Last reviewed: May 2026
TL;DR- Address: 33 Nine Elms Lane, London SW11 7US
- Switchboard: +44 (0)20 7499 9000
- Non immigrant visa appointments are booked at ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gb/niv
- Categories include B1/B2, F1, J1, H1B, L1, K1 and Immigrant Visas
- UK passport holders use ESTA for short tourist and business visits under the Visa Waiver Programme
The Embassy of the United States of America in London is the diplomatic mission of the United States in the United Kingdom. It opened at its current Nine Elms site in 2018, replacing the long established Grosvenor Square building. The embassy issues a wide range of non immigrant and immigrant visas for travellers heading to the United States, supports American citizens in the UK with passport and notarial services, and runs the Consular Section for routine immigration and family matters. Most applicants interact with the embassy through the official US visa information portal, which handles fee payment, scheduling and document collection.
Address and Contact Details
The US Embassy is at 33 Nine Elms Lane, London SW11 7US, in the Nine Elms district of south west London. The Northern line extension serves the embassy directly at the Nine Elms underground station. Vauxhall mainline and underground station is a short walk away. The main telephone number is +44 (0)20 7499 9000. The official website is uk.usembassy.gov, which carries notices on opening hours, public holidays, security alerts and visa policy updates. Security screening at the embassy is strict and visitors are advised to arrive only at the appointment time, with no large bags and no electronic devices unless permitted.
Visa Services Available
The embassy issues several non immigrant categories including the B1 Business Visa, the B2 Tourist Visa, often combined as B1/B2, the F1 Student Visa for academic study, the M1 Vocational Student Visa, the J1 Exchange Visitor Visa for au pairs, interns and exchange programmes, the H1B Specialty Occupation Work Visa, the L1 Intracompany Transferee Visa, the O1 Extraordinary Ability Visa and the K1 Fiance Visa. Immigrant visas covering family based and employment based green cards are processed at the embassy after approval by US Citizenship and Immigration Services. Diversity Visa interviews for UK based selectees also take place at Nine Elms.
How to Book an Appointment
Non immigrant visa appointments are booked at ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gb/niv. The portal handles account creation, DS-160 form submission, fee payment and slot selection. Applicants attend a biometrics appointment at a separate US visa application centre, and then an interview at the embassy. Slots for popular categories such as B1/B2 and F1 can stretch to several weeks during peak periods. Immigrant visa appointments are scheduled by the National Visa Center and the embassy in coordination after the underlying petition is approved. Walk in attendance is not permitted, and security at Nine Elms requires arrival within the appointment window.
Documents and Requirements
Standard documents include a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, the DS-160 confirmation page, the appointment confirmation, the visa fee receipt and a recent digital photograph that meets US specification, which is usually uploaded with the DS-160. B1/B2 applicants supply evidence of ties to the UK and the purpose of travel. F1 applicants supply the I-20 from the US institution and SEVIS fee receipt. H1B applicants supply the I-797 approval notice and employer letter. K1 applicants supply the I-129F approval and supporting evidence of the relationship. Immigrant visa applicants supply civil documents, medical examination results and police certificates.
Processing Times and Fees
Non immigrant visa processing varies by category and demand. B1/B2 issuance often takes a few working days after interview, while H1B and L1 cases can take longer due to administrative checks. Immigrant visa processing depends on petition approval, document collection and interview scheduling and may take several months. Standard non immigrant visa fees are set in US dollars and converted to pounds sterling at the portal. Immigrant visa fees are paid to the National Visa Center. Fees are non refundable for refused applications. The current fee schedule is published on the US Department of State travel.state.gov website.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK passport holders need a visa for the United States?
UK passport holders qualify for the Visa Waiver Programme for short business and tourist trips under ESTA. Other purposes such as study, work and fiance entry require a visa from the embassy.
Where do I find my DS-160 confirmation?
The DS-160 confirmation page is generated at the end of the online form on the US Department of State website. Applicants print and bring it to the visa interview.
Can I get an emergency US visa appointment?
The portal at ais.usvisa-info.com offers an expedited appointment request for genuine emergencies such as urgent medical travel or unexpected business needs.
Is there a US consulate in Belfast or Edinburgh?
The Consulate General in Belfast and the Consulate General in Edinburgh provide consular services for American citizens. Visa interviews are conducted at the embassy in London.
What is the K1 fiance visa?
The K1 is a non immigrant visa that allows the fiance of a US citizen to enter the United States for marriage, after which adjustment of status to permanent residence is filed.
How We Verified This
Details were checked against the US Embassy London website, the US Department of State travel.state.gov visa pages and the official US visa information portal. Address, phone, visa categories and online booking route were cross checked across official sources. Fees and processing times are illustrative and applicants confirm current figures on the official portals.
