Are you ready to cross the Pond? England passport requirements state that you must have a U.S. passport that is valid with at least one blank page for the duration of your stay in England in order to enter the country. Be sure to check your passport’s expiration date and make sure it extends beyond your return ticket home.
If you plan on visiting other countries in Europe from England, you might need your passport to be valid for six months beyond your departure date, according to the Schengen Agreement. See the requirements for the other places you may travel to, here.
England Passport Requirements
England passport requirements state that a valid passport with at least one blank page for an entry stamp is required for the duration of your stay in the country. Check your expiration date to ensure it extends beyond your return date home. Do this as soon as you have your ticket in hand to allow for plenty of time to renew, if needed.
If traveling to other countries in continental Europe, your passport may need a six-month validity beyond your departure date for certain destinations in the Schengen area.
How to Get a Passport Book for Travel to England
Apply for a passport as soon as international travel is confirmed. The cost will be greater if applying for a passport within two weeks of travel time, because you will need an expedited application. You can learn more about the requirements and documents needed to obtain a U.S. passport here.
What to Do if You Lose Your Passport in England
Take every precaution to keep your passport secure, such as carrying it in a hidden passport holder, keeping it locked in a safe, and emailing copies to yourself or a loved one before traveling.
If you do lose your passport, report the loss immediately to the U.S. Embassy London.
Other England Travel Requirements
Visa: No for U.S. citizens, up to 90 days
Vaccinations: No
So, Do I Need a Passport to Visit England?
In summary: Yes. England passport requirements state that a passport is required to go to England, and must be valid during the entire length of stay. Other passport requirements may be necessary if you plan on visiting other countries in continental Europe as well.
More Information When Visiting England
The U.S. Department of State provides detailed information, including travel advisories and passport validity requirements, to your destination.
For information on how to apply or renew a passport, visit here.
Visit Britain is a great resource for things to do and places to stay, as well as everything you need to know before you go when planning a trip to England.
Protect Your Passport
We recommend investing in a passport cover or wallet to protect your pages from bends, tears and spills. It’s important to keep your passport in good condition for easy inspection.
On travel days, only take your passport out during inspection. Otherwise, keep it stowed away in a dedicated section of your bag (if you keep it in the same place every time, you won’t ever scramble to locate it). Once you arrive at your destination, find a way to stow it securely. In-room safes or safe deposit boxes at the hotel front desk are generally good options, but if neither is available, you’ll need to decide how to keep your passport secure. You might consider keeping it in an under-clothing money belt that you wear, or leaving it in the hotel or vacation rental but locking it in your suitcase with a TSA-approved lock.
More from SmarterTravel:
- 5 Exotic Places Where You Don’t Need a Passport
- How to Renew a Passport, Global Entry, and TSA PreCheck—The Ultimate Guide
- How to Take Your Own Passport Photo
Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.
Dress Up Your Passport
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