What British Passports can be used for an ESTA application?

Updated: Mar 16, 2023  | Tags: ESTA Passport, ESTA Eligibility

This article reviews the different types of British Passports and shares which ones are eligible to apply for ESTA.

What British Passports are eligible to apply for ESTA?

The United Kingdom is a country that primarily comprises the territories of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Regardless of where a citizen of the United Kingdom was born, raised or lives, they are considered a British Citizen. Thus, there are no separate passports for citizens of England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Each citizen uses a British Passport. British Passport holders are eligible to apply for an ESTA.

Are British Subject eligible for ESTA?

British subjects without citizenship are individuals who are British citizens or British Overseas Territories citizens, but who do not have full citizenship rights. These individuals typically have a limited right to live and work in the United Kingdom, and may be required to register with the Home Office. If a British Subject does not hold a British Passport denoting their British citizenship, they will not be able to apply for an ESTA.

What about British Overseas citizens?

British Overseas citizens are British citizens who do not have the right to reside in the United Kingdom. These individuals can become full British Citizens by either applying for registration or naturalisation through Home Office. Until a British Overseas citizen obtains a British Passport, they will be unable to apply for ESTA.

Are British Protected Persons (BPP) able to apply for ESTA?

No, BPP are not eligible to apply for ESTA. A British Protected Person (BPP) is a person who is a national of a country that is under the protection of the United Kingdom. BPP status is granted to people who are unable to return to their home country due to conflict or persecution. A British Protected Person can become a British citizen by either registering or naturalising.

Can British National (overseas) (BNO) Citizens obtain an ESTA?

A British National (overseas) Citizen is a person who was a citizen of Hong Kong at the time of the transfer of sovereignty from the United Kingdom to China on 1 July 1997 and has registered as a British National (overseas) under the British National (overseas) Ordinance. Without a British Passport, BNO citizens are not eligible for ESTA.

Conclusion

This article has reviewed the different types of British Passports. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) specifies that only full British citizens with no restrictions on their right to live in any country within the United Kingdom are eligible to apply for ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program.