In and out very quickly on a Tuesday morning. Very smooth process even as an eastern european and got approved, which is nice.
Waited in the company of Jamie Dornan who is the main actor in 50 Shades of Gray so that also helped with the nerves.
I had an appointment at 8am and arrive half an hour early. The process was super efficient and I was out by 8:30. The staff were very friendly and as it was the start of the day there was no back log or large queues. I would definitely recommend as early an appointment as possible. Mobile phones are allowed too, contrary to what I was lead to believe by various sources. Very pleased!
Very unhelpful and incompetent. They did not know the process on how to replace a stolen green card. They told us we would have no problem returning back the US since my wife had a picture of her lost green card, this was wrong. When we arrived to the airport in Barcelona, she was not allowed to board without notarized permission from the US embassy. This costed us time and lot of money. Go to Madrid instead if you need something done right.
My wife is a US citizen living in the UK. She needs to talk to a real person but has found it impossible to do so which is very frustrating for her. Why is it that there is no opportunity to do this? Many problems / difficulties could be cleared up so much more easily if that opportunity was available..
Another Innocent, family man shot dead by US Cops today,,,land of the free?
I arrived and the pleasant girl at the front desk was audibly using her computer to read out alternative jobs, on a job hunt site. I later realised i would too if working with some of her colleagues.
Being a 1.30pm appt. and still waiting at gone 3.45, the mental exhaustion and lack of considerstion of some of the staff was not only notable, it became unnerving with the eye contact between applicants as we waited, wondering what wound them all up the wrong way.
For a nation cliche d with have a nice days and how can i help you s this was more akin to Ryanair customer service. One employee sighed and sais today has been too many people, too long but they should clear this lot in 10 mins she can go home.
I must say, the first person i spoke to was a wonderful example of a human. He took time to listen to me and actually understood my reason for travel. If he had been the person to do my visa, no doubt i d be en route to work in America at the end of the month.
The tired man at the end of the day who I dealt with however, i hold a level of distain for which is usually reserved for supervillains, or disapproving mother in laws.
He misunderstood the reason for my visa application, misinterpeted what i said, ignored all documents that supported my case, and accused me of making reality tv when i was simply filming unscripted/unrehearsed documentary content to be shot at live events/on the road and edited and distributed freely as a documentary in the UK (correct application as per your application website).
He spoke over my answers when asking for an explanation and simply didnt want to listen. His mind was made up.
After the 2 minutes he gave me to decide my fate, he told me this conversation is over and made no eye contact and told me to leave the building. He even made it awkward because he didnt even say how to leave, refused eye contsct and stared at his desk. At no point was i confrontational.
On reflection;
1)I m white, male and British. I have a new found level of sorrow for people who may have to experience this callous lack of understanding for a visa when they cant get an ESTA to travel.
My heart pours out to you. This was a job, i ll get over it. he might decide your life.
2) if the guy who handled my case worked in media he would know he was wrong, but there s thousands of jobs. He can t know them all so his best guess in 2mins is a single persons final decision lf your fate.
3) visas applications are pot luck, and reinforce the stereotypes of Bureaucrats. Yesterday one of the most important and exciting jobs in my career so far was taken from me because a tired ill-informed man with a rubber stamp wanted to go home.
4) go early. People might take the time if you arent 9th from the end of the day and he can see the finish line in sight.
5) when a person shakes their head left to right repeatedly when asking questions its usually a sign their mind is made up.
6) it s basically designed so you can t appeal.
A huge waste of my time and money.
7) I couldn t do that job... but thanks to a lack of understanding from a certain rude employee, now I can t do mine either.
We went to renew our daughter's US passport yesterday. Got in the queue of people about10 minutes before our scheduled appointment. We had our documents checked, went through security and into the building. At reception we were told where to go inside of the building (window 1) where we left the documents needed for passport renewal. Then we were told to pay the fee at different window after which we sat down and waited for our turn to be called. Numbers were called over the mic and also they were shown on the TV screen in front of us as we were seated. We were called after about 45 mins wait, went to the window where we were greeted by a very pleasant lady who was dealing with us and asked us few questions after which she said passport renewal was approved and new passport will be delivered to us in the envelope which we prepaid at the reception for the courier service.We were told passport would take about 2 weeks to arrive.After that we left the embassy in good spirits, whole process took us about an hour and half from the time of our appointment until we left the building.Next Month we have an immigrant visa interview and we hope to meet same pleasant people again.
