Ok, situation has changed. I am going to London for 9 days instead of mailing a package. lol. 10/3-10/12. I am in the process of making sure all my ducks are in a row. I have my flight booked and vaca from work settled. I am reading on continentals website and found this about visas LINK It says "Visa required, except for A max. stay of 6 months:
for nationals of U.S.A.;
Period of stay will be determined by Immigration Officer on arrival."
what does this mean? Am I correct in understanding I dont need one if I stay less than 6 months? I really cant spend $750 just to be sent home from customs in London.
That’s all fine to ship. I spent some time there and never had a problem receiving packages with all sorts of food in them. As long as it’s not fresh agricultural products you’re good.
less than 6 months your fine. atleast thats how it was
at customs tell them you are visiting a dame, they move you right along with that.
Also check out the money ect. You have to have X amount of dollars per day you will be there ect. Also have all the address’s on hand, where your staying and with whom ect.
They will ask alot of questions but its an overall enjoyable experience if your cordial.
Be prepared to sell everything you own once you arrive in UK, expecially london, its so much nicer than america it will make you want to move.
The only reason I’m not there is because I couldnt get a work sponsor to keep me in the country without a visa.
I am having a hard time finding anything official LINK
Custom Regulations
At Heathrow Airport the guideline is that if you’re arriving on an international flight, and have checked baggage, you will come through Customs about forty minutes after your plane lands. Be prepared to have your luggage searched or X-rayed.
At departure you are advised to check-in two hours before for intercontinental flights. Take this advice seriously as Heathrow can become very congested at times.
PORT OF ENTRY
You will be given a De-embarkation Form before you land at the place of your destination.
There could be questions regarding the items that you are carrying, e.g. whether it exceeds the duty-free limits or whether you are carrying any vegetable products or any perishable products
Enter your organization’s - UK office Tel. No./address as your contact no./address.
AT THE IMMIGRATION COUNTER
Show your passport, immigration form and work permit.
Answer questions asked by the immigration officers respectfully, confidently and to the point. Do keep eye on what the officer writes down and politely correct him if you think anything is wrong.
Request the immigration officer for a multiple entry permit.
duh, one of my professors from last fall is the head of the travel and tourism department. Ill just have to track her down.
i went to spain for 3 weeks, also went to london int his time and several other eu countries. You only need a passport. If you would like to stay longer than 6 months you can get whats called an extended stay tourism visa that is good for i believe 3 more months, and after that you need a work or student visa and your NIE
You are fine. My sister resides in Berlin and works out of London. You are ok. Just out of curriosity why are you nervous about going? If you can open a HSBC acount before you go there. Use th local London HSBC branches to get cash with little or no fees and a good rate of exchange with HSBC ATM/debit card. Have fun!
I’m not nervous, I just want to make sure all my ducks are in a row. I have never gone out of the country, much flown (well once when I was ten, but that doesnt count), and I know with all the rules and regulations and shit people at the airport can make your life hell if something is out of place.
LOL You do not need a VISA to go to london. What that statement meant was if you are going there for over 6 months you need a Visa.
Oh, and if you are trying to go somewhere that requires a Visa, and you don’t have a Visa, you won’t get past check-in at the Buffalo airport. Ask me how I know.
Well since you asked, I needed a Visa to go to Angola (Africa) and I didn’t have one. I showed up at the airport ready to go to the bowels of Africa for 10 days and the ticket clerk said no. I had to reschedule my trip, send my passport to the state department with the invitation from the host company, they put a visa in my passport, and then I was able to go to Angola.
The airline can’t let you on the plane without proper documentation, including Visas. They are liaible.
Oh, and seriously ship that shit. Lie about what’s in the box if they hassle you. It’ll still get there. It’ll probably be cheaper and it will definitely be easier than trying to bring it on flights and through customs with you.