How to apply for a visa through the U.S. Embassy in London

Updated: Mar 21, 2023  | Tags: USA Embassy Appointment, USA Visa

If you're planning a trip to the United States, and are ineligible for an ESTA, you'll need to complete a visa application to enter the country. As part of the visa application process, UK based applicants will likely need to attend an appointment at U.S. Embassy in London. This article contains information for U.S. visa applicants who are needing to schedule an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in London.

London U.S. Embassy address and hours

The United States Embassy in London is located at 33 Nine Elms Ln, Nine Elms, London SW11 7US, the closest station being Nine Elms. The embassy is open from Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:30pm. Visitors must enter through the security checkpoint at the entrance and present a valid photo ID. bags and laptops are not allowed inside the embassy and must be left at the security checkpoint.

The US Embassy in London is a historic building located in the heart of London. It is the only U.S. Embassy in England. There are U.S. consulates in Belfast, Edinburgh and Hamilton, however they provide a more limited range of services when compared to the London U.S. Embassy.

Embassy contact information

The US Embassy in London can be contacted by phone at 020 7499 9000, or by email at london-info@usembassy.gov. The website of can be reached at the following url: https://uk.usembassy.gov/

Services for U.S. and foreign nationals

The embassy has a range of services for US citizens, including passport renewals and visa applications for foreign nationals. There is also a consular section which provides assistance to Americans who are victims of crime, have been arrested, or need help with other emergency situations. The embassy also has an American Citizen Services unit which can provide information on voting, taxes, and other topics. A full list of embassy services can be found below: 

• Issuance of passports and other travel documents
• Assistance with visa applications
• Notarization of documents
• Registration of births, marriages, and deaths
• Services for U.S. citizens who are victims of crime
• Services for U.S. citizens who are victims of domestic violence
• Financial assistance for U.S. citizens who are stranded in London
• Information and referral services for U.S. citizens

Scheduling an embassy appointment

Once you've submitted your DS-160 form, you'll need to schedule an appointment for an interview at the embassy. During the interview, a consular officer will ask you questions about your travel plans and will review your application materials. You'll also be fingerprinted and photographed. Once your application is approved, you'll be issued a visa based on the visa category you applied for. The entire process takes several weeks from start to finish, so be sure to plan ahead if you're visiting the United States.

Documents needed for appointment

Your appointment confirmation sheet and visa application confirmations are essential documents as well as your passport. Additional required documentation will vary based on the type of visa desired by the applicant.

Conclusion

The U.S. Embassy in London provides visa applicants and U.S. citizens a range of services not offered at consulates elsewhere in the UK. Due to current backlogs, visa applicants are advised to schedule their embassy appointments as soon as they have submitted their visa applications. The most up-to-date embassy wait times for appointments can be viewed here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html