If eligible under the US Visa Waiver Program, you’ll need to apply and obtain an ESTA for travel.
For more information, including other Visa types please visit the US Department of State website.
USA travel advice
USA travel alerts
Please check the travel advice for all countries in your itinerary.
Entry requirements
Please make sure you check all the US entry requirements that apply to you before heading to the airport. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) US travel advice is here.
Visas
Passport
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
USA and Canada - Mobile Passport Control:
If you are an American or Canadian citizen you can download the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app to create a profile.
This will enable you to submit/upload passport information on arrival into the USA. You will then receive a QR code, and this will significantly speed up your journey through US immigration at selected airports.
Please be sure to check that your destination airport is supported by MPC.
You can download the MPC app here: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/mobile-passport-control.
Prohibited and restricted items
Agriculture
U.S. Customs and Border Protection enforces strict regulations on food and agriculture products.
Prohibited or restricted items may include meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, and products made from animal or plant materials, as well as biological materials.
Please visit the Customs and Border Protection website and view the “Know Before You Go” video for further information and specific guidelines regarding prohibited items.
Helpful links
International travel guidance from the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice for the United States
US Embassy in the UK travel and visa FAQs
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application
Airport guides
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Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening and US security
Passenger screening and US security
The US Transport Security Administration (TSA) screens all baggage going through commercial US airports, for security reasons.
When flying to or from the US you may notice your baggage has been opened after it was checked in.
When this happens, a notice will be placed inside your bag telling you that it was opened for inspection by a TSA official, and your bag will be resealed with a tamper evident label.
Locking your check in bags
You should always make sure your bags are securely locked before checking them in. The TSA recommends you leave your bags unlocked to make them easier to search, but we disagree with this policy.
You can buy special TSA-approved locks, which can be opened by security officials with a master key. The locks can be bought from luggage shops at most airports.
Please be aware that the TSA has the right to break into your locked baggage, which can cause damage if you're not using the TSA-approved locks.
Loss or damage of items during TSA screening
If there is any damage or loss of items incurred during the TSA’s screening process you should make a claim on your insurance.
You can also contact the TSA Consumer Response Centre on 1-866-289-9673, where your case will be assessed on an individual basis. Further information is available on the TSA website at www.tsa.gov.
Baggage security screening in the US
This section tells you about US passenger security screening, and what to do if you've experienced difficulties when flying to or from the US in the past.
In order to ensure security on flights into the US, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens passenger information for all travellers entering the country.
When you give us your Advance Passenger Information (API) for a flight to the US, your full name, date of birth and gender will be supplied to the TSA for watch-list screening. Find out more about this process on the TSA website.
How to make an enquiry when you have API problems with flying to and from the US
If you've experienced difficulties when flying to or from the US in the past, it may be the case you share the name of someone on the US government’s ‘no fly list’, or there may be another issue with your records.
If this is the case you can apply for a ‘redress number’ from the Department of Homeland Security’s Traveller Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP). This number may help prevent problems in the future.
Contact us to add your redress number to future bookings with us, so we'll have it as part of your Advance Passenger Information.
TSA pre-check
This section explains what TSA Pre✓ and Global Entry are, who is eligible to use them, and how they can apply.
The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has developed a pre-screening process called TSA Pre✓. This allows qualifying travellers, including Virgin Atlantic passengers, to enjoy faster security screening and use dedicated TSA Pre✓ lanes at participating US airports.
With TSA Pre✓, you don't need to remove shoes, light jackets or belts when you go through security. Compliant liquids and laptops can stay in your hand luggage as well.
UK nationals can use TSA Pre✓ by joining the Global Entry programme, which also allows a faster entry through US immigration on arrival.
Who can use TSA Pre✓ at the airport?
Membership of the TSA Pre✓ programme itself is to US citizens and lawful permanent residents.
Citizens of other countries, including the UK, can join the Global Entry programme, which allows use of the TSA Pre✓ lanes at the airport.
The Global Entry programme, for non-US citizens
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection 'Trusted Traveler' programme for non-US citizens, including UK passport holders. It helps you get through customs and immigration more quickly when you arrive in the US at certain airports, by using automated kiosks.
You will also be able to use the faster TSA Pre✓ security lanes, if they are in operation at your airport.
To join Global Entry, you will need to apply and undergo a background check and interview. There is a non-refundable application fee, currently $100.
Applying for TSA Pre✓ and the Global Entry programme
The application process for TSA Pre✓ or Global Entry involves a background check by the TSA. This includes taking your fingerprints and verifying your identity to check your criminal history, legal status, and other intelligence-related information.
You will also need to have an in-person interview at a US airport. We recommend you sign up for an interview ahead of time, so you can meet with a TSA official when you're next in a participating US airport.
(US citizens and lawful permanent residents only)
(For citizens of other countries, including the UK)
How to use TSA Pre✓ or Global Entry
Once your application for TSA Pre✓ or Global Entry has been approved, you'll be issued with a Known Traveler Number (KTN).
You should add this number to your booking, via My booking, at least 72 hours before you fly. A TSA Pre✓ symbol should appear on your boarding pass, and you'll be allowed to enter the faster security lanes at the airport.
If you have a connecting flight on another airline, including our partner Delta Air Lines, you'll also need to add your Known Traveller Number (KTN) to your booking with them.
Global Entry members arriving in the US enter dedicated kiosks, scan their passport or U.S. permanent resident card, have their fingerprints checked and complete a customs declaration. They can then get their bags and leave the airport.
Additional information
The TSA authorises passengers for expedited screening, not Virgin Atlantic. Random and unpredictable security measures are incorporated throughout US airports, and no passengers are guaranteed expedited screening.
Not all US airports currently offer TSA Pre✓, including some that Virgin Atlantic fly from.
Children aged 12 and under can accompany an eligible traveller through TSA Pre✓.