Passport Control

We have clearly marked lanes for different types of passports including e-Passports, EU Passports, Non-EU Passports.

Take a moment to read the signage and ensure you join the right line for your passport type. This all helps to get you through to your destination faster. Please note EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can only use a national ID card to enter the UK under limited circumstances, which you can find here.

At border control your passport will be checked.

You should:

  • Have your passport ready - remove it from a holder or wallet if you use one
  • Remove your face covering, hat, headphones or sunglasses, if you’re wearing them
  • Move through passport control together if you’re in a family

e-Passports

Have an e-Passport with the clever chip inside, then you can use the eGates if you meet the following criteria:

  • You are from one of the following countries:
    • UK
    • EU
    • EEA countries including Norway
    • Iceland
    • Liechtenstein
    • Switzerland
    • Australia
    • Canada
    • Japan
    • New Zealand
    • Singapore
    • South Korea
    • USA
  • You have a biometric symbol on the cover of your passport
  • Members of the Registered Travellers Service
  • You must be aged 10 or over and accompanied by an adult if you are aged under 18

You will still need to see an immigration officer if you are:

  • A family with children under 10 years old
  • An EU traveller with a national identity card
  • You are coming for short-term study or certain types of work. See more information here.

Other passport holders

If you are not eligible to use the eGates or prefer not to, then please wait for the next available border force officer by following signage to the EU Passport or Non-EU Passport lanes depending on which country you are from. 

 

The easy way through border control

Watch the video below to get all the information you'll need to get through border control the easy way.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required for travellers who do not need a visa to visit the UK. It grants permission to travel to the UK and is electronically linked to your passport.

It is now mandatory for eligible visitors to obtain digital permission to travel before arriving in the UK. Airlines will refuse boarding to passengers who do not hold a valid ETA, eVisa, or other appropriate travel documentation.

Who needs an ETA?

You will need an ETA if you are travelling to the UK to:

  • Visit for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study
  • Visit for up to 3 months under the Creative Worker visa concession
  • Transit through the UK (including if you do not pass through UK border control)
  • Undertake a permitted paid engagement

All eligible non-visa nationals must obtain an ETA before travelling to or transiting through the UK.

All travellers to the UK — except British and Irish citizens — must hold advance permission to travel, either through an ETA or an eVisa.

As the scheme has been introduced in phases, we strongly recommend checking the latest requirements before travelling.

Travelling as a family or group

Each person travelling must have their own ETA, including babies and children.

How to apply for an ETA

Eligible visitors should apply using the UK ETA app. The process is quick and straightforward, and most applicants receive a decision within hours.

Please note: An ETA does not replace a visa where one is required.

Download the UK ETA app on:

Who does not need an ETA?

You do not need an ETA if you:

  • Hold a valid UK visa
  • Have permission to live, work or study in the UK
  • Hold a British or Irish passport
  • Hold a British Overseas Territories passport
  • Are exempt from UK immigration control

Travellers who require a visa must continue to apply for one and should not apply for an ETA.

For more information, please check out the website: https://www.gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation