U.S. Embassy, London

Walking around Elm came across this beautifully designed building that caught my eye from the rest in the neighbourhood. Reading the plaque I discovered it was the US embassy and how the nice landscape was specifically designed inspired in this country & London. Just wanted to add that the first american consulate opened in the UK and in the world was in the city of Liverpool in 1790. You can still see the beautiful bald eagle on it's original building that's now a restaurant. So if you folks have any spare time after your paperwork it's worth a visit up north to see this beautiful too piece of american history.

The United States Embassy in London stands as one of America’s most prominent diplomatic outposts, a modern fortress of glass and geometry rising over the south bank of the Thames. Now settled in the rapidly developing district of Nine Elms, the embassy has become not only the largest American mission in Western Europe but also the central stage for many U.S.–UK diplomatic engagements.

Overall a positive experience. We went for a consular report of birth abroad for our son (CRBA) and his first passport. There were no queues but we had to spend a long time in the waiting room. The appointment time doesn't really mean much. Overall it took 2 hours from when we arrived and departed. Please note everything must go through the metal detector or x-ray machine so newborns need to be removed from the stroller/car seat. If you make sure you have all your documents as per the checklist on the embassy's website, it's an easy process.

Genuinely had the best experience getting my J1 exchange student visa. Firstly they are extremely efficient and the whole process was really smooth and clear and the inside was very calm. Secondly, they were so helpful as I needed my passport (with visa for my flight to the US in jan ) for an extenuating personal circumstance that requires me to travel this the same week to Italy. Staff were understanding and arranged for my visa to be done and ready for pickup within 2 days. I wish I got the names of all the staff/ interviewers that helped me at each stage- they were all wonderful and I hope this gets passed on to them! Definitely alleviated some stress from this situation for me! Can’t thank them enough, if I could give more than 5 stars I would!

Absolutely vile, expensive and time consuming experience at the US Embassy in London. I was made to wait in a lengthy line outside the building in the freezing cold before being herded into an airport style security check. I had to visit the embassy in person for a week business trip to Tampa organised by my globally known employer that runs these trips every year that the Embassy should be aware of. I had to pay for ESTA visa exemption aswell as I have a British passport. My appointment was given to me 2 months after my business trip's departure date and costs me over 200 dollars where I was taken to the special investigations unit and treated like a criminal on trial before being granted an 8 year US visa. Frankly due to the US's unethical administration and participation in international war crimes I am glad that I have never visited despite having family members across the country. Avoid like the plague as most of the world is doing now leaving the US tourism sector virtually non-existent. Just check the videos online of empty flights and airports all over the country. The other thing worth mentioning is that the building is a massive ugly eyesore of a structure fraught with controversy around its £750 million construction that has driven property prices up effectively out pricing Londoners out of Nine Elms & Battersea. Zero stars well deserved.

Wow ! Organised very well !!! I arrived around 10:45 for my visa application at 11 am, 1st outside reception checks your Ds160 form and passport Then ask you to go inside to pass security 2nd security They don’t want laptop 💻 or liquids I had bottle of water , they asked me to have a sip, which is understandable. 3rd stage-1 quick question of purpose of visit And photo check (10-15 mins waiting time ) 4th stage-2 fingertips , quick (<5mins ) 5th stage-3 omg! That was long:( 45-50 mins ) Maybe it was Monday and busy day ! Good thing they have seats all the way so while queue was moving you can seat and rest! Here few questions about purpose of visa. And what you do for work etc !! Questions changes because of everyone has different background :) 6th they approved , they didn’t ask any documents , although I printed and was ready to provide all thing :) bank statement payslips etc etc Friendly staff members ! Amazing !! Except waiting time , all was smooth and kinda perfect 👌🏻 Thanks

Awful experience. Almost no disability help. Had to queue for ages and I was in agony by the end of the appointment. Apart from the nonexistent accessibility procedures, I was denied the visa after almost no questions under 214b. My family is the UK, my support system is in the UK, and lastly and absolutely the most important point my health depends on very expensive medication and hospital visits some of which are already booked in the UK. But not knowing that’s the actual interview I never mentioned it nor was I asked. Why on earth would I ever not come back? As stated before absolutely awful experience from beginning to end. Maybe I dodged a bullet (pun intended). I’ll just continue visiting other countries a few trips are already booked, and take the USA off my list anyway.

