U.S. citizens, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans are not required to obtain a visa to enter England; however, travelers must have a valid passport that is not set to expire within 2 months' of the travel date. All travelers are required to have a passport, including children. Passports can be obtained by contacting the U.S. Department of State. It should be noted that U.S. passports are issued in the United States, not the country where the traveler will travel.
To enter England, travelers must provide proof of a return flight. A round-trip ticket is generally provided to the immigration officer as proof that you will not remain permanently in England. Travelers must also show proof of support while traveling in Britain. A financial statement, issued from a financial institution such as a bank or credit union, as well as documents that show proof of an active line of credit, can be used to show evidence that funds are available to the traveler and will sufficiently cover his travel expenses. The British government does not specify a maximum or minimum amount of credit or financing that must be proven to enter England for travel.
When entering Britain for the first leg of a longer international flight, for example, when traveling on to Asia, travelers are encouraged to obtain a visa (as necessary) before entering Britain. Travelers should obtain visa information from their country of origin. U.S. travelers should visit the Department of State website to learn entry requirements for foreign destinations (see link in References).
A student, who wants to enter England to study abroad or obtain education or training, must obtain a visa as well. The student must also show proof of enrollment in a full-time course of study at a recognized British educational institution. An expected graduation or completion date must also be provided to the student by the institution prior to his travels to England. That document must then be shown, when required, to enter England. Financial statements are also required before entry into England is allowed.
Travelers are not allowed to enter Britain with a pet regardless of whether it is domesticated. A 6-month quarantine is required for all animals. Persons, who attempt to enter England with an animal that has not been quarantined, risk that animal being retained and/or destroyed.
