I just got back from a photo place that takes passport pictures (British ones), they looked clueless when I asked for American passport pictures, but when I said it was basically just a 2 inch squared picture they tried. But after getting home I measured the size of the head... the specifications say that from the top of the hair to the chin must be no more than 35mm, but it is 40mm. Will this present a problem? I don't really have time to get new ones done today as I need to sleep before the long bus journey down to London.

I don't have photocopies of my passport or police certificates... I just remembered that I might have read somewhere that I need photocopies of these. I already have a copy of my birth certificate, so that is fine. Will this be a problem?

I have all my paperwork (probably far more than I need) in a big padded A4 envelope which has 4 envelopes within dividing up the paperwork, ie. evidence, copies, afft stuff, forms + appointment letter. This wouldn't be a security problem would it? Don't know if padded envelopes are off limits. I will leave my backpack at left luggage at the bus station.

I think other than this, I am ready

Very near to the embassy there are a couple of places you can get the photos done. You will need 2 US size ones. Gould pharmacy is very close to the embassy and there is another place on Oxford street opposite Selfridges which charges £5.50 for two.

Your belongings go through x-ray so the envelope is fine.

You will have time to get those photos done. They won't let you into the queue until at least 9.30am. Best of luck!!

Man, i totally messed up posting that reply. So it's shorter now than it was because I deleted half of it by mistake but the gist of it is there. Sorry and best of luck!!

You will need a photocopy of your police certificate too but not the passport.

Get some pics done at gould pharmacy, which is 2 mins from the embassy. Costs £5 for two pics, takes only a couple mins to get done.

http://www.gouldpharmacy.com/Photos.asp

All the best

I have to be honest and say I didn't even measure mine. I just took them in one of those booths in Boots. God knows what size they were but on my Visa it was cropped down.

If you can though, take others advise and redo them there. If not don't panic as I am 100% sure mine were not US size and as long as they aren't going to loose half your face they can be cut down.

Good Luck, although everything I am sure will be fine.

Damn..

Any ideas where I can get that done in London at such short notice?

Try the photography place - most will also have photocopiers.