United Kingdom at a glance
| Entry | Up to 6 months · ETA required (GBP 20) |
|---|---|
| Retiree visa | None · Family or work routes |
| Bases | Lakenheath / Mildenhall · Suffolk |
| FMP line | 0800-032-7425 · Toll-free in the UK |
| Cost of living | Roughly USD 2,200–2,500 a month, the highest of our European guides. |
| Money · language · time | Pound sterling (GBP) · English · UTC+0 |
Entering the United Kingdom
Visa-free visits up to 6 months, but U.S. citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The fee is GBP 20 (since April 2026) and it lasts two years.
Long-stay and retirement visas
- No retirement visa. Long stays use family visas (spouse or partner of a British citizen or settled person) or skilled work routes.
VA care and benefits in the United Kingdom
No VA medical facility. FMP toll-free in the UK: 0800-032-7425. A Social Security Federal Benefits Unit is in London.
Vets in the United Kingdom are already in the group
Ask about visas, hospitals and FMP claims from people who've done it there.
Healthcare
NHS access after paying the Immigration Health Surcharge with your visa. Waits are long, and many add private cover.
Where veterans live
- Bury St Edmunds / Newmarket: Near Lakenheath and Mildenhall.
- Cambridge: University city.
- Oxford / Banbury: Near RAF Croughton.
Cost of living and property
Roughly USD 2,200–2,500 a month, the highest of our European guides. Costs vary a lot by city and lifestyle, and health insurance is extra.
No restrictions on foreign ownership.
Watch out for
Retiree commissary and BX use is governed by UK customs rules. Check with the Pass and ID office.
Veteran organizations
American Legion posts under the Department of France. See all veteran organizations abroad.
Common questions
Does the UK have a retirement visa?
No. Americans usually move on a family visa through a British spouse or partner, or on a work visa.
Last reviewed November 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.
