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Updates, news and events from the UK government in USA

• Updated: 15 August 2017

Apply for British citizenship if you have a British parent - who's eligible, fees and how to apply

• Who can apply

  You may be eligible for British citizenship if you have a British parent.…

• You were born on or after 1 July 2006

  You’re automatically a British citizen if you were born outside the UK and…

• You were born between 1983 and June 2006

  You’re automatically a British citizen if you were born outside the UK and…

• You were born before 1983

  You may automatically be a British citizen if you were born before 1…

• After you've applied

  You’ll usually get a decision within 6 months - some applications can take…

UK border control - passport checks, visas for entering, customs, transiting and layovers.

• Overview

  Your identity document (for example your passport or identity card) will…

• Before you leave for the UK

  Check what documents you’ll need to enter the UK. You’re a British citizen…

• At border control

  You’ll need to show your identity document, such as your passport or…

• Baggage checks

  You must co-operate if you’re stopped and asked about your baggage. If you…

• Layovers and transiting through a UK airport

  Passing through a UK airport while on the way to another country is called…

Updates, news and events from the UK government in UK Mission to the United Nations, New York

• Updated: 25 March 2013

The United Kingdom Mission to the United Nations in New York covers a wide range of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's objectives from the peaceful settlements of disputes to protecting the environment, from respect for human rights to promoting sustainable...

• Updated: 1 September 2026

Recognised bodies, listed bodies, recognised universities, accredited higher learning institutions, bogus degrees

UK Visas and Immigration now manages applications for people who want to visit, work, study or settle in the UK. Previously, this was part of UKBA (UK Border Agency) which closed in 2013.

• Updated: 15 April 2021

Apply for an ETA to come to the UK if you’re a tourist, visiting family or for certain other reasons for up to 6 months. It costs £20. Find out if you need an ETA or a visa instead.

Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months), medical treatment and other activities. Find out whether you need a Standard Visitor visa, or can visit without a visa.

This page provides information about some of the actions you may need to take if you are a UK national living abroad and you are returning to the UK permanently.

• Updated: 29 March 2021