Visitors to the U.K.

United States citizens do not require a visa to enter the United Kingdom if the purpose of their visit is tourism and they plan to stay for less than six months.

Arriving passengers must be able to show to the satisfaction of the Immigration Officer at the port of entry that they can financially bear the cost of their visit, that they have a clear intention to depart at the end of the time for which they have requested entry, and that they are not coming for any reason for which entry clearance would otherwise be required. Visitors may be asked to produce travelers checks, cash and onward or return tickets as well as a valid United States passport.

If a person resident in the United Kingdom is sponsoring the visit, it is advisable to carry a letter from the host that can be shown to the Immigration Officer on arrival. The Immigration Officer may contact the host to verify sponsorship details. If the Immigration Officer is not satisfied with the arrangements, or suspects that the passenger is coming for other than a short period, he/she may refuse the passenger admission.

Visitors are free to transact business directly linked to their employment or business abroad. However, visitors may not take paid or unpaid employment, including self-employment, produce goods or provide services, or sell goods or services to the public. Those wishing to establish themselves in business or self-employment, and those seeking entry to work, look for work or to attend school will be refused entry to the country. Such passengers must be in possession of a work permit or other entry clearance in advance of arrival.

Dependents

The requirement for entry clearance extends to fiancée(e)s, partners, spouses and other dependents traveling to the United Kingdom to be with persons already settled here, and those intending to study. If an Immigration Officer is not satisfied that the passenger is coming for tourist purposes or to transact appropriate business, admission to the country will be refused.

How long may I stay as a visitor?

Visitors are not permitted to stay longer than six months. An application from a person admitted as a visitor to stay on a more permanent basis or to work will be refused. If more than a visit is intended, you must obtain a work permit or appropriate entry clearance before seeking entry to the United Kingdom.

Note: The decision whether a person may enter the United Kingdom as a tourist is entirely in the hands of the British government, the U.S. Embassy is not able to intervene in that decision on behalf of individual citizens.

Further Information

Further information may be obtained from the Home Office, UK Border and Immigration Agency, Public Caller Unit, Block C, Whitgift Center, Croydon CR9 2AR, telephone: 0870-606-7766.

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