Do this before you book the fun bit
Most UK visitors need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) unless they already hold a visa. This is not legal advice. Rules change. Check the official US site before you pay for a flight.
A working sequence
- Passport — valid for the trip. Photograph it.
- ESTA — apply on the official government site. Fake “ESTA help” shops exist.
- Name match — ticket name equals passport name.
- Address for night one — hotels count. Have it written down.
- Return or onward — they like evidence you will leave.
At the airport
US pre-clearance exists at some Irish and other airports; from the UK you usually clear on arrival. Follow the signs. Phones on, ESTA confirmation accessible. Packing for the liquids rule is a UK airport problem, not a US one.
If you are going for the 2026 tournament, also read 2026world.uk — this site is the country, that one is the football.
Related: First USA trip · Flights · Culture shock