American Citizen Newsletters

15 September 2008

Voting

American citizens who have not yet registered to vote and requested an absentee ballot should do so now. Complete the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) using the instructions for your state in the Voting Assistance Guide. You may pick up a hard copy of the FPCA from any U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or use the online version available at http://www.fvap.gov/ .

Changes to UK Visa Regulations

The United Kingdom is scheduled to implement new visa regulations at the end of November 2008. These new regulations will replace the current visa scheme with a new, five-tier system encompassing all visa categories. These changes will affect all travelers to the United Kingdom. It is important to note that many reasons for short-term travel that were not previously subject to visa requirements now are. As such, we strongly recommend you visit the UK Home Office website before traveling to determine if you need a visa to enter the United Kingdom. You can find the UK Home Office website at http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk .

ESTA Update

On Aug. 1, 2008, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began its pilot of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).  ESTA allows non-U.S. citizen travelers eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to obtain advance authorization for boarding an aircraft to travel to the United States.  The ESTA program replaces the green I94-W card VWP travelers had to complete when they arrived in the United States with a brief on-line questionnaire.

Since Aug. 1, more than 100,000 travelers have successfully obtained their ESTA, which is valid for two years and can be renewed in two-year increments for the life of the traveler's passport.  Travelers may submit ESTA applications at any time before travel, but DHS strongly encourages them to apply at least 72 hours ahead of a planned trip to the United States.

The ESTA system will not provide authorization to travelers who try to use a passport they had already reported as lost or stolen. This means that even if the lost or stolen passport is recovered, once the report of loss or theft has been made, the passport is no longer valid for travel. Travelers should not attempt to obtain ESTA authorization using a passport that previously had been reported lost or stolen.

Starting Jan. 12, 2009, ESTA will become mandatory for all citizens and eligible nationals from VWP countries who want to travel on the Visa Waiver Program.  For more information on ESTA, visit http://london.usembassy.gov/dhs/.  To apply for ESTA, go to https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov .   Travelers who want to confirm their passport is eligible for visa waiver travel should visit http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/visa/visa_wizard.html . All travelers should check the "Frequently Asked Questions" section of the ESTA website for helpful information at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/esta_faq.xml .

Next "Talk with the Consul" Webchat

Our next "Talk with the Consul" Webchat is scheduled for Sept. 25, 2008, at 3 p.m. UK time. We welcome early submission of questions or comments for the Webchat via our email address, SCSLondon@state.gov. On the day, you can join the Webchat and submit questions via http://webchat.state.gov. You can view transcripts of previous Webchats, as well as find information on how to submit questions or comments during the Webchat, on our website at http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/acs/acs_webchats.html .

What Can the Embassy Do for You? New Videos Online

Former American Citizen Services Chief André Goodfriend talks about the function and types of services offered to American citizens by the U.S. Embassy in London. All the video clips below are in Windows Media format and can be found on our website at http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/news/consnews007.html .

Videos on voting information can be found at http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/news/consnews009.html .

Thanksgiving Service at St. Paul’s

St. Paul’s Cathedral is holding its annual Thanksgiving Day service at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2008. Ambassador Tuttle invites all Americans to attend this event. For more information, see the letter from the Ambassador (PDF) and flyer about the event (PDF).

Cultural Events of American Interest

For those looking for a taste of American culture in the United Kingdom, there is always something going on. The Embassy maintains a calendar of American cultural events online at http://london.usembassy.gov/culture/index.html.

Embassy Closures

The Embassy will be closed for public holidays on Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in honor of Columbus Day.

Embassy Weekly Update

Americans have in the past asked whether they could find out more about the position of the U.S. Government on matters of foreign policy. While our American Citizen Services Newsletter focuses on non-political policy matters affecting the welfare of American citizens in the UK, the Embassy also produces a weekly update on matters of U.S. foreign policy. Those interested in receiving weekly updates on U.S. foreign policy, U.S./UK relations and other political and global issues can subscribe at: http://london.usembassy.gov/ukweekly.html .

Important Security Announcement When visiting the Embassy, please remember not to bring mobile phones or any electronic devices, such as Blackberries, iPods, or PDAs, as they are not allowed within the Embassy. We also strongly advise that you do not bring large bags, such as backpacks, suitcases or packages to the interview as there are no storage facilities on Embassy grounds. Click on this link for a PDF file for a list of Left Luggage storage facilities.

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