When you arrive
into the UK you will approach passport control for your UK entry formalities.
It is important to take this formality seriously and be properly prepared for it.
This officer has access to your case file and all the information you have previously provided. He can also read information coded into your visa.
If your answers to an officer questions are not consistent with this information, you may be refused entry into the UK, even if you have been granted entry clearance (such as a visa).
Be prepared to provide documentary evidence of your reasons for entry.
If the officer becomes suspicious, you and your luggage may be searched. Documents found – for example a letter confirming a job in London when you claim to be a tourist – may lead to your being refused entry.
Be calm, respectful and properly prepared and you should have no problems. You may even receive a cheery ‘Welcome to Britain!’.
ENTRY FOR EEA CITIZENS (EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA)
If you are an EEA citizen use the separate channel marked 'EEA/EU passports'. Immigration officers will check your passport or national identity card to make sure that it is valid and belongs to you.
The EEA includes Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
ENTRY FOR OTHER PERSONS
All other persons use the channel marked ‘all other passports’
You will be interviewed by an immigration officer who will ask you some questions.
This is a very important interview and it is important that you are properly prepared for it.
REASON FOR ENTRY
Be sure that you are familiar with the requirements for the entry category under which you wish to enter the UK. See our UK Visa Overview for more information.
The simpler your visa and the shorter your stay, the less chance you have of experiencing difficulties.
Persons entering for the first time on visas to study, work or reside in the UK need to be especially well prepared and should have copies of all relevant documentation with them.
IF YOU DON’T REQUIRE ENTRY CLEARANCE
Your interview with the Immigration official will be the equivalent of a visa application.
If you are travelling on business, for example, you may need to show proof of employment, that you are travelling on behalf of the company, and details of the persons you intend to meet.
If you are entering to study, or for some other long-term entry, it may be prudent to apply for a visa from your local British Embassy even if this is not a mandatory requirement for your particular nationality. This will ensure that you have all the required documents ready, as failure to produce them when you enter can lead to long delays and possible refusal of entry.
If the officer believes that you are providing false information, or that you are not disclosing important facts about your visit, he may refuse you entry.
IF YOU HAVE ENTRY CLEARANCE
The immigration officer may ask you similar questions as those previously put to you by a visa officer.
If the officer believes that there has been a material change in circumstances, or that false information was given, or that you did not disclose important facts when the visa or entry clearance was obtained, he may refuse you entry.
IF YOU ARE REFUSED ENTRY
If it becomes apparent that there is a problem and that you may be refused entry, try to contact a solicitor or have a friend contact a solicitor right away. If you do not have a mobile phone ask to use the phone or use a public telephone.
Try to have a solicitor intervene before you are refused entry. If it proves that your case is hopeless, it may be prudent to withdraw your application to enter and leave voluntarily to avoid having a formal entry refusal on your record.
If you are formally refused entry this will be noted on your records and could affect your ability to obtain visas worldwide for years to come.
A specialist immigration solicitor can properly advise you in this circumstance. In many cases they will be able to appeal the refusal.
PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE
If you are uncertain or worried about entry procedures you can seek professional assistance from DJ Webb and Co.
This may consist of reviewing the formalities with you by phone and being on standby to provide telephonic assistance if necessary.
It may also be possible to arrange for one of our immigration solicitors to be present at your point of entry to provide assistance if this is required.
To arrange for professional advice or assistance please contact DJ Webb & Co.
LANGUAGE DIFFICULTIES
If you do not speak fluent English, ask someone to write down the most relevant information (entry & exit dates, purpose of visit, financial proof, address and phone number where you can be reached, confirmation of meetings arranged, or details of people you are visiting, etc.) for you in English before you travel and have copies of your hotel booking confirmation, return ticket and any other relevant documents organised in a file or folder to present.
Be careful not to try to answer questions that you may not properly understand, or to answer using words you do not properly understand, as misunderstanding could cause you delays and problems.
If the official wants additional information an interpreter will be called, but you will have to wait and this may take hours. If someone meeting you can interpret try to have their mobile phone number available.