Traveling in and out of England for more than 6 months

As long as you don't stay in the UK longer than six months you will be alright. There's only reason for alarm if you are trying to live in the UK by leaving for a few days and coming back. But as Americans can use the E-gates on entry I don't think you will have much of a problem.

If you are concerned you could have a look at getting a long term visitor visa, the information for which can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/apply-standard-visitor-visa

Being in the UK for more than 6 months within a period of 12 months used to be the flag to start questioning people as to whether they are attempting to stay rather than being a visitor. It was never hard and fast though.

Thank you so much Clyffthear and Marco. that really helps! I don't recall the e-gates, haven't traveled in that direction, I usually arrive at LHR from Seattle.

The egates don't always work for everyone. If the gates have trouble reading the computer chip in your passport, or you have been flagged, you will be directed to a Border Force agent. (The computer chip was bad in my old passport and the egates didn't work for me. I'm now waiting for my new passport.)

Also be aware that if you travel to Ireland, the entry stamp you get there will also be good for the UK. However, it is only good for 90 days. Once you leave the UK, the entry stamp you received upon arrival is no longer valid.

While you don't actually get a stamp any longer, your entry is being recorded electronically regardless of the how you enter.

Also be able to prove that you can afford to stay for that length of time without having to work.

Just because it says you can stay up to six months, that doesn't mean they have to let you. Telling them you rented a flat for six months will not be in your favor as it will seem as if you are trying to move there.

You definitely can't stay in the UK from May to December and just leaving the UK for a couple days won't stop the 6 months rule. It will still be counted. Honestly, you renting a flat for six months will put up red flags. I'd rent at the most for 5 months and then leave.

Just saying with the new scanners and an American going back and forth out of the UK will set up red flags. Especially as are retired and have no job or important reason to go back home. I would definitely carry all health insurance(to show you won't use the NHS) and proof you have enough money.

I'd actually look at getting a long term visa application if you want to make London a home base.

if anything, the e-gates can complicate things because they can quickly do the math. They know when you got there, when you left, and when you returned. And they take a picture of both you and your passport so they'll know it's you.

Also if an embassy has warned you about something, don't you think that should be taken seriously?

Hi,
Yes that is why I'm asking. I may have to make the trip shorter, and plan the other country visits before and after UK. I've stayed in UK 2 times in the past for 6 months, but I did have a work permit.

Thanks so much

I've stayed in UK 2 times in the past for 6 months, but I did have a work permit.

Be prepared for questions, particularly if your work permit has expired.

I worked in the UK for a year and had a 3 year work permit. Until that passport expired, I got questioned every time I entered the UK because they saw my work permit in my passport (e.g., where did I live?, where did i work?). In my case, my answer was that I still worked for the same company but my UK assignment had ended, I’d returned to the U.S., and I was just on holiday. I was always there for less than 2 weeks, so it was never a problem. That was 20 years ago when the work visa was just stamped in your passport, but I’d bet they have better electronic tracking now. A six month visit could raise some flags. I’d be prepared to show a copy of your return ticket. They’d also sometimes ask me if I was visiting any friends.

Another thing that you need to be concerned about is Ireland. While the UK allows 6 months, Ireland only allows 90 days. While they are part of a common travel area, there can be issues after 90 days for U.S. citizens (although I don’t remember the details).