diamondsduke

Hi,
I am new, i was reading comments certain electronic items banned such as laptop. How come? Can someone shed some light for how long? Is this throughout UK?

Pulaski

It's regarding the US embassy in London, and dates from 9/12/2001, with changes from time to time since then to what is and is not allowed into the embassy.

Shezi59

although the idea of not allowing laptops in London did make me smile

diamondsduke

Wow, ok thank you all for the prompt response, am definitely more informed now. As I have not been back to the UK in a very long time. It reminds me of Trinidad, you cannot carry any phones or laptops inside the US Embassy.

civilservant

It should remind you of every US Consulate throughout the world, since they all have the same rules!

jepson

Just a quick mention on iPads.
I attended last week and someone next to me in the queue had an iPad. They were just told to take it out of their bag whilst they go through security. I didn't see anyone using any in the embassy though.

technolog

My fiancée's e-cigarette was allowed through without any hassle. She wasn't brave enough to use it inside though and went outside to the smoking shelter.

yellowroom

Currently in the embassy waiting for my interview. iPad allowed in without even taking out my bag. Also have two iPhones, an iPod nano and my car key/fob. None were an issue. Hope that's of help to others.

lansbury

Wonder how much Goulds are losing over these new arrangements at the Embassy.

yellowroom

Depends on which part of the embassy website they read. Some pages still say electronics not allowed, and I heard at least one person complaining as they had been before and had stored all their electronics, and were somewhat peeved to see others with them.

Bet goulds don't tell customers that storage of electronics isn't necessary either. So I'd bet they are still earning some money...

millybum

This is great news!!
I remember having to part with my bag and having to remove my belt from my jeans too! Ha ha.

BritInParis

I was able to take my iPhone in last month when attending a social function. Surprised that they didn't want it when it's always been taken off me in the past. Now I know why, thanks.

MrsMouse

Hi Everyone
First post here!

We went for our visa interview last month and after stowing key fobs, phones etc at my Husbands office, we then went to the Embassy. Even though the items were not on the list, we did not want to take any chances, but when we got there we found that they were handing out clear plastic bags for you to put your mobiles and iPads, kindles, keys into. It worked just the same as airport security with the small liquid bags. Laptops were turned way.

Once inside and waiting you were allowed to use your devices but they had to be turned off when you went to the counter to speak. Apart from that I saw people reading on their kindles and some even taking photos of the room on their phones (why, I have no idea!)

The process was quick and easy; getting into the building and all the security checks on the way in, almost took longer than actually getting the visa!!

So we are now the proud (& stressed) holders of L1 & L2 visas and fly out in 2 weeks to start our new life.

Thank you BE members, your comments, insights, information and advice on the site have been invaluable over the last few months. If I have been unsure about anything, I knew I could find something here!

Thank you!

KosKos

OP should have been more specific in the subject of this thread - I assumed he meant no electronics allowed on flights - and reading through now i know he is referring to the Embassy. Please edit subject of thread in order not to confuse people.

lizzyq

As stated on the first page of the thread the OP was more specific when he first posted the topic - the topic was edited when moved to the "stickies" section. Also given that it is in the Immigration, Citizenship & Visas section, it is unlikely to refer to airports.......