American Embassy London: Visa Services, Appointments and Contact Details

The American Embassy in London is the largest US diplomatic mission in Europe. It serves both US citizens living in or visiting the United Kingdom and UK nationals or third-country nationals applying for US visas. The embassy moved to its current Nine Elms location in January 2018 after more than 60 years at Grosvenor Square.

Address and Location

The embassy is situated at 33 Nine Elms Lane, Wandsworth, London SW11 7US. The nearest London Underground stations are Nine Elms on the Northern line and Battersea Power Station on the Elizabeth and Northern lines. The site is not publicly accessible without a prior appointment. All correspondence and consular enquiries must go through the official online channels rather than by visiting in person. The main switchboard number is +1 (202) 501-4444 for overseas callers, though most administrative enquiries are handled via the US Department of State website.

US Visa Applications from the UK

UK residents and third-country nationals applying for a US nonimmigrant visa follow a four-step process through the US Department of State. The application starts at ustraveldocs.com/gb, where applicants pay the MRV fee, complete the DS-160 online form and schedule a consular interview appointment at the London embassy. The most common nonimmigrant visa categories processed at the London embassy include: B-1/B-2 visitor visas for business or tourism, which currently carry a wait time published on the State Department's appointment availability tool. F-1 and M-1 student visas for those accepted at US educational institutions. J-1 exchange visitor visas, L-1 intracompany transfer visas, and O and P visas for individuals with extraordinary ability or those in the arts and entertainment industries. Immigrant visa applications - for those intending to live permanently in the United States - are also processed in London, typically following a petition approved by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

American Citizen Services

The American Citizen Services (ACS) unit assists US nationals living in or travelling through the UK with passport applications and renewals, Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) applications for children born to US parents overseas, notarial services for legal documents, emergency travel documents for those whose passports have been lost or stolen, and welfare and whereabouts checks for US citizens in distress. ACS appointments must be booked through the embassy's online appointment system. Processing times for routine passport renewals at overseas posts are typically 8 to 10 weeks; emergency passports for imminent travel can be processed on the same day with appropriate documentation.

Appointment Process and Wait Times

Visa interview appointments are booked exclusively through ustraveldocs.com. Wait times fluctuate considerably depending on the time of year and application volumes. The State Department publishes current estimated wait times for interview appointments at travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html. Emergency appointments are available for applicants who can demonstrate urgent travel within 72 hours due to a family emergency, medical necessity or business requirement. Applicants should attempt to book an emergency appointment through the standard portal first; if none are available, they may request an emergency appointment by emailing the London embassy through the ustraveldocs.com contact form.

Visa Fees

The MRV (Machine Readable Visa) application fee for most nonimmigrant visas is currently $185 (approximately £145), payable in GBP at the rate published by the State Department. This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether the visa is granted. Certain visa categories carry different fees - E visas for treaty traders and investors are $315, for example. Immigrant visa fees vary by category and are detailed at travel.state.gov.

What to Bring to Your Visa Interview

For a nonimmigrant visa interview at the London embassy applicants should bring their current valid passport and any previous passports containing US visas, the DS-160 confirmation page with barcode, the appointment confirmation letter printed or accessible on a mobile device, one 5x5cm photograph meeting US visa photo specifications, the MRV fee payment receipt, and all supporting documents relevant to the visa category applied for. Supporting documents vary by visa type but typically include evidence of strong ties to the UK or home country, financial statements, employment letters, travel itinerary and any invitation letters from US hosts or organisations.

Visa Denial and Reapplication

If a visa application is refused, the consular officer will explain the grounds under the relevant section of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The most common refusal ground is Section 214(b), which means the officer was not satisfied the applicant demonstrated sufficient ties outside the United States to overcome the presumption of immigrant intent. There is no formal appeal process for nonimmigrant visa refusals. Applicants may reapply at any time with new or additional evidence that addresses the grounds for refusal. The previous application fee is not refundable and a new fee must be paid.

What is the address of the American Embassy in London?

The American Embassy is at 33 Nine Elms Lane, London SW11 7US. The nearest tube stations are Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station on the Northern line.

How do I book a US visa appointment in London?

Appointments are booked through ustraveldocs.com/gb. You must complete the DS-160 form and pay the MRV fee before an appointment slot becomes available.

How long does a US visa interview take?

The interview itself is typically 2 to 5 minutes. However, applicants should allow up to two hours for security screening and queuing at the embassy.

Can I get an emergency US visa appointment in London?

Emergency appointments are available for urgent travel within 72 hours due to a genuine emergency. These are requested through the ustraveldocs.com contact system with supporting documentation.

What is the US visa fee in the UK in 2026?

The MRV application fee for most nonimmigrant visa categories is $185, paid in GBP at the State Department's published exchange rate. This fee is non-refundable.

Does the American Embassy in London handle UK passport applications?

No. The American Embassy handles US passport and American citizen services. UK passport applications are handled by His Majesty's Passport Office at gov.uk/apply-renew-passport.