6 months in a year for visitors?

Are you allowed to stay 6 months in a twelve month period or is it every 6 months you get your passport stamped? How do they know how long you've been in the country? Last time I flew out of Birmingham, they didn't scan my passport when I left.  Do they have some sort of system that alerts them how long you've been in the country?

There is not actually a law which says you can only stay for 6 months in 12, although it is something which is upheld in principle.

If they haven't stamped your passport, then they wouldn't know when you left unless they ask you.

Victoria

When I first came to visit hubby I stayed for a week & they stamped my passport for 6 months. Then when I came back a couple months later they again stamped it for 6 months.and thats how long I stayed, So I technically stayed for 6 months + 1 week within a 12 month period,it wasnt a problem when I applied for my visa & no questions were asked

I had the complete opposite scenario to EnglandsYank. 

I came for a work project for 6 months (Jan-July).  Met boy...went home...came for a visit in October for 4 days...get held at passport control for 4 hours while they checked interrogated me.  One of the rules they cited was that by coming back for a 4 day trip, I was overstaying the 6 months within one calendar year rule.

After hearing so many stories on this board, I think it's just luck of the draw.

After hearing so many stories on this board, I think it's just luck of the draw.

I agree, it depends on who you get at Immigrations and what type of mood they're in.  I know of someone who somehow has been coming in and out on a visitor's visa for over 18 months!  No idea how they've managed that.  I, on the other hand, always get hassled and interrogated.  I can't wait until after my wedding...then I won't have to deal with that ever again!