My wife, daughter and I were nicely treated. Just that the woman that attended to us at stage 3 wasnt fair with her decision. We had every documents and even a mortgage in principle and plan to show that we would be coming back after our visit. I also have a 5yrs work visa in the UK but she didnt even bother looking at them. My little girl even said hi to her but her response was so cold, I just knew something was wrong. She denied our visa. Very painful cos we put our little girl through alot of stress coming all the way from Wales and waking up early for the appointment, all to no avail. So even if my family and I are qualified, does that mean we still cant get a visa just to go on a vacation even when the denial letter stated that we didnt show we had a reason to return to the UK. Doesn't a work visa sound good enough for us to return? Maybe it was just a bad decision on the path of the staff that handled us cos the 2nd stage where we did our finger print, the lady was so nice to us. She even spoke to our daughter. That was welcoming. I believe the decision was bias but what can I do? EL-ROI

They definitely OVER delivered!! Background - I was stupid and inadvertently shredded Mrs G's passport by mistake while shredding mountains of confidential paperwork and she was traveling a week later. Yikes!! We managed to get an appointment at 8am on a Friday morning. There were long lines for visa applications but Mrs G was allowed to walk right in and about 40 minutes later walked out clutching a brand new Emergency Passport (valid for a year) and could fly to LAX the next Tuesday!! God bless America. Thank you :)

The staff was professional and the process was organized. Security was tight, but expected. Make sure to bring all required documents. Overall, a smooth experience.

The US Embassy in London experience was fantastic. They helped me with a new passport when mine was stolen. I was extremely upset and their process plus assistance made me feel comfortable and settled my nerves. Thank you US Embassy

My daughter needed an emergency use visa to get home, as her US one was expired. She had a passport in one hour. She said everyone was great, helping her get it all done.

I was flying thru London Heathrow unfortunately on British Airways ( the only airline that is more bureaucratic than any government agency could ever dream of being) , my daughter had 2 months and 27 days of passport validity and the British Airways agent decided to implement a hard line policy, we had to either go home or go to the embassy to get a new passport, we chose to go to the embassy the very next day in the AM. We breezed thru security and avoided the long lines of visa applicants, this just because we were Americans and the embassy does serve Americans abroad as a first order of business. We got to the 2nd floor, pulled a number, and we're called to a window within 3 minutes, we went over to the cashier and paid for the passport, waited 10 minutes, proceeded to next window for a consular official interview, then within 10 or 15 minutes we were called to pick up the new passport, and That was that. A big kudos for the US Embassy staff in London, you guys are awesome and you are definitely spot on, could not of felt better about being an American Citizen, and with the great friendly country of Great Britain. We support pay raises for all these state department. Personnel, you guys Rock!

First I would like to say that US embassy Building itself is a piece of art. Us embassy is situated next to a decent park, a Golden eagle set right on the middle of roof and spread its wing seems about to fly, several bronze statues stand in front of building, the majesty and architecture stolen my breath ( if you ever been to France embassy, you can understand why I am so fuss) Let's Come to the point. I went to us embassy at the beginning of January when should be off season, but lines can't be long any more, if you are an us citizen, queue up in other line which is pretty short. Even though you entered the building eventually, there are still hundreds people were waiting in front of you. Receptionist will hand you a number which will be shown twice on screen, first time show your name for submit documents, second time for interview. Waiting really takes time, interview and documents check were quite efficient. Finally, Collect your passport on a particular post office one or two weeks later.

