Are there flags raised on my passport?

[tengolacamisanegra]

Hi All

I have an American passport, and semi-regularly visit the UK for tourism and visiting friends. I'd say I visit for two weeks, three times a year. Every time I've entered, the border agent has given me the 6 month stamp in my passport, ie the legal extent of the visa waiver time period. However, last time I was in the UK, I went in and out as I was visiting another country in Europe, and on my way back in (for the layover back to the US) they only gave me a two-day stamp.

SO my question is - is this a sign that they're starting to look at my passport with suspicion? When I next visit, I'm planning to stay longer, perhaps a month or more - will the border agent see this limited stamp and think that I had raised red flags to the last agent? I'd really like to get the 6 month waiver so that I'm free to plan my time depending on certain events and people in my life (I have friends that might be getting married, for example, so I'd want to extend my stay in the country for that).

Any advice or anecdotes appreciated!!

[Sudanim]

Hi tengolacamisanegra

First things first it's not a visa waiver scheme as you understand it, that's a US thing.

The UK "grants leave to enter". Each time you appear at the UK border, the officer will decide whether you qualify for entry, and if so will "grant leave". That leave will usually be for 6 months, even if you're only coming for a week. In that sense, it's not greatly different from the US VWP. The leave you get - e.g. the 6 months - is cancelled by you departing the UK, even if you'll be returning a few days later.

Like the US, the UK doesn't put an exit stamp in your passport. That's in contrast to continental Europe which does. If you only travel between the US and the UK, then you will not have passport stamps which shows how long you stayed in the UK. The US authorities only occasionally stamp US citizens passports as they enter, so unless you travelled via another country (such as one of those in continental Europe) you won't really have anything that shows the officer how long you stayed.

Transiting via another city may or may not help, depending on whether you encounter immigration there. For example, at Heathrow and some other major airports around the world, you are able to connect to another flight without seeking entry from immigration.

Obviously, in this day and age there are records of who got on a plane but the fact you departed may not be clear in your passport. You may know you only stayed 2 weeks, but the officer might need to examine your passport and ask some questions to decide whether you merit a bit more attention.

If you attracted some adverse attention you'd probably know it by now. It sounds like you were granted entry as a visitor in transit. As long as the 2 days you got was sufficient time for your layover you shouldn't worry. But if you are, then next time you come, bring a couple of payslips to show you've got a job in the US, and some record of the flight you took back to the US (boarding card or e-ticket say) and that should set minds at rest.

[Yamilet_t]

I have a question . I Am going to the U.K. After overstaying in march for a total of 7 months after my entry stamp was due to expire. I am flying back to the U.K because my husbands grandmother has heart complications and her dementia has progressed severely. I would like to see her. On top of all of this I recently moved and had lost my passport so I decided to reckeve my new one with my married name. I don't want them to ask about my overstay and think that I am trying to come in by deceiving an official but I would also like the opportunity to stay for three weeks with her. My previous overstay was due to having my things stolen and no one here being able to afford to send me home. I live with my daughters in the U.S and it was never my intention to leave them. I also work and go to school here in the U.S. will my previous overstay make it harder for me to come in? Can I explain the situation? Or will I be denied as soon as I get off the plane ?

[Casa]

I have a question . I Am going to the U.K. After overstaying in march for a total of 7 months after my entry stamp was due to expire. I am flying back to the U.K because my husbands grandmother has heart complications and her dementia has progressed severely. I would like to see her. On top of all of this I recently moved and had lost my passport so I decided to reckeve my new one with my married name. I don't want them to ask about my overstay and think that I am trying to come in by deceiving an official but I would also like the opportunity to stay for three weeks with her. My previous overstay was due to having my things stolen and no one here being able to afford to send me home. I live with my daughters in the U.S and it was never my intention to leave them. I also work and go to school here in the U.S. will my previous overstay make it harder for me to come in? Can I explain the situation? Or will I be denied as soon as I get off the plane ?

You have tagged on to another member's thread which is not only unfair but also leads to confusion. Please open your own topic and post your questions there.