US embassy London

[FinnMcMissile]

We have to go and get DD's first US passport in a couple of weeks (she's 6 months old). I'm debating whether to take DS (3.5) as well and have a bit of a day out afterwards. However, I can't remember from last time how long the embassy appointment took. I don't want DS to get grumpy if we are there ages (considering it will be a long day out getting the train there etc as well.) Does anyone know?

[DailyWailEatsSnails]

I think they tell you to expect about 2 hours. Can take longer if there are any issues, can be quicker sometimes. I wouldn't take the 3.5yo if could be avoided.

[Gotakeahike]

I've gotten 3 passports within the last 18 months there, one for an infant, and it took about an hour each time. Watching others, it seemed that ours went a little faster with 2 US citizen parents than for others who had a non-citizen parent. They do have a little soft play area with toys and tv/movies and books.

[FinnMcMissile]

Thanks for the info, an hour would be doable. It's all been a bit complicated by me forgetting the time of the appointment though, and there's no way of finding out, oops. Not sure whether it's 10 or 10.30 - I am not popular with DH!

[Gotakeahike]

I don't like that you can't go back and see your appointment...frustrating. Unfortunately they won't let you in more than a certain amount of time before your appointment either so you can't be too early. I'd imagine 30 min should be fine though. I just realized that I've been to the old embassy at Grovners Square rather than the new one, but I'd imagine they still have soft play, etc. At the old embassy there were two entrances, one for ciitizens and one for everyone else. There was sometimes a hellishly long line at the non-citizen entrance, but never any line at all at the citizen entrance. Make sure you ask before you accidentally stand in a line. I just went to the front of the line and asked the first time I went, then figured out the system. Also, having all of our paperwork in order helped our appointments go reasonably quickly. Good luck!

[FinnMcMissile]

Thanks for the tips :-)