Latest travel rules for Brits heading to America after European tourists stopped at the border

BRITS heading to America are being encouraged to double-check entry requirements after several European tourists were stopped at the border.

Holidaymakers flying from the UK to America need to have an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before arriving in the States.

The ESTA, which was first introduced in 2007, is a visa waiver that most Brits use to enter America on holiday.

It is also mandatory for British holidaymakers to have an ESTA, even if they're transiting through America.

The document allows holidaymakers to stay in the US for up to 90 days for tourism purposes, costing $21 (£16.23) for two years

However, it is worth noting that having a valid ESTA does not guarantee you entry into the US as the Customs and Border Protection Officer on arrival has the final say.

In the last few weeks, government bodies across Europe have updated their guidance for entry into America.

Current travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office reads: “You should comply with all entry, visa and other conditions of entry.

“The authorities in the US set and enforce entry rules strictly. You may be liable to arrest or detention if you break the rules.

“If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the US Embassy or a consulate in the UK.”

Not everyone can get an ESTA – anyone with a criminal record, or who has been to Cuba since 2021, will have to get a full US visa instead.

According to Reuters, guidance at the beginning of February read: “The authorities in the US set and enforce entry rules.”

While the Foreign Office have yet to comment on the changes, the update comes after several European tourists were stopped at the border.

British national Rebecca Burke was detained in the US for three weeks because of a visa mix-up.

The 28-year-old was travelling from Canada to America when she was refused entry into the US.

This is because she was staying with a host family where she would carry out chores in exchange for accommodation, with US border officials informing the British national she should be travelling on a working visa as opposed to a tourist one.

Back in 2022, Australian national Madolline Gourley faced a similar situation when she was refused entry to the US because she'd used TrustedHouseSitters to bag accommodation.

At the time, Border Patrol told the Australian the website went against ESTA rules.

Other European governments, such as Germany and France, have also updated their travel guidance after several European nationals were stopped at the border.

Earlier this month, a French scientist was stopped from entering the US after border officials searched his phone and found messages criticising President Donald Trump.

France’s minister of Higher Education and Research, Philippe Baptiste, issued the following statement: “I learned with concern that a French researcher who was traveling to a conference near Houston was denied entry to the United States before being expelled”.

It is not clear what type of visa (or visa waiver) the scientist was using to travel, or why border officials stopped the Frenchman.

Border officials in America are allowed to search mobile phones, computers, cameras, or any other electronic devices of any travellers crossing the border, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Although these instances are very rare.

Meanwhile, Germany‘s updated guidance emphasised that a visa or entry waiver does not guarantee entry.

This came after several German nationals, including a green card holder, were detained at the US border.

Nationals from France, Wales and Canada have also been stopped by US border officials in recent weeks.

Here are some other rules Brits should be aware of when it comes to travelling abroad this year.

And here are the passport checks you should take before booking a holiday.