I would like to live in England for up to six months as a tourist.

I would most likely need to apply for a tourist visa, but any personal experiences would be helpful. Thanks.

I thought that US citizens could stay in the UK for up to 6 months without a visa. Has this changed?

No need to apply -you will get a 6-month visa at entry IME. You will not be a resident but a visitor.

Think applies each one-year period but not sure.

The operative words are 'up to'. US citizens are allowed up to six months on each entry. But just so you know, six months is not guaranteed. It is up to the border agent.

as janisj says it's up to the border agent. So when you're asked how long you intend to stay you'll need to provide convincing answers on how you will support yourself during that time.

As stated above, it will depend on the discretion of the border agent. If not affiliated with a university or business, it might not be a bad idea to bring a statement on your finances from your bank. Being able to easily support yourself will be the main concern. That said, I'm certainly no expert. When I was in the U.K. for a year, it was through a university, and they provided the documents I needed.

So how much time can the border agent allow you to stay? Assuming you are retired and have sufficient income.

So how much time can the border agent allow you to stay? Assuming you are retired and have sufficient income.>>

up to 6 months.

After that you would need a visa.

They will ask among other things how long you are staying and when you are leaving the country/where from. Your answers will lead them to other questions . . . depending on your responses, they will then decide if they will let you in for that long.

having a return ticket would be helpful or one showing onward travel to Europe.

Also the names and addresses of people you would be staying with, or a hotel booking, plus bank statements showing that you can support yourself and travel insurance.

oh, and don't say that you want to live in the UK - that might be misconstrued as your wanting to move here permanently.

Very helpful thanks so much.

oh yes, while I think of it, evidence that you own your own home/car/etc back in the US and/or have a job/family there. I think that you'd be very unlucky to be asked all of that, but you never know.

In any case you cannot get a Visa for England - U K yes. tsk tsk!