Went on a Monday before Christmas holiday for NIV. Appointment was 9am but I showed up at 9am instead of 830am. The check-in line was mixed with people with 9am and 930 appointments while 10am appointment separate line. Check in took about 20min then go to the security check line. Very slow moving, only a few people at a time to go thru security check. You can bring backpack, phone, water. Took 45min to get thru security. By that point, you have been standing in line for more than an hour. Luckily it didn't rain that day. Immigrant visa applicants can just walk straight to the check-in tent and go thru separate entrance for US citizens. After security, I walked to the north side of the building to check in again (get a number) and sat down and waited to be called. Waited about 1hr 20min to first submit documents. Approaching lunch time some windows shutting down. Waited for another 35min for interview. There are only two stalls of toilets for women, usually a line there. By the time I'm done interviewing it's 1215pm. Total 3hrs 15min flew by. The number Bings on the big screen constantly (almost every 5seconds) with both the documents submission and interview window number listed all together...need to pay close attention as the number jumps when it comes to interview (documents reviewing process varies I assume). Total number of NIV applicants is about 450 that day. Not included immigrant visa applications. Got my passport delivered to pickup location on Wed before Christmas. So only two business days to issue the Visa. I've been to three different countries' US embassies for NIV. Wouldn't say it's the worst but certainly the efficiency could be improved.. Eg security check.

I've relocated to England and needed to visit the Embassy. For my needs, I was required to contact them via their online submission form. I was concerned about waiting for an email reply. However, they did respond within 48 hours. Email communication was a little dodgy. I had to resubmit the same information more than once. Mission finally accomplished and an in office appointment was scheduled. The building is very dated, but the service was more than acceptable. Not as bad as the California DMV and certainly loads better than dealing with any government office in New York City! I was expecting delays and hassles based on reviews posted by visa applicants. But, I suppose being an American citizen streamlined my wait. All in all, it turned out to be a pretty nice visit.

This was the best passport experience ever! I needed an expedited passport for a flight in 4 days as mine was expired. Everyone was so helpful and efficient in the embassy. I was in and out within an hour! Honestly, they were just amazing.

On what planet does making an appointment (required) to be allowed to sit outside in the cold (in a que) to then go through security to sit in another que to sign a few papers to sit in another que, to sit in another que, to sit in another que, etc etc etc and so forth and so on --- MAKE SENSE!? Honestly, I needed a US passport for my infant son to be able to take him back to the USA. He was 3 weeks old and I had to stand outside with him, in MARCH for about 45 minutes before I could go through security (this was WITH an appointment!). It was freezing, windy and disgusting out. He was starving. It was not pleasant. I just don't understand how this is the procedure. Even without a baby I'd have been very annoyed. Get it together USA -- we're supposed to be the organized ones. FFS.

I am not sure why Yelpers have said this embassy is closed. I was just there and trust me the lines indicated otherwise. It was sad to see that the US Embassy is guarded by contractors who are foreign nationals rather than seeing US Marines. You could not even go inside the embassy without an appointment as I wanted to see what a piece of sovereign US land inside another country looks like. Nevertheless whatever the two lines were for they were very long. The building is impressive and in front of it is a park with a statue to Ronald Reagan and General Dwight D Eisenhower. If you are in the area take a look at it atleast from the outside as the building is impressive.

They have been very helpful. I lost my passport so I was unable to leave back home to the states. They made it quick and easy to get the emergency documents I needed and they have fast internet, do that's a plus!

