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About Alun Hill MCIJ
Expertise
As a full time, UK based, travel journalist, I travel almost constantly around the whole of the UK, searching out restaurants, hotels and "must see" places. Visitors for both business and pleasure are welcome to ask questions. I almost always travel by public transport, so questions on rail, air and coach / bus travel are also very welcome. I also regularly write about and use the "Eurostar" rail service between London and Continental Europe - which uses a tunnel under the English Channel - so I am able to help with any questions there, too.

Experience
I'm a full time, UK based, travel journalist. I travel almost constantly around the whole of the UK, searching out restaurants, hotels and "must see" places for my readers. I have been writing about, filming and reporting from UK tourism destinations for over 12 years. I cover both "business" and "pleasure" trips for my readers.

Organizations
I am a member of the "Chartered Institute of Journalists" (the world's oldest professional body for journalists), the "British Association of Journalists" and "The International Travel Writers Alliance". I hold a full UK Press Card, issued by the Metropolitan Police at Scotland Yard, London.

Publications
National and local press in UK. Local and National TV in the UK and Europe (Germany, Hungary), reporting on travel and tourism in the UK.

You are here: Experts > Travel > United Kingdom for Visitors > Britain/United Kingdom/England > Visitor visa and travel to other countries

England - Visitor visa and travel to other countries

Expert: Alun Hill MCIJ - 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
Kara, hi.

I can't give formal legal advice as I'm sure you'll understand, but I do have good contacts at our Home Office and Borders Agency.

You can leave and return as often as you wish until your 6 months is up - and if you wish to stay longer, you can just ask each time you re-enter the UK.

The Border staff may well happily just extend your visa.

However, be aware that as you're not allowed to work, the UK will need to be totally sure that you have enough money to look after yourself and that you are not / will not be working here.

Every day many people, including US citizens, are deported - so do be sure that you are truthful, please, as I'm sure you understand!

There's more details and contact details here:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visitingtheuk/rightsandresponsibilities/change...

Happy to help!

Alun Hill, MCIJ
http://www.ShortEuropeBreaks.co.uk

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