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If you have a question about a future visa application or an application that has been in process since before March 20, 2020, please be aware that we are unable to provide further guidance at this time beyond what is covered in these FAQs or on the Embassy’s website. We ask that you continue to monitor our website for updates, and contact us again only after normal visa services have resume
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The Department of State advises all U.S. citizens to read the country-specific Travel Advisories and U.S. Embassy COVID pages for updates on the impact of COVID-19 worldwide.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect countries differently. Challenges to any international travel at this time may include mandatory quarantines, travel restrictions, and closed borders. Foreign governments may implement restrictions with little notice, even in destinations that were previously low risk. If you choose to travel internationally, your trip may be severely disrupted, and it may be difficult to arrange travel back to the United States.
The U.S. Embassy London is monitoring the current situation in the United Kingdom. The U.S. Embassy London is aware of the hardship border closures are creating for U.S. citizens who need to get United States. We are exploring all options to address the current travel disruptions. If you have not done so, please enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step/ so U.S. Embassy London can contact you with updated information and in an emergency.
Due to the possibility of an extended disruption, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations at www.coronavirus.gov for the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19.
Additional information, including the latest alerts and messages pertaining to the United Kingdom may be found on our Alerts & Messages page.
Actions to Take
- Visit our Embassy Alerts & Messages webpage for information on conditions in the United Kingdom.
- Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Consult the CDC website at www.coronavirus.gov for the most up-to-date information.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page at Travel.State.gov for the latest information.
We would like to reassure you that we will update U.S. citizens on this current situation as quickly as possible, and strongly urge you to refer to our website for the latest updates.
Visa Services
Presidential Proclamation 10014: On April 22, President Trump signed a proclamation suspending entry into the United States of certain immigrants who present risk to the U.S. labor market during the economic recovery following the COVID-19 outbreak. The proclamation is effective at 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 23 and expires in 60 days, unless continued by the President. U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and those holding valid immigrant visas on the effective date of the Proclamation, are not subject to the proclamation. No valid visas will be revoked under this Proclamation. Routine visa services have been suspended at U.S. posts worldwide, but as resources allow, embassies and consulates will continue to provide emergency and mission critical visa services for applicants who are not subject to this presidential proclamation. Please review the full text at Whitehouse.gov – Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants Who Present Risk to the U.S. Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the COVID-19 Outbreak
Presidential Proclamation 9996: Entry is suspended, per Presidential Proclamation, of non-LPR foreign nationals who were present in the People’s Republic of China, not including the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the 26 countries that comprise the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, excluding overseas territories outside of Europe of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or the Republic of Ireland within 14 days prior to their arrival at the port of entry in the United States. If you reside in, have traveled recently to, or intend to transit or travel to China, Iran, the Schengen Area (which includes Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland), the United Kingdom, excluding overseas territories outside of Europe, or Republic of Ireland prior to your planned trip to the United States, we recommend you postpone your visa interview appointment until 14 days subsequent to your departure from the subject country(ies). Please review the Presidential Proclamation for detailed information: Whitehouse.gov – Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus
Presidential Proclamation 9996 does not apply to American citizens, legal permanent residents, most immediate family members of U.S. citizens, and other individuals who are identified in the proclamation. The Department of Homeland Security will direct those who have been in the Schengen Area who are exempt from these restrictions, including American citizens, to travel through select airports where the U.S. Government has implemented enhanced screening procedures. Travelers are advised to visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website, www.dhs.gov/news-releases, for further guidance on U.S. travel restrictions.
UPDATE (as of September 29, 2020)
The Department of State suspended routine visa services worldwide in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. Embassies and Consulates have provided emergency and mission-critical visa services since March and will continue to do so. As global conditions evolve, U.S. Embassies and Consulates are beginning a phased resumption of routine visa services. As of July 27, 2020, the United States Embassy in London and as of August 3, 2020 the United States Consulate General in Belfast are resuming certain immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services.
Please see these notices which contain detailed information about the current status of visa services worldwide and visa restrictions related to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Please see our Frequently Asked questions (FAQs) for important information.
Additionally, if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, or believe you may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, you are strongly encouraged to postpone your appointment by at least 14 days. There is no fee to change an appointment and visa application fees are valid for one year in the country where the fee was paid.
U.S. Embassy London
33 Nine Elms Lane
London, SW11 7US
United Kingdom
Phone: [44] (0)20 7499-9000