Very spacious .waited over 2 hours for the interview .The officer is very nice .
Compared with the visa officers of various countries, the US visa officer is not bad.
Great architecture in an amazing regeneration area of Central London (Zone 1) that is absolutely the place to be in the coming years. With Battersea Power Station redevelopment and a footbridge to Pimlico whilst on the heart of the Thames this place is 5*
I was reserved after reading many of negative reviews. I don t think people working there are rude, they have immense pressure to assist large number of people everyday. Getting visa is a bit of process but I believe consular know what they are dealing with. You will find they don t ask many questions and take lot of time but it seemed they are well prepared.
Thank you
My first visit to the Embassy was last week. I needed a non-immigrant visa. Apart from a long wait (about 3 hours), the Embassy staff were polite and helpful. Bit daunting as there are armed police in the grounds but it was all pretty straightforward. Visa obtained. My advice, get there early for your appointment. Very long queue.
I got refused on ESTA ,then I apply for visa , attend on interview all straight forward, because we had a child with us the wonderful lady in second reception didn't let us queueing they let us going through, all the process takes 1.30 minutes. Many thanks for all staff and member of the embassy.
My appointment was at 8:30 AM. I left around 10:30 AM. I knew I was not allowed to bring any electronic devices ( I red a blog where they advise not to take it ) I had to take another photographs in the near by pharmacy but I did not have a problems to get back in. The funny part is that people who are working there are British :) which I do not mind but one lady who was checking the papers before you get into security was rude. I knew I had to wait a bit and I got really tired and hungry hehehe but the most pleasant part was...my interview with the most gorgeous, polite and handsome American man. Shame I did not ask him to go out with me for a coffee ehhh 5 stars for the officer for being nice, 4 stars for overall service. :)
Do NOT pay for an interview at this place, as it will not actually be an interview where you can have any input. They simply want you to answer their questions and when you give any other info, they cut you short and don't listen at all. They also came across quite rude. Appointment times mean nothing, you will still be there for 3 hours +.
Don't know why they don't grant visa for Bangladeshi people they should realise that all r not alike
I was very disappointed with the reception received from a member of staff (appeared just like the CIA personnel one sees on the films) who would not shake hands and spoke to me only from behind railings, despite the fact that I was trying to be helpful to members of the US forces. I always thought that Americans were warm and welcoming, I have now changed my mind. What a pity.
New building, very efficient process for queues. People were super friendly and helpful. Btw, there is a photo booth there for you to take passport photos specific for US passports if you need it. It s a brand new booth that accepts cards and contactless.
WHAT THE HELL !
My daughter got off the plane when someone ran by and snatched her purse with her passport and credit cards in it. She found a police officer and reported it. They took her through the steps of tracking down who took her info., bought her lunch , gave her 20 pounds and a transit pass...this is the London police. They tell her they have not heard good things about getting help at OUR Embassy, but this is the next step. She gets to the Embassy and all they could advise was they do not help you find a place to stay or do anything other than take her $160 for a new passport. NOTHING ELSE. My husband and I were on our way back from Morocco and did not know what was going on until the next day. She walked outside the Embassy and was crying and a lady from London helped her find a hostile that would take the little note the Embassy gave her, gave her directions and even called me the next day to make sure we finally got in touch. WHAT IS WRONG WITH US!!!! We care so little about our own people. All I hear about is how horrible the US Embassy is. Sad and just fowl!
HORRIBLE... just HORRIBLE. so slow. sent and urgent email and didn't get back to us until a month later. We have lost a lot of money and have shed many tears.
No queues at 2pm. Picked up my permit without any problems, staff were very thorough efficient and courteous. Don't listen to others from third world countries whining here because they can't get in to the USA. There are most likely good reasons.
Not abd customer services, but very slow system could do with more staff. Overall its ok.
My visit to the embassy was a pleasant experience. The building is beautiful, the staff very professional, I was in and out within 30 minutes. Visa arrived 4 days later.
I wish my own embassy worked like that.
Even though I couldn t get an appointment within the week I needed to for a temp passport, they were still able to see me once I explained the situation. Super helpful and quick!