Not really a review, but perhaps a few pointers for those going for a visa appointment. 1) Make sure to arrive early, as there's always a long line outside. Be sure you have all your documents. Don't worry if the photo is the UK passport size instead of the US; in any case, there is a photo booth inside the embassy. 2) Although they say not to bring electronic devices, there is a cloakroom when you go through security and they will hold on to any devices they find while you're there. However, they don't guarantee that it might not be lost or stolen, so the best policy is still to leave your mobile phone and other things at home. 3) Try to get your documents in presentable order and clearly explained in writing. There are two rounds. The first round is merely to confirm you are the right person and to take your documents. Then there is a wait (usually 1-2 hours, may be much longer) where someone inside will review your file and documents. You will then be called to the interview windows, where they will ask you questions regarding your application. 4) Because of the long waiting time inside, I strongly suggest that you bring lots of reading material with you. There is a cafe that sells food and drinks, but surprisingly no reading material. 5) Upon completion of your interview, you will be told right then and there if you get the visa or not (it was in my case), and you will then have to approach to courier desk to pay for your passport and documents to be sent back to you by post. 6) At this point, you're done! And congratulations on getting one of the hardest visas ever. And to reward your patience, tourists will usually be granted a 10-year, multiple entry visa. So start planning your next-next trip, and your next-next-next trip to America!

This past Saturday I was supposed to fly to Italy with my family. Ticket in hand, unfortunately I was stopped at security as my passport was short 3 days of the 3 months validity still needed for travel. (I had no idea that you needed at least 3 months validity left on your passport to visit most European countries). Fast forward to Monday, 7:30am. I get through security and head up to Passport Services to apply for an emergency passport. Checked in by 7:45, called to a window by 7:55, paid for new passport by 8:10 and had brand new, emergency passport in hand by 8:40am. US Embassy is super efficient and the employees in London are TOP NOTCH! Honestly, it couldn't have been a better experience considering the circumstances. Needless to say, THANK YOU US Embassy in London! Best part, I made it onto a flight to Italy later that day.

If you are going to the American embassy for an appointment you need to get there well in advance. For nationals you can expect it to take around 30 minutes to get inside and to your appointment, be it a new passport, pages, documents, etc. Everyone is in the same line. Once inside you will find a bleak waiting room with a section for kids to pay around in and let the hours roll by as their parents wait patiently to get their documents and go. For non nationals your queue is even longer. Not only is everyone looking for a visa, passport, paperwork, interview, etc all together, but the line is epically long and in the cold outside. Being a scarf and umbrella if needed. My advise: show up around 30-40 minutes early, leave your laptop at home (they will make you leave it at a local chemist for the cost of £4), bring some music to drown or the kids screaming, a book to read and some snacks as you will be waiting a while and the vending machine is not great.

I like US Embassy. I also happen to like their visa issue process - you don't even need to book flights - just fill out application and turn up! All on-line - you no longer need to call them. Staff here is very, very friendly. I also like that they have a photobooth inside - in case you've forgotten to take a picture or it doesn't comply with the standards for some reason! I like that little cafe at the front of the waiting hall - where they serve coffee, tea, breakfast baps, croissants and snacks (some are healthy, some are not). It's very efficient, last time I went in at 8am and left at 9.30am knowing that I got a visa. I left to so many embassies not knowing whether I got it or not and for how long - but US embassy tells you straightaway. Their new delivery service is brilliant - you choose location to pick up your passport from - so no longer need to worry that you won't hear that door bell! They have very friendly security, and to be honest - I like embassies with securities - it makes ME feel safe. They don't allow laptops (beware not to bring one!) but there is a storage shop 2 min walk from there where you can store your things.

I came here on a Monday 1pm appointment for passport renewal. Super chill. Less than ten people. I got taken care of within a min. Had to travel in 5 days so the embassy offered me an "emergency temporary passport" which is valid for one year and have 12 pages in it. Processing time is max 90mins, cost the same ($110) and can exchange for the standard ten year passport for free!! Simply top notch.

