Do visitors need to register with the police on arrival in the United Kingdom?

This page explains how you can register with the police after you arrive in the United Kingdom, if you need to do so.

After you arrive in the United Kingdom, you may need to register your stay with the police. If you need to register, this requirement will be written in your passport and you will need to register within seven days of your arrival in the United Kingdom.

To register, you will need your passport and the registration fee. Two passport-size photographs of yourself are usually also required.

If you are staying in the Metropolitan Police area in London, you should take these items to the Overseas Visitors Records Office at the address on the right side of this page.

The office is open between 0900 and 1600, Monday to Friday. You should go in the morning, because the office may have to close early if it becomes too busy. For more information, phone the Overseas Visitors Records Office on 020 7230 1208.

The Metropolitan Police - police registration during September and October 2012

Due to the start of the 2012-13 Academic year the Overseas Visitor Records Office (OVRO) will be experiencing a larger than usual number of customers attending to register. They operate on a first come, first served basis so it's advisable to attend early in the morning. There may be occasions when they will need to close earlier than advertised. Please check their website before attending for daily updates.

If you are not staying in the Metropolitan Police area, you should contact your local police station for the addresses and opening hours of other police registration offices.

Please visit the Metropolitan Police website for updates.