As a citizen of the United States of America I found that this embassy was just as easy to deal with as any other USA embassy I have been to in the world. They are there to help us when we are abroad. I was treated with respect, and made me feel proud to be a citizen of the greatest most powerful nation on Earth. God Bless America
A vast improvement over the last building. The outside and the inside are very cool... architecturally smart. Probably one of a few new modern builds with a moat. Service wise, it still takes about an hour at Passport services but if feels more efficient some how. HINT: There are separate lines for visa applicants vs US citizens (minimal waiting to enter) so look for the appropriate line.
I went here today and they refused me as they believe I don't have strong enough ties to live in this country... i have an apprencticeship to do and mum and siblings live here. My life is much better here. Why would i go stay in america to raise the chances of me getting shot?
These people are heartless. And they dont even do there job properly, they dont care about your supporting documents. They just judge you.
If it's not good enough for the US President to open, it must be pretty awful. Or maybe he is?
Took me ages to get to an operator and when I did, he told me that he couldn't help me with my query.
I need to travel to the US to film a promo, needed to confirm if i'd need a visa type O or P or if B-1 would do (we'd be travelling with filming equipment) and he told me that it was up to me to decide what type of visa i needed.
Incredible.
It is very common in this city to have lovely surroundings all over. A sense of beautification and facilities can be seen here near the embassy on a walking distance. It is located near the station and a few minutes' walking distance from the bus stop. More road work was in progress. As a plus point the process in the embassy was smooth and in a very professional manner. The officer was very polite and helpful at the window. But the queue outside was long enough to be tired and there was no cover for the people in waiting to go in.
The security check point can take awhile in the afternoon but overall smooth process.
Great. Staff are very friendly and the organisation for where you need to go and when is fantastic.
We booked an early appointment, and when we were leaving the line was massive.
I would recommend an early appointment, make sure to have all your paperwork and to pay attention to the screen that calls out your number while you wait. These tips could help you save time but more importantly not miss your appointment because you're too engrossed on your cell phone.
Lovely staff however security staff need to chill out as they get a little touchy
Went there for a diversity visa. Very nice people. Didn't wait that much. 2 first steps were immediate and about 20min before the last one.
IS ONE OF THE BEST EMBASSY IN THE WHOLE WORLD the people here are treating each other as one family even though we are different nationality i will rate it 5 star
First I needed to deal with a tax issue. The Embassy website said that I could get the form I needed at the Internal Revenue office at the Embassy in London. It gave opening hours. When I arrived at the Embassy I was not even allowed to go into reception even though I presented my valid passport at the window. I was kept waiting on the street. Thank god it wasn't raining. I was told that the office was closed and to go away. I persisted and after about 15 minutes someone came out and spoke to me on the pavement in front of the Embassy. I pointed out that the website said that the Internal Revenue office was open and that I had arrived during the opening hours listed on the website. I was told that the Inland Revenue facility no longer existed at the Embassy and "that's how things are now". Then several days later I needed to get some important mortgage documents notarised. My title company in the US specified that they would only accept notarisation by the American Embassy. It turns out that there are no appointments available through the whole of 2016! It seems that the notary function is being closed as well. The British notary firm I spoke to wants "thousands of pounds" to do the work! All US citizens in London are now required to file tax returns in the US even if our earnings are so minimal that we owe no tax. Accountants fees for filing US taxes from London are in excess of $500.00 but we face significant penalties if we don't file. It would appear that the US government has no respect for its citizens living abroad. I feel held to ransom and ignored. This gives a whole new meaning to the term second class citizen.
Beautiful building would definitely 100% recommend an appointment
Horrible, the worse Embassy ever. A place that feels more like a Maximum security prison than an inviting space.. As an Ex-Veteran i feel ashamed that this is the first contact with my nation for many people and this needs to change.. America is Awesome and needs a more personable presence to reflect that ..
What's worse than poor service ? no service. That's what I'm dealing with. To be hung up on of top of it because this person doesn't know the anser to my question? shocking!
This is the worst possible service ever. I can't believe that you can not do any better than this AMERICA.
Hideous building. Thought I was going to die of old age waiting in the queues. Hundreds of pieces of paper printed for absolutely no reason. Security checks fascinated by keys. Zero stars.
