Important Information About UK Borders for Foreign Travelers!

I often find myself discussing this with passengers on my flights, particularly Americans. When entering the UK, there are TWO SEPARATE CHECKS you need to be aware of.

The first is PASSPORT CONTROL, where your documents for entering the UK are verified.

You will undergo PASSPORT CONTROL at the first point of arrival in the UK. This applies even if you are connecting to a domestic flight. For example, on a journey from JFK to LHR to MAN, you’ll clear PASSPORT CONTROL at LHR.

Depending on your nationality and visa status, you may need to join different queues. You might be able to use an electronic gate or may have to speak with a border officer. Keep in mind that these officers are only focused on ensuring you have the appropriate documents and/or visas; they don’t concern themselves with your luggage, purchases from abroad, or personal belongings, unless it’s an urgent matter.

The second check is CUSTOMS, where your goods are assessed for entry into the UK. You will clear CUSTOMS at your final destination. So in the scenario of JFK to LHR to MAN, you will complete customs checks at MAN.

If you’ve checked a bag, it will have already gone through screening (e.g., via X-ray) while you were at passport control. Once you have your bags, proceed to one of the two customs channels. Typically, you can just walk through if you have NOTHING TO DECLARE.

Choosing the GREEN ‘NOTHING TO DECLARE’ Channel means you have no items to declare upon entering the UK. If you haven’t packed anything to declare, you simply walk through. However, if there’s an issue with your X-ray or you forgot to mention something, you may be stopped for a luggage check.

The RED ‘GOODS TO DECLARE’ Channel is for travelers who might have items to declare, such as excess alcohol or cigarettes, or restricted goods. If you’re uncertain about declaring something, you should opt for the RED CHANNEL. In some cases, there may not be a visible channel; if you need to declare something, look for a red phone to make your declaration. Domestic arrivals may also have a ‘Goods to Declare’ counter. If you’ve transited, ensure your customs declaration is done before leaving baggage reclaim—failing to do so could lead to being approached by HMRC customs officers.

The ‘EXIT’ Channel is generally found in domestic arrivals and operates like the Green Channel for domestic passengers. There will always be a Red Channel or phone available for declaring goods from earlier flights.

Remember, CUSTOMS won’t typically prevent your entry into the UK unless you fail to declare items that require it. Failure to declare goods, especially restricted items, can lead to fines or arrest. BORDER CONTROL is solely focused on whether you have the right to enter the UK or if you’re part of a global criminal enterprise. They work in close coordination with customs, and any failure to declare restricted goods could jeopardize your entry rights.