Expert: David Stewart White - 11/4/2009

Question
Hello!

I am an American citizen staying with friends in London on a visitor’s visa, and my passport simply says that I am permitted to be in the country for 6 months as long as I don’t work here. I am concerned that I will have problems if I leave England to travel in Europe and then need to return within this time. I would like to visit Greece and Ireland, as well as a few other European countries. The majority of my belongings, however, will remain in London while I travel, so I will definitely need to be permitted back into the UK to get them. Is it likely that the immigrations officers would give me problems on this issue?

I arrived here on August 18th, so am I correct in assuming that I can legally stay in London until February?

Also, what are the options for someone already in the country who would like to try and acquire a visa to stay longer?

Thank you very much for your time.

-Kara

Answer
Hi Kara,

Yes, 6 months is the normal maximum for a visitor to the UK. Under some circumstances you can apply for an extension.  If you leave the UK and go to another country in the EU I don't believe this "counts" as a break in your 6 months.  Visas in the UK are a complex issue once you get beyond the normal 6 month tourist type.  Here's a resource that has information about applying for extensions:

      http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visitingtheuk/visitors/

Hopefully the answer for your specific question is there, or available at one of the Public Enquiry Offices (in the UK) listed on that site.

Best of luck navigating the extension process,

Dave White