# I am going to London v. visa? **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Off Topic\ **Created:** [September 21, 2009, 3:47pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/i-am-going-to-london-v-visa/73848 "2009-09-21T15:47:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![travisn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/travisn/32/5046_2.png) [@travisn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/travisn)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2009, 3:47pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/i-am-going-to-london-v-visa/73848/1 "2009-09-21T15:47:08Z")
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](http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/apps/travel/passport/results.aspx?SID=BAE08E6F6DDF42F9B1B08F2991FA83BA) 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. > [@travisn](#): > > The gf is in London for a semester and I want to send her a care package of all the junk food she doesnt have in London. lol. I can get a small flat rate box from usps for $54, but they couldnt tell me what I am not allowed to ship. The lady said I might have a hard time sending food over. Anyone know where I can find what is allowed? > > I plan on shipping: > -6 pack of mountain dew (the small cans) > -2 boxes of mac and cheese > -box of pasta and jar of sauce > -some cereal > -ramen noodles > -some oreos > -lemonade mix > -power strip (she has the converter, but it only has one outlet) > > I think thats it. I am thinking of putting anything liquid in freezer bags incase they burst it wont make a mess of everything. > > Thanks ---
**Author:** ![Hass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/51bf81/32.png) [@Hass](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Hass)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2009, 5:43pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/i-am-going-to-london-v-visa/73848/2 "2009-09-21T17:43:52Z")
I think it’s fruits and veggies which are restricted. ---
**Author:** ![Avatar](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/avatar/32/5076_2.png) [@Avatar](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Avatar)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2009, 5:55pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/i-am-going-to-london-v-visa/73848/3 "2009-09-21T17:55:55Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![travisn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/travisn/32/5046_2.png) [@travisn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/travisn)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2009, 6:03pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/i-am-going-to-london-v-visa/73848/4 "2009-09-21T18:03:39Z")
thanks guys. so i should just list everything on the customs form? and what about the pop/jar of sauce being in the unpressurized cargo hold? should I worry? ---
**Author:** ![travisn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/travisn/32/5046_2.png) [@travisn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/travisn)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2009, 6:33pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/i-am-going-to-london-v-visa/73848/5 "2009-09-21T18:33:02Z")
the lady at the post office said something about preservatives, I guess thats only on fresh food? ---
**Author:** ![ILLRACEU](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ee7513/32.png) [@ILLRACEU](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ILLRACEU)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2009, 8:16pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/i-am-going-to-london-v-visa/73848/6 "2009-09-21T20:16:45Z")
The cargo hold is pressurized so you’re ok. ---
**Author:** ![travisn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/travisn/32/5046_2.png) [@travisn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/travisn)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2009, 7:15pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/i-am-going-to-london-v-visa/73848/7 "2009-09-22T19:15:21Z")
bump, edited first post. ---
**Author:** ![Karter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e480ec/32.png) [@Karter](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Karter)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2009, 7:24pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/i-am-going-to-london-v-visa/73848/8 "2009-09-22T19:24:06Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![travisn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/travisn/32/5046_2.png) [@travisn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/travisn)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2009, 7:34pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/i-am-going-to-london-v-visa/73848/9 "2009-09-22T19:34:38Z")
I am having a hard time finding anything official [LINK](http://www.myenglandtravel.com/air-travel-england.html) > 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. ---
**Author:** ![A.J](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/858c86/32.png) [@A.J](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/A.J)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2009, 9:15pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/i-am-going-to-london-v-visa/73848/10 "2009-09-22T21:15:34Z")
you don’t need to track anyone down, under 6 months and you don’t need any special visa. You will just have a travel visa ---
**Author:** ![dawn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/dawn/32/7209_2.png) [@dawn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/dawn)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2009, 10:56pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/i-am-going-to-london-v-visa/73848/11 "2009-09-22T22:56:05Z")
I went to London for 2 weeks and didn’t need anything except my passport. ---
**Author:** ![Avatar](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/avatar/32/5076_2.png) [@Avatar](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Avatar)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2009, 4:02am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/i-am-going-to-london-v-visa/73848/12 "2009-09-23T04:02:25Z")
You don’t need a visa. ---
**Author:** ![LZ1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@LZ1](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LZ1)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2009, 4:04am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/i-am-going-to-london-v-visa/73848/13 "2009-09-23T04:04:48Z")
You need a Visa for extended stays/work/school ---
**Author:** ![97\_B18b1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/9/cdc98d/32.png) [@97\_B18b1](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/97_B18b1)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2009, 4:36am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/i-am-going-to-london-v-visa/73848/14 "2009-09-23T04:36:30Z")
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 ---
**Author:** ![AKUMA\_TO\_TENSHI](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/db5fbb/32.png) [@AKUMA\_TO\_TENSHI](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/AKUMA_TO_TENSHI)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2009, 4:53am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/i-am-going-to-london-v-visa/73848/15 "2009-09-23T04:53:05Z")
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! Akuma ---
**Author:** ![Avatar](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/avatar/32/5076_2.png) [@Avatar](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Avatar)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2009, 5:29am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/i-am-going-to-london-v-visa/73848/16 "2009-09-23T05:29:23Z")
> [@AKUMA TO TENSHI](#): > > 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! > > Akuma Definitely do this. HSBC is everywhere there and it sure beats paying fees other banks will charge you. ---
**Author:** ![travisn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/travisn/32/5046_2.png) [@travisn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/travisn)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2009, 5:46am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/i-am-going-to-london-v-visa/73848/17 "2009-09-23T05:46:51Z")
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. And I already have HSBC, ftw. ---
**Author:** ![dawn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/dawn/32/7209_2.png) [@dawn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/dawn)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2009, 5:59am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/i-am-going-to-london-v-visa/73848/18 "2009-09-23T05:59:57Z")
I’m so jealous. I LOVE flying. I’m trying to plan a vacation to Germany sometime soon. ---
**Author:** ![Fry](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fry/32/7284_2.png) [@Fry](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Fry)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2009, 6:07am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/i-am-going-to-london-v-visa/73848/19 "2009-09-23T06:07:02Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Fry](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fry/32/7284_2.png) [@Fry](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Fry)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2009, 6:10am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/i-am-going-to-london-v-visa/73848/20 "2009-09-23T06:10:54Z")
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. [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/i-am-going-to-london-v-visa/73848.md?page=2)