Parents visiting from USA for 2 months; family visa?

[whirly]

Hi All,

My parents are planning to visit us in London for 2 months in Dec/Jan. They have return flights fully booked; we have rented them a short-let flat near our place which will be fully paid in advance before they get here. They're retired and have sufficient savings for the trip. We can also support them if needed.

Should they apply for family visitor visas, or just turn up at Heathrow and enter on tourist visas? Will it be hard for them to visit Ireland/France and re-enter the UK during the 2 months if they are on tourist visas?

Anything to say/not say to the IO - e.g. 'we're here to visit our newborn grandchild' ...!

Should I write a letter of support that they can carry with them? I gave one to my cousin a while ago and it helped her enter without too many questions.

I'm a USA/UK dual citizen; husband is British.

Advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[INSIDER]

Hi Whirly,

I'm an IO, I work at a major London airport.

On the basis of what you have said your parents
should have absolutely no problems entering and
re-entering the UK. Applying for visit visas would
only be a waste of time and money.

As for what they should say to an IO on arrival- the truth would be fine.

Lets know how it goes.

[whirly]

Thanks for reassuring me... Always good to have inside information!

Cheers

[The Station Agent]

I agree - if they're US passport holders they should be fine.