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UK border control - passport checks, visas for entering, customs, transiting and layovers.

• Overview

  Your identity document (for example your passport or identity card) will…

• Before you leave for the UK

  Check what documents you’ll need to enter the UK. You’re a British citizen…

• At border control

  You’ll need to show your identity document, such as your passport or…

• Baggage checks

  You must co-operate if you’re stopped and asked about your baggage. If you…

• Layovers and transiting through a UK airport

  Passing through a UK airport while on the way to another country is called…

Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months), medical treatment and other activities. Find out whether you need a Standard Visitor visa, or can visit without a visa.

• Overview

  You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study…

• Visit on business

  You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for up to 6 months: to do…

• Visit to study

  You can visit the UK for up to 6 months to: study at an accredited…

• Visit as an academic

  If you’re a scientist, researcher or academic you can: take part in formal…

• Visit for a paid engagement or event

  You can visit the UK for certain paid engagements or events (a ‘permitted…

• Visit for medical reasons

  You can visit the UK for up to 6 months to: have private medical treatment…

• If you're under 18

  You may visit the UK if you’re under 18 and: you’ve made suitable…

• Apply for a Standard Visitor visa

  If you need a Standard Visitor visa, you must apply online before you…

• When you can extend your stay

  You may be able to extend your stay if you have permission to be in the UK…

Updates, news and events from the UK government in USA

• Updated: 15 August 2017

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is responsible for making millions of decisions every year about who has the right to visit or stay in the country, with a firm emphasis on national security and a culture of customer satisfaction for...

• Updated: 30 January 2026

Apply for British citizenship if you have a British parent - who's eligible, fees and how to apply

Updates, news and events from the UK government in UK Mission to the United Nations, New York

• Updated: 25 March 2013

Updates, news and events from the UK government in United Kingdom

• Updated: 15 August 2017

The United Kingdom Mission to the United Nations in New York covers a wide range of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's objectives from the peaceful settlements of disputes to protecting the environment, from respect for human rights to promoting sustainable...

• Updated: 1 September 2026

Updates, news and events from the UK government in UK and the Commonwealth

• Updated: 14 October 2016

Recognised bodies, listed bodies, recognised universities, accredited higher learning institutions, bogus degrees