I am a US citizen that had my passport, all ID and credit cards stolen from my rental vehicle. My husband had his wallet but his passport was stolen too. (Thank goodness, I had my mobile phone that wasn't stolen with a digital copy of my driver's license and passport because you will need some sort of ID to get your passport!!!) Anyhow, I called the embassy phone line and was able to obtain an appointment for a new passport the next day. They sent me an email, with information and how to complete most of the temporary application before the appointment to save time the next day. We arrived at the appointed time and the guard had our names on a list. We went through security and went to the passport office. We still had paper work to complete but overall it went very quickly. We were in and out of the embassy in less than an hour. I don't remember the exact cost but it was around $135 to obtain a temporary 1 year passport. They don't provide you with a picture so you will need a passport picture. We had ours taken at a photo shop near a tube station but the embassy did have a picture booth by the main entrance (not sure of the cost). Anyhow, the temporary passport can be replaced at no cost as long as you complete a new application and send it in within a year. We really appreciated the service and professionalism of the embassy personnel during this stressful experience!

Part of the US embassy, is a cultural department. The deparment organises film screenings, talks and events held in both the Embassy and in venues across London and the UK. The events organised vary largely, so it is a good idea to check the website for a list of events going on, but some are quite enjoyable, and many are free. Though if you do go to an event held at the Embassy, remember that security is very strict here!

It's unfortunate that for the most part, the people inside the embassy (i.e. the Americans) are rude and treat you like the scum of the earth, and the people outside the building (the Londoners) will bend over backwards to help you out. A tad unfortunate when one is emigrating to America.

Great experience!! I lost my passport, and showed up at 7:20am to get in line for an emergency appointment... You have to have an appointment! Go online! Or if you're really in a bind like I was just show up as early as you can. The line for US citizens services was short and moved quickly. I was 4th in line at 7:20am. I got passport photos take at a pharmacy just 3 mins walk away (Goulds Pharmacy), they are open really early! The attendant at the front was so nice and helpful. The security guys were stern, but nice. All the staff once in the embassy was efficient and professional and took good care of me. I had an emergency passport printed for me within 90mins I had a passport! I'm so relieved and happy it was seamless. HINT: fill out all forms before arriving to speed up the process. Bring all the information you can with you, you will need a photo ID of some kind to get a new passport. A photo copy of your passport is helpful too (if you have it).

My appointment was at 8:30am. I got there at 7:45am and there was a long line already. After security check, I waited for 40 min till my number was called. The British lady at the counter was tad rude and demand to see my SEVIS fees receipt when clearly she doesn't know I don't need one since I'm renewing my visa. She later on called me back again to gather my remain documents. Later on I was send to the interview counter, the person who interview me seems alright, didn't ask much questions since most of my details are in their system record. Was done in 10 min for the interview wait line, told me right on the spot I got approved for renewal on Thursday. Got an email from them that my visa is available for pick up at the DX on Tuesday. Good job at the expedite service. People at the counter need to learn not to be so uptight and smile. Gees !