My nephew, a UK citizen, no crime ever, has been denied entry to the US because I, (his Aunt, a self employed US citizen) may employ him on his visit. He was going to accompany my mother on a trip this spring. Denied even after an appeal. He has a contract of employment in the UK, money in the bank, a home in the UK and he cannot even visit me. I AM NOT GOING TO EMPLOY HIM. HE HAS A JOB IN THE UK. THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION IS THE CAUSE OF THIS WITH THEIR TRAVEL BAN.
It was a great place! The updated building was very clean and tidy.
Denied a family holiday to Disneyland due to a previous driving conviction within the last five years. Sat in the waiting room for six hours for something it could of just said on the website. Non refundable.
Eh.
Long wait times, expensive food inside, a terrible system of notifying you that it's your turn to show up, no wifi. An hour of waiting there feels like an eternity, and you have to wait about 3 hours to finish.
I wasn t applying for a visa myself, my partner was but there wasn t really anywhere for me to go when he went in. I found a cafe called the District around the corner which is part of the embassy grounds but it was so small and there were so many people in my position, waiting for people. They need somewhere bigger for people to sit and wait as it was a really cold day and I didn t want to be walking around outside.
Quite proficient once inside. a shambles queuing outside
I was given another persons criminal record details (ACRA) by mistake when I was handed back my personal documents. I think the gentleman was interviewed before me. I went to the embassy for a b2 tourist visa and was refused and wasnt even told why, the american female interviewing me was very rude and hostile and wouldn t let me answer her questions, she just cut me off! She loved the sound of her own voice . She needs to fix her attitude and should also be aware that we have data protection laws In this country and she should take more care when handling British citizens personal and confidential information . To carelessly give me someone s very private, confidential and personal information shows a complete lack of care, intelligence and professionalism. I now feel my interview wasn t conducted correctly and she could have looked at the mans criminal records and thought his details were mine when I do not have a criminal record . Disgusting unprofessional embassy . Shame on them .
I currently work for an airline and had to get a crew visa, when I did my interview the woman made it clear I would have my passport back within a week so I passed that information for the Airline I work for.
Well Its been a week and a half and I still don't have any signs of the whereabouts of my document.
pissed off to be honest, why can't they stick to the timeframe? I also had to get another picture (even though my picture was CLEARED at the time of my application online) She made me go back and do it again.
I am very glad I don't have to do it every Year... blah terrible
Rude staff breathing while talking.sorry I'm kidding. US got supreme Devin powers
Easy and fast. As long as you have the correct paperwork and details. Tho the line for visas was very long (I was not in that line)
If it was possible to give no stars that's what I would give. I had a question so I phoned the embassy, didn't even let me finish my question before putting me through to a tape recording, if the answer was so clear on your website I wouldn't have phoned !!!! RUDE
It was an amazing experience. To be honest I was expecting the worst, but they are very well organised and very kind. They are there to help you though during the process. Very kind and helpful staff!
Don't listen to any bad reviews! Everyone was so lovely, wait wasn't too bad and you CAN bring a phone in just nothing with a keyboard so i presume no blackberrys! When you get there, ask as many questions as you like. ...if you don't ask you won't know anything.
US embassy , but I'm Indonesian citizen so I don't have review for this place ....
Thought it would be a nightmare to get a student visa. Easiest process I've even been through. I spent longer in the security line than inside to get my visa.
Good, efficient service, I would advise arriving about 20mins before your given appointment time as going through security to get in a can take a little while.
When I got in there were 50+ people in front of me, which seemed daunting. Despite being so busy the whole visa process only took 1 hour.
Terrible building, the previous location was better situated and a nicer more patriotic building.
Lovely building, the last time I ve been here there was a long queue however the staff were very quick to try and process everyone and get it sorted as soon as possible to meet the appointment times. They were friendly and helpful, I saw no flaws during my visits here.
I love this Embassy, looking at it everyday from my house.
