The guidelines and restrictions for travelers foreign and domestic continue to change at mind-numbing speed. Trying to keep up with these new rules often feels like trying to outrun a charging rhino on a moped. Travel to the UK from the US is relatively painless as international travel goes. Some countries impose a minimum passport validity of three, six, or nine months for visitors, but there is no such requirement for the United Kingdom. U.S. Citizens seeking entry as tourists or visitors are simply required to present a valid passport. If you are intending to work or attend school or even visit for extended periods of time it is best to check for Visa requirements in the UK.
Tourists or visitors are always welcome to enter the country as such but changing that status once in country could pose issues. Any workers, even unpaid volunteers are required to obtain a Visa before going to the UK. Entering the country as a tourist and then attempting to change your status may result in you having to leave and return again once your Visa is in place. While officials do their best to minimize these issues, there are still glitches and guidelines that make international travel difficult at times.
Know the laws and possible repercussions when traveling to different countries. Being jailed in a foreign country can be a very costly and scary experience. As with all things in life, ‘know the rules before you play the game.’
Travel tips: Register your travel with US Department of State on their Web site; know the rules of the land; leave copies of your passport data pages along with itinerary with trusted person; contact your consulate as soon as possible if your passport is lost or stolen; carry traveler’s checks instead of cash; have fun!
Tourists or visitors are always welcome to enter the country as such but changing that status once in country could pose issues. Any workers, even unpaid volunteers are required to obtain a Visa before going to the UK. Entering the country as a tourist and then attempting to change your status may result in you having to leave and return again once your Visa is in place. While officials do their best to minimize these issues, there are still glitches and guidelines that make international travel difficult at times.
Know the laws and possible repercussions when traveling to different countries. Being jailed in a foreign country can be a very costly and scary experience. As with all things in life, ‘know the rules before you play the game.’
Travel tips: Register your travel with US Department of State on their Web site; know the rules of the land; leave copies of your passport data pages along with itinerary with trusted person; contact your consulate as soon as possible if your passport is lost or stolen; carry traveler’s checks instead of cash; have fun!
