Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers:
- Medical expenses (minimum £1 million for the USA)
- Repatriation
- Trip cancellation
- Personal belongings
- Match ticket coverage (if available)
Purchase insurance as soon as you book your flights to be covered for cancellations.