If i could i will give 0 stars, got refused because the ties are not strong enough even tho after living in uk 8 years and having family and parents and basically everyhting in uk, i asked why he told me''i know you have sufficient job but 1 year of working isnt enough...'' BUT i just finished college last year [he said ughh im sorry i cannot give you visa'' how the * i could have more years of working, it was clearly bs reason i had all possible proofs he didn't even asked for any document i had printed last entire week all documents, when i tried to give him to support my answer he put them back to my side of window and said ''i dont need those i just need your passport and application''
Also i noticed they are racist to anyone other than white [even tho im white ] but i noticed mostly to asian people they are rude raising voice saying in rude tone when people asking for help or where to go next, Really unorganized, Very unprofessional and rude/mean as well as racist
Think twice before even thinking about applying for visa here, its a mess.
The most protected building in London, even more than Downing St.
I needed a new social security card. The actual physical card. Long story! Enlisted in the service with just my number, but.....I was advised I could take my form to the embassy and request a replacement. Simple? Hell no! The whole experience from the very beginning was a nightmare. I needed to request the card from the 'Federal Benefits Unit'. Try getting through on the number given. No chance! I e-mailed them numerous times with my request. It took several attempts until they finally understood that, yes, I AM a US citizen and, yes, I have a social security number - I just need the card. I explained thoroughly in my initial e-mail. Finally received an e-mail with a link to make an appointment. Hallelujah! Unfortunately, I went round and round in the embassy website. I ended up making the appointment by using the only options given. Not ideal, but at least I had an appointment. Arrived there today to find The Three Stooges manning the Citizen Services entry. Clueless and very uninformed. The SG4 man I had the most interaction with was so laid-back I was surprised to see his eyes open. This was his attitude with everyone. His advice? Call. Yes, no one answers and they close at 13:00. He kept telling me I'D made the wrong appointment. I repeatedly explained it was the only appointment option on offer. His final comment? Call. It was so frustrating! I keep reading that the US is the world's only Superpower. Is that right? Then why can't the US Embassy put together a simple, user-friendly website? Why can't they hire and adequately train intelligent, able staff who possess good customer service skills? It's a joke! Would give 'minus' points, if allowed. And, NO, I am not a disgruntled foreign citizen. I am a US citizen. The last time I went to the US London embassy was approximately 23 years ago. Marines guarded the embassy then. They were wonderfully efficient, professional, knowledgeable and polite. Bring back the Marines!
Not a nice place at all. I spent over 1000 pounds on a immigrant Visa and medical examination. And was refused. Not even given a chance to ask anything. They won't let you reply with a explanation at all. Yet they are fast enough to take your money. Anyone with a slight conviction forget it. Terrible service and people who run the dam place. Better places to live than USA.. money grabbing xxxts.. corrupt country any way..
I have never been in an institution where staff are so rude! If you wonder what it is like to be treated as an animal, visit the US embassy!
Really simple process for visa interview. Everyone was really friendly except for the security staff, who seemed quite short with other people.
Just have all your paperwork ready and relax.
Quick and easy visa interview process, better than most
Efficient service, bring a book but they do have free WiFi
Helpful staff, not a bad wait. Visa interview was thorough but nothing out of the ordinary. The Consular Officer was lovely.
Surprisingly good experience. Was visiting the US Embassy early this week to attend the businesses visa interview. It is Friday today and my passport with the visa has just arrived. Very well structured office and organised and efficient team. Many thanks!
Waste of time they give decision same to everyone without knowing anything.they don't really bothered about small countries judge everyone in a same neglected way that is piss taking. It's better to mark some countries they can't it will be good for people not to waste money such a peick embassy and country
I tried to pay my Texas here, but I wasn't Delaware that you had to do it somewhere else. I just wanted to end my Missouri. I had to pay for a room Oregon somewhere else, but spent all my money on a New Jersey. Maybe my wife knows what to do. Alaska later.
Had to swap US visas and after waiting several hours, was rejected for a 5mm scratch on my passport which did not cover any text or images. I had previously been issued a US visa and entered the country 5 times while in the same condition. When I asked the officer how I could rectify the situation, i.e. where to go a for a new passport etc, he repeated the refrain 'you're not a citizen of my country I have no obligation to help you.' This awful man who's job it is to deal with such events daily, could not even have heart enough to provide me basic logistical advice. Several hundreds pounds later I'm still waiting for my visa and may not be able to attend my university and return to the US because of one disgusting human being and American paranoia. Avoid at all costs unless absolutely necessary to go, or you are one of the elect: a citizen of their country.
uk.usembassy.gov