An embarrassment that they represent me overseas. Having lived in various countries for the past nine years, I'm well aware that our foreign services encompass a variety of important functions and are, in very many cases, much better than those of other countries. Nevertheless, I'm also continually in awe of the arrogance, cowardice and unprofessionalism encountered even in the most mundane of bureaucratic functions. Applying for a visa to work in the UK, which must be through the US Embassy, for example. The instructions posted on line are not the same as those available when printed out as PDF form (the latter are much more detailed). The instructions on line lead the user to web pages elsewhere on the US Embassy website that do not answer the question, and eventually lead the user in circles. WorldBridge, the company contracted by the Embassy to aid in this process, does nothing of the sort. Finding that the information online did not answer my question, I asked the WorldBridge operator for more information. They asked, "Have you checked the website?" "Yes, the answer isn't there, that's why I'm calling you." "Well, we can't provide specific answers to questions on the application due to legal reasons. We can only provide general advice." Nine dollars for this? Why can't the US test their own website? Are they just too busy or too arrogant? Or are they afraid to provide people with a means of contacting them because they're scared? Similarly, once the visa application was finished, it was sent next day service via FedEx to their office in New York City. With a pre-paid, pre-addressed, FedEx return envelope. It arrived no problem, FedEx told me this and, in a similarly positive note, once this office had my application, they turned it around in 48 hours. Then, problems again. A phone message from the New York Processing hub, stating that FedEx is incapable of collecting the FedEx package as the address to send it to (where I live) did not exist. This was a particularly odd statement as FedEx had delivered a package to me that morning. And, another problem - the phone number from which that call was made leaves a generic US Embassy number on caller ID. Calling it back offers no help whatsoever, only an automated phone line with no ability to contact the New York Processing hub to diagnose the problem. Hours and days were wasted waiting for another phone call to talk with someone there in person. Why? Why is Embassy afraid of it's own citizens contacting them? Or, do they just not have the time? A second phone call was caught and the same problem was claimed on the part of the Embassy. FedEx, which delivers all over the world, thousands of times a day, is incapable of collecting a package in NYC and delivering to Massachusetts. And, an added detail - the Embassy claimed the FedEx would not do it because I did not have an account with FedEx. Unbelievable? Yes, that's the local FedEx office said as well. They had no idea why the package wasn't being collected. I was on the phone with the FedEx NYC dispatcher twice, who kindly sent FedEx trucks to the New York Processing Hub to collect the package from the Embassy offices, and they would ask straightforward questions - what floor? What room number? who do I contact? Again, apparently the Embassy feels that they don't need to provide these details so, as a result the package couldn't be collected. And, this was after I had created an online account with FedEx, so that pre-printed shipping labels could be used. Somehow, after a week of this back and forth, my passport and UK work visa made their way back to Massachusetts. Weirdly, FedEx delivered it right to my house. I'm still convinced that FedEx, which has been successfully doing their job for decades, was simply the scapegoat for incompetence at the NYC Processing Hub. ...more to follow...

Be warned the American Embassy staff may have been cut, but my recent experience was different from any other i have ever had since living in the UK since 1976. I had to change my address for my social security payment, i went to the embassy to the social security desk - the woman wrote out the form and stated my payment would come in 10 working days - in 10 working days it was not there. I had my granddaughter call the embassy - they admitted they had not bothered to send a form written 2 weeks before. They said they would fill out the form and i would get the money in 10 working days. I became worried - and ended up telephone the American centre of social security there the woman looked up my record - 6 hours after the person in the Embassy said they were sending in the form - that form was not send it. I do not know what is happening to the personnel in the Embassy but i have never ever had such slip shod service -so Americans check them check them - an email to the Chairman of the Democrats Abroad results in no answer - hummm - -

Know for a fact that anyone who gets put on admin processing will not be giving out 5 stars or even 3. I am in that now due to some serious BS. Bad enough you get lied to about how long things will take but you are then put in a long limbo without anyone to ask whats going on once you leave the embassy. Make sure you have your passport in top shape too because they will take at least 3 weeks to tell you its not ok. My passport passed through 4 officials hands since my flight back to the UK not one of those advised me on getting a new passport. Thats just the icing on the cake as I dont have enough space to write what else went haywire with this ridiculous drawn out quite inept process. My b-1 processing from 2009 though that gets 4 stars easy so my average is based on that. That was because I had a hard but fair interviewer who was american which I prefer to be honest so why have a british consular officer interview me? nonsense!

We recently had a chance to visit the US Embassy. Although our visit was precipitated by circumstances that were unfortunate, the staff at the US Embassy made it a pleasant experience. We had to get two emergency passports and went to wait in line on the Monday morning (there was no one that answered the emergency line on the weekend). We got there at about 8am. There was a long line already starting to form, particularly for Visas. We had to check in at a small kiosk with a representative by the name of Matthew. He was so friendly and helpful and got us an appointment right then and there. We had to run down the street to the pharmacy to get new passport photos and cash (their credit card machines were down) and come back. When we came back, we got into the Embassy and had our emergency passports within the hour. They had a great play area for our kids and cell phones were allowed. Overall, great experience with emergency passports for US residents. I don't think the Visa process is as timely since the line appeared to be much longer.