Job Discussion Forums

[mdk]

Excuse me if this has been answered recently, but I didn't see it with a quick scan.

I am a US citizen and I understand that the UK is not a signatory to the Schengen agreement. The question is how long can a US citizen stay in the UK if he is not working? I would like to take a break from teaching for short periods and go trekking in the UK and Ireland. Not exactly Munro bagging, but just sort of seeing the sights on foot.

Thank you,

[Sweeney Todd]

Hope this helps.
Have fun

Do I Need A UK Visa?

You asked if a national of United States needs a visa to come to the UK as a visitor.

No, you do not need a visa.

On arrival in the UK you must satisfy an immigration officer that you qualify for entry to the United Kingdom as a visitor under the Immigration Rules

If you entered the UK as a visitor, and you are still in the UK as a visitor, then you will not be allowed to switch to student status. This is due to the Immigration Rules Change that came into effect on 3 April 2006.

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/servlet/UKVisasDoINeedAVisa?url=%2Fservlet%2FFront%3Fpagename%3DOpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FShowPage%26c%3DPage%26cid%3D1006977149962&purpose=Visitor%2Ftourist&nationality=United+States&location=United+States

Visit for vacation/business
As a visitor to the UK, you must be able to show that:

you are genuinely seeking entry as a visitor for up to six months
you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit
you do not intend to take employment in the UK
you have enough money to support and accommodate yourself without recourse to public funds or taking employment
you can meet the cost of a return or onward journey.

http://www.britainusa.com/visas/articles_show_nt1.asp?i=65006&L1=41000&a=41122

[SueH]