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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 for up to 6 months to do the following business…

• 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…

You may need a visa to come to the UK to visit, study or work.

Apply for the Registered Traveller service to get through UK border control faster and without filling in a landing card

What to do if you're visiting the UK on business - check if you’re eligible, if you need a visa, what visa to apply for, and what to do before you visit.

FCDO travel advice aims to inform British nationals so they can make decisions about travelling abroad. This page sets out how the FCDO assesses risks and compiles travel advice.

• Updated: 29 September 2023

By April 2025, all visitors who do not need a visa will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK.

• Updated: 10 September 2024

Apply for a transit visa if you stop at a UK airport on your way to another destination - types of visas, cost, documents, how to apply

What to do if you're visiting the UK for a holiday or to see family or friends: check if you’re eligible, if you need a visa, and what to do before you visit.

Checklist of things you can do to make air travel quicker and easier.

• Updated: 24 July 2023