ARRIVING IN THE UK

As soon as you arrive in the UK, you will have to go through passport control. There will be two queues, one for EEA and Swiss nationals and the other for non-EEA nationals. EEA and Swiss nationals need only to produce their passport or national ID card. For non-EEA nationals the immigration process is usually quick if you have a prior entry clearance, although you may still be questioned and asked to produce supporting documentation. You will also need to complete a landing card on which you’ll be asked your full name, your nationality, date of birth, profession and your address in the UK. If your accommodation has not been confirmed, write your college or university address. The immigration officer will then validate your visa with a stamp on your passport confirming your entry to the UK. Your visa is then valid until the date specified. The United Kingdom Immigration Service at major ports of entry has a telephone contact for general enquiries.

Documents to carry when coming to the UK (for non-EEA nationals)

When travelling to the UK you will need to carry with you the letter of acceptance from your university or college, proof of funding, proof of accommodation (if it has been organised) and your return air ticket (if your course is for less than six months). If your spouse or children are travelling alone then they will also need to carry, as well as the above, a photocopy of your passport and entry clearance. Try to arrive in the UK during office hours as this will enable you or the immigration officer to contact your university should a need arise.

Customs requirements and regulations

Customs allowance varies for travellers arriving from EU and non-EU Countries. Check the customs website at www.hmrc.gov.uk or with the British mission abroad before travelling. When entering a port you’ll see three customs channels; take the green channel if you have nothing to declare, the blue channel if you are travelling from an EEA country or the red channel if you have something to declare. You are prohibited from bringing any of the following into the UK: drugs, explosives, firearms, offensive weapons, obscene publications and counterfeit currencies. You are also not permitted to bring in meat products from a non-EEA country.

Customs allowance

There are no limits imposed on goods from an EEA country. However, you may have to prove to a customs officer that the goods are for personal use only.

The following is a guide for people arriving from a non-EEA country only. For further information please check www.hmrc.gov.uk