U.S. Embassy London
All appointments are scheduled at the Embassy of the United States of America, 33 Nine Elms Lane, London, SW11 7US.
To reach the U.S. Embassy, we recommend traveling by public transport as there is no public parking available.
The closest Tube on the Victoria Line is Vauxhall Underground station. The closest rail station is Vauxhall (National Rail code VXH).
From Vauxhall, it takes approximately 10 minutes to walk to the Embassy; proceed from Vauxhall Tube station Exit 1 for a riverside walk or from Exit 4. Alternatively, the Embassy is two stops by bus 156, 344, or 436 from Vauxhall Bus Station, Stop E, to Elm Quay Court.
Use our Walking Map (image, opens in new window) to guide you.
Battersea Park rail station (National Rail code BAK). and Queenstown Road (National Rail code QRB) railway stations are also nearby.
- Consular Visitors: when you reach the Embassy, proceed to the South Pavilion Consular Services entrance along Ponton Road. Please arrive 30 minutes in advance of your appointment to allow sufficient time for airport-style security screening.
- Official Visitors: when you reach the Embassy, proceed along the unnamed service road along the East side of the building to the East Pavilion.
GPS Location
For our new Embassy in Nine Elms a Google maps search for “us embassy london nine elms london” will yield the correct location in front of the new building as will a Google maps search for “London SW8 5BL“.
Access restrictions
If you are a Consular visitor please see the access guidelines thus:
- American citizen services (Passports, SCS, Federal Benefits, etc)
- Visa services (Immigrant and Nonimmigrant)
What You Can Bring to the Embassy:
- You CAN bring your mobile phone, e-reader, iPad or other tablet computer during your visit;
- You CANNOT bring iPad keyboards, tablet keyboards, laptop computers, suitcases, other large bags. Of course, weapons and other dangerous items must also stay out. Other items that cannot be brought into the building include perfume and cologne (above 30ml) glass bottles.
Prohibited items cannot be stored at the Embassy so leave them at home or store them securely before you arrive. Left luggage facilities are available for a fee at several airports, coach stations, and mainline train stations, including Waterloo and Victoria.
Disabled Access
Those requiring assistance should make themselves known to the security guards at the gate. Please note any special requirements thus:
- Visitors to the ACS section (Passports & Citizenship, Special Consular Services, Federal Benefits, Notaries) should ensure that they have requested special access. Contact details for each unit are on the American Citizen Services homepage.
- Visa applicants should ensure that they have requested special access using our form.
- Persons who are accompanied by a carer must advise the section they are visiting of their carer’s name and contact details before their visit.
Ambassador
The Ambassador, or Chief of Mission, is the highest ranking American official in the United Kingdom. The position’s full title is “Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary”. It is “extraordinary” in that the Ambassador is the personal representative of the President of the United States to Her Majesty the Queen. The “plenipotentiary” in the title indicates full power to negotiate. As well as being responsible for the work of the various sections of the Embassy, the Ambassador coordinates the activities of all departments and agencies of the United States Government with representatives in Britain.
Deputy Chief of Mission
The Deputy Chief of Mission is Matthew Palmer .
Assisting the Ambassador is the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM), a position carrying the rank of Minister. The DCM is responsible for the day to-day running of the Embassy and also undertakes high-level representation, negotiation, appraisal, and reporting duties. In the Ambassador’s absence the Minister becomes Chargé D’Affaires ad interim, thereby assuming all the Ambassador’s functions and responsibilities.
U.S. Embassies & Consulates Worldwide
A list of websites for U.S. Embassies, Missions and Consulates is maintained by the U.S. Department of State at www.usembassy.gov
