Help! - having trouble understanding if a visa is needed

[davejenk]

Hi,

i am looking for some help regarding my friend who is intending to come to england as a visitor from the USA in october. She is going to stay up to 6 months, is a visa required for this period of stay? (she does not intend to work, but will stay at my house and use it as a base for travel)

i am confused after looking at the UK visas website, as some parts seem to say no visa is required while i also saw a section of general visitor visas? can anyone please help an let me know what is required?

also, if proof of funds for a 6 month stay are required, how much is considered satisfactory?

thanks for any help

[magsi23]

Try this, http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/doineedvisa/

[UKBAbble]

Hi,

ialso, if proof of funds for a 6 month stay are required, how much is considered satisfactory?

thanks for any help

At a rough estimate about £1000 per month if accommodation is provided.

[davejenk]

thanks for the help, i looked at the link, im still unsure though because it dosnt specify what time period is classed as a visit?

is it possible to enter the country for a month or two, and then extend the trip if necessary? i mean, could you change your flights if you decided you wanted to stay in the country longer?

[Plum70]

For visits: 6 months max. stay in any 12 month rolling period.

US passport holders do not require prior entry clearance for the UK, except (but not limited to) where one has previously been refused entry at the border or a ban.

Your friend may "extend" their stay once in the UK (by way of changing their flight itinerary), provided that this does NOT exceed 6 months in total. Exiting the UK, visiting France and returning to the UK, for instance, will NOT reset the 6-month clock. The rule is simply: 6 months of visits out of each year (or rolling 12 months).