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Entering the UK

This page will guide you through what to expect when you enter the UK, and explain what you can and cannot bring through customs.

Arriving at a UK airport | Import restrictions | Airport eGates and passport stamps | European students

Arriving at a UK airport

It's very important you have the right documents when you arrive at a UK airport. As you are entering as a new student, you will need to be prepared to answer some simple questions about your studies and where you will be staying.  

This is a list of things to be aware of and things to have with you when you arrive. For more detailed information, you can visit the UK Border Force website.

  • Accommodation details - have the address and phone number in your hand luggage. You will need this to complete your landing card.
  • Landing card - complete this before you meet the Immigration Officer in the UK if you are a non-EEA national. Landing cards are given to you on the aircraft before you arrive.  
  • Passport - have your passport ready to give to the Immigration Officer. 
  • Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) - have a printed copy of your CAS in your hand luggage. If you do not have your CAS, have a printed copy of your offer letter to show details of your course. 
  • Documents - keep important documents in your hand luggage. These include bank, medical, and accommodation documents. Border Force might ask to see them. 
  • Border Force - it is normal to be asked simple questions about your travel to the UK. 

Import restrictions

Please ensure that you:

  • do not bring any meat or dairy products from outside the UK. There are restrictions on traditional medicines, food products and some fruit, vegetables and plants (including bulbs, seeds, cut flowers, tree bark)
  • do not bring endangered plants or animals, or animal-derived items including ivory, skins, hides and shells and products made from them
  • check the restrictions on the amount of goods you can bring in to the UK such as tobacco, alcohol and gifts; if you exceed your allowances, all of your goods can be taken away from you
  • never bring counterfeit goods, illegal drugs, firearms (including realistic imitations), offensive weapons (including knives) or indecent or obscene material
  • declare any sums of cash of £10,000 or more (or the equivalent in another currency) if you are travelling from a country outside the UK

Visas and immigration

Airport eGates and passport stamps

When you come through border control at the airport, a border control officer will stamp your passport. This stamp shows your date of entry into the UK, so it is required for registration at the university if you are entering with a student visa.

Travellers from some countries (Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the USA) are likely to be directed to electronic passport gates (eGates or ePassport gates) which are also used by UK, EU, EEA and Swiss citizens. 

If you will be arriving to start your course in September, you may find there are dedicated student lanes at some UK airports so watch out for these when you arrive.

UK government guidance

European students

European students will require a visa, unless you have already registered as a ‘settled’ or ‘pre-settled’ UK resident under the EU Settlement Scheme. Find information on our help with your visa web pages.  

Irish citizens have the right to travel, live, work and study in the UK under the UK-Ireland Common Travel Area arrangements. These rights are not affected by Brexit, and you won't need to apply for a visa or the EU Settlement Scheme. 

 

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