- Complete the Online Application form. After determining whether you need to apply for a UK visa from the US you can begin the application process.
- Compile the document file. Completed UK visa application form. Two UK visa photographs that are taken within the past six months.
- Book an appointment for Biometrics. Then you will have to schedule an appointment at one of 130+ Application Support Centers (ASCs) throughout the United States for Biometric testing.
- Attend the visa interview at the UK Embassy/Consulate in the United States. ...
- Settlement applications. Whether your application gets approved or not, you will, however, have to provide a fully addressed prepaid electronic shipping label inside the package with your documents.
Do I need a visa to travel to England from US?
If you are from the US, an EU Member State, or certain Commonwealth countries, you do not need a visa for the UK for up to six months. You only need a UK visa if you are from one of the following countries: *Only for holders of service and emergency passports.
How long is the flight from London to the US?
fly for about 7.5 hours in the air. 8:12 pm (local time): London Gatwick (LGW) London is 5 hours ahead of New York City. so the time in New York City is actually 3:12 pm. taxi on the runway for an average of 15 minutes to the gate. 8:27 pm (local time): arrive at the gate at LGW.
Do I need valid USA visa in transit at London?
— No, any traveler having a valid US visa is not required any transit visa at UK. My parents have a 15 hours layover in London and the flight is on the next day. Will they be allowed to leave the airport area to meet my sister who lives 15 minutes away from the airport? — Sorry they won’t be allowed to leave the airport without a valid UK visa.
Can you travel to London without a visa?
Visa-free travel to the UK is still in place for EEA and Swiss nationals. EU travellers can still visit the UK without needing a visa after 1 January 2021. Most people can only enter the country as a visitor for a limited period. Information on travelling to London after Brexit can be found on the official UK government website.
See 7 key topics from this page & related content
Apply online
Apply online to complete your application and pay your fee.
Book and attend your biometric appointment
Once you have completed your online application you will be prompted to book a biometric enrolment appointment at an ASC. This is to have your phot...
Attending an ASC
You can only attend your ASC appointment on your scheduled date and time. If you arrive on a different date or time, you will not be processed. Do...
Post your application
Once your appointment confirmation letter is stamped at the ASC, you will have 5 days to post this, your application form, current passport, UPS re...
Coronavirus advice for entering the UK
If you are travelling to the UK, you should check what you need to do before you travel and any changes at the UK border.Read guidance on immigrati...
Contact us
You can contact our international contact service provided by Teleperformance who work in partnership with UKVI.Calls from outside the UK cost £0.6...
Choose a visa
You may need a visa to come to the UK to study, work, visit or join family. There are different visas depending on: where you come from why you wan...
Prepare your application
You can apply and pay for most visas online. If you have dependants who want to come to the UK with you, each person will need to apply and pay sep...
Prove your identity
When you apply, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide documents to show your eligibility. How you do this depends on where you’re from and...
Getting a decision on your application
You’ll get a letter or an email with the result of your application. It will explain what you need to do next. If your application is successful Yo...
How long do you have to be on a visa to visit the UK?
Apply for a Standard Visitor visa to visit the UK for up to 6 months. For example:
What affects which visa to apply for?
Your course length, type and place of study affect which visa to apply for.
How long do you have to stay in the UK to come back?
If you had indefinite leave to remain ( ILR) and left the UK for more than 2 years you’ll need to apply for a Returning Resident visa to come back.
How long can a family permit last in the UK?
A family permit lets you live, work and study in the UK for up to 6 months. Close family members include your spouse or civil partner, child, grandchild, parent or grandparent. You can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme after your family permit expires.
What is a student visa?
A Student visa is usually for a longer course. You must be sponsored by a licensed college or university and have a confirmed place. You may be able to do some work on this visa. A Child Student visa is for 4 to 17 year olds who want to study at an independent school.
Do you have to be approved before you travel?
Your application must be approved before you travel.
What determines what type of visa is required?
The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
How to schedule a nonimmigrant visa appointment?
Nonimmigrant visa appointments are scheduled online or through the call center. They cannot be scheduled by emailing the Embassy or Consulate General.
Does a visa guarantee entry?
A visa entitles the holder to travel to the United States and apply for admission; it does not guarantee entry. An immigration official at the port of entry determines the visa holder’s eligibility for admission into the United States.
What does it mean to have a UK visa?
The possession of a visa means that you have fulfilled the requirements that the particular visa has.
What is a UK tourist visa?
UK Tourist Visa – for all those who wish to enter the UK to visit friends or family members, for holidays, business, private medical treatment, to get married, etc.
How to Appeal Against the UK Visa Denial?
If your UK visa application is rejected, when you receive the answer on your application you will also be notified on the reasons behind it. If you think that this decision has not been taken justly, then you can appeal it.
What is a U.S. Visa?
A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship.
Find out what visa type is appropriate for you
The type of visa you must obtain is defined by U.S. immigration law, and relates to the purpose of your travel.
Visa Appointment Wait Time
A wait time listed as "999 calendar days" indicates that the Consular Section is only providing that service to emergency cases. Please check the Embassy or Consulate website for further information.
The Six-Month Rule
A citizen of the United States can come to the United Kingdom as a tourist for up to six months out of any 12-month period – meaning that, theoretically, you can stay in London for six months, leave for six months, come back for six months, and so on.
What to Bring
Technically, if you're just visiting the United Kingdom as a tourist, all you'll need is a valid U.S. passport to show to border patrol. But you might have an easier time entering the country if you have the following supporting documents, as well:
Visitor Visa Basics
There are two types of visitor visas: the B-1 visitor visa and the B-2 visitor visa. Both of these visas are referred to as "Non-Immigrant Visa." The B-1 visitor visa is for business travelers visiting the country for a purpose such as visiting with colleagues, traveling to a convention or negotiating a contract.
General Requirements
To quality for a visitor visa, you must meet the requirements laid out in the Immigration and Nationality Act. When you go in for an interview at your closest U.S. embassy or consulate, the consular officer who interviews you decides whether or not you qualify.
Application Process
To apply for a visitor visa, get started early, as the process can take time. You need to apply at the United States embassy or consulate in your country of citizenship.
Countries Exempted From the Visitor Visa
Residents of certain countries can visit the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visitor visa if they meet certain requirements. As of August 2012, 36 countries participate in the United States' Visa Waiver program.