A Border Force Officer may still ask to look at your passport and check any immigration permission you have even if you do use an eGate, so it is important that you have the right documents in your hand luggage. This is especially important if you are a non-visa national applying as a Visitor [Note for non-visa nationals applying on entry to the UK as a visitor: depending on the date you are entering the UK you may be required to obtain an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before you arrive in the UK. The requirement to obtain one depends on your nationality and the date you are entering the UK. Information about when the requirements apply to which nationalities (as well as information about applying) is outlined here: Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) - GOV.UK].
It is also important to have the right documents in your hand luggage if you are returning to the UK towards the end of any immigration permission you hold, as Border Force Officers may need evidence to satisfy themselves that you are still entering for the same purpose for which you were granted permission – see below.
When you enter (or re-enter) the UK with Student immigration permission, the Border Force Officer must be satisfied that you speak English at the required level, without needing an interpreter.
You should also have documents relating to:
- your studies (letter from your university/college/school, including your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies number if you are coming to the UK as a Student)
- where you are going to stay
in your hand baggage, in paper form if possible (not on an electronic tablet or mobile phone).
After immigration control, you will be able to collect your baggage. If any item does not come through, find a representative of the airline you travelled on and fill in a lost baggage form.
