Entering the UK
When you arrive in the UK, you will first pass through immigration control. After immigration control you will be able to collect your luggage.
Your passport and immigration permission will be checked by an immigration officer, or you will be invited to go through the eGates (see below for information on who can use this option).
If you are a Student Route Visa holder you should be prepared to show evidence of your studies, finances and where you are going to stay. Make sure you carry your CAS, bank statements and your accommodation details in your hand luggage.
If you are refused entry, or given a very short period of temporary admission, you should get help immediately from, the International Student adviser or the admissions team at the University.
If you are coming to the UK on short visit, without a visa, you will need to apply for an ETA.
Entering via eGates - Student visa holders
Most UK airports now have eGates at immigration control. These can be used by citizens of the EEA, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the US, if your passport has a ‘chip’. You will be directed to the correct queue when you arrive at the airport/port. You should keep evidence of your arrival e.g. boarding pass/flight confirmation and be prepared to show it when you register onto your course so that we can record your arrival date.
You can read more information on entering the UK on the UK government website here.
Seeing an Immigration officer on arrival - Student visa and visitor visa holders
Nationalities not listed above must see a Border Force Officer on arrival. You may be asked to show evidence of your intention to study and the officer may check that you speak English at the required level.
Make sure you carry your CAS, evidence of your finances and your accommodation details in your hand luggage in case you are asked to provide these details.
If you have an eVisa, please see more information here.
Non-Visa nationals using the Visitor Route option
Use the eGates on arrival
Nationals of EEA, Swiss, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea the US and other non-visa nationals, coming to the UK for a short visit (up to 6 months) should use the eGates to enter the UK.
Keep evidence of your arrival date
You should keep evidence of your arrival e.g. boarding pass/flight confirmation and be prepared to show it when you register onto your course so that we can record your arrival date. See more information relating to the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement below.
Check our the UKCISA website for more information.
Travelling via the Republic of Ireland
Please visit the UKCISA website for information on this.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
If you are a non-visa national coming to the UK to UK as a visitor for a short visit of up to 6 months (without applying for a visitor visa in advance) you will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation in advance of travelling.
Check the UK Government website for more information about this requirement and how to apply.
What Happens at Customs?
You will need to choose the right arrival route depending on whether you have any goods to declare or not. Your bags may be checked for anything you must declare. What you can bring with you depends on where you’re travelling from. You must declare to customs:
- anything over your duty-free allowance
- banned or restricted goods in the UK goods that you plan to sell
- more than €10,000 (or its equivalent) in cash, if you’re coming from outside the EU For more information, please visit the UK Government website.
Green: if you have nothing to declare (no more than the permitted dutyfree or tax-free allowances).
Red: if you have goods to declare (over the permitted duty free or tax free allowance).