Which are the differences between the UK, US and France?

US Citizen re-entering UK after visit to France?

• I arrived in London in May and have been staying with my family friends all summer and travelling in the UK extensively, both North and South with my family friends who offer me support. I have booked a trip to Paris for this weekend in September. I have been in the UK about 4.5 months now, and I have a 6 month allowance as an American on my tourist visa. What I would like to do is re enter the UK after my four days in Paris and stay until late November/early December while I spend more time with my friends (trip to the Lake District) and explore my study abroad options in London. I then would like to go back to the states and possibly sort a Student Visa out and return as a Student to the UK in 2011. Will I have trouble re entering from France this trip? I have travelled to London many times and have never stayed more than three weeks, always been compliant, and don't see why I should have problems re entering the country other than the fact I have been here longer than my other stays. I have letters of financial support from my parents, a letter from my family friends stating they support me and I stay with them at their home during my stay in the UK, and letters from my University at home which include a proof of enrolment and my proof I have been applying/looking into study abroad here in London. I also have US medical insurance that extends to England. I am in no way a burden to the UK government and am not doing anything wrong, but I do worry about re entering as I have heard from other travellers that staying for long amounts of time can raise eyebrows at immigration. I am 21 years old and student. I've been to London three times this year, once on a visit to friends, and the other two were from being in transit to France on a ski holiday and then back to the United States. When I arrived in May I was given "leave to enter" for six months. So I wonder if I will be fine to re enter and go home in late November/early December, given that I am not in breach of anything?

• Answer:

  You should not have a problem. US citizens do not need a visa to enter the UK for a visit so you should have no problem reentering the UK. Normally the time you are allowed to stay as a tourist without a visa will start over once you leave the country and reenter. So, for example, if you are allowed to stay for 3 months you can leave the UK at the end of the three months for a weekend trip to another country. You can then come back to the UK and stay for another three months.