England is the perfect place for you to travel to if you're thinking about taking your first out-of-the-U.S. trip. It's relatively close, the native language is English, and there are dozens of sites and attractions to explore. You'll need to prepare for the trip with some international travel basics and map out a realistic itinerary to make the most of your experience.
You'll need a passport and visa to visit England. If you don't have a current passport, you'll need to bring your pictures and some proof of your citizenship--a birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization, or a certificate of citizenship--to a post office (or if you prefer, a state or federal courthouse). Fill out a passport application, and in a month you'll have your passport. Americans with questions about passports can contact the U.S. State Department's Passport Service department.
If you are an American or Canadian citizen planning to stay in England for less than six months, you do not need a visa, but if you're planning to remain in England for more than six months, you do. You can get a visa from any British Embassy.
