Thank you for your interest in the U.S. Embassy in London and the Consulates General in Belfast and Edinburgh (collectively known as Mission UK). We hope that you will find the following information useful.
1) What is the difference between an embassy and a consulate?
An Embassy is situated in the capital of a country. Depending on the size of the host country, there may also be consulates or trade missions.
In the United Kingdom, we have an Embassy in London and Consulates General in Edinburgh and Belfast.
2) What happens at the Embassy and Consulates in the UK?
The primary mission of U.S. embassies and consulates abroad is to “protect the safety of American citizens.” We also represent the U.S. government’s interests in the UK, so matters like defense, security, energy, commercial services, trade, culture and advocacy are important too.
You are most likely to interact with the Consular Section who are responsible for assisting and protecting overseas U.S. citizens in distress, issuing and renewing U.S. passports, and processing visa applications for non-U.S. citizens seeking temporary or permanent admission to the United States.
The Embassy and the Consulates General all offer U.S. passport and citizenship services.
Nonimmigrant visa applications are processed in London and Belfast.
All immigrant and fiancé(e) visa applications for applicants in the UK are processed by the Embassy in London.
3) Are the U.S. Embassy and the Consulates General considered American soil?
To dispel a common myth – no, they are not! U.S. foreign service posts are not part of the United States within the meaning of the 14th Amendment.
4) How can I find out about vacancies or internships at the Embassy and Consulates General in the UK?
Click here to check the latest vacancies at the Embassy in London and the Consulates General in Belfast and Edinburgh.
Information about careers in the U.S. Foreign Service is provided on the Department of State’s careers website.
If you require information about UK visas and work permits, please visit the UK government’s website.
5) Can I take a tour of the Embassy or Consulates General in the UK?/Can I visit the shop at the Embassy?
There are no plans to offer public tours at this time, and we are unable to arrange access to the shop as it is a provision for current employees and their eligible family members only.
We look forward to welcoming you into the Consular Section if you apply for an in-person consular service. Such services are by appointment only.
6) Can I meet the U.S. President, Vice President or Secretary of State when they visit the UK?
Information about any public events will be available in the local and national press close to the time of the visit.
7) Can I attend election day/Halloween/festive parties or events?
We do not typically hold public events or parties. Click here for a list of U.S. organizations and publications who may have information about events in the UK.
