Arriving at the UK border

When you must see a Border Force Officer

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Visitors or Individuals who cannot use eGates or fall under these categories must attend a staffed immigration desk:

Short-Term Students (up to 6 months) if not eligible for eGate use.
Children under 10 years old.
Visitors without biometric passports.
Sponsored Skilled Workers – must speak to a Border Control Officer at their first point of entry after obtaining permission to enter the UK.

Departments and Faculties should continue to issue the appropriate invitation letter ahead of the visit and people services will undertake an immigration status check upon arrival. For eGate users, retain a copy of the passport details page and invitation letter (note: no entry stamp will be present).

Check if you need a UK visa and review the latest list of eligible nationalities and visa requirements.

For full details on entering the UK and using eGates, see the Guide to the UK Border.

Immigration rules and border procedures may change at short notice. Always check requirements via official UK government sources before travel.

Using the eGates

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Visitors (including Business and Academic visitors) coming for less than 6 months from eligible countries can use automated eGates on arrival into the UK. There are over 270 eGates at major airports and rail ports.

Eligibility Requirements:

Age: 10+ (children aged 10–17 must be accompanied by an adult).
Passport: Must hold a biometric passport (with chip symbol on cover).
Most non-visa nationals must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel.
Visitors using eGates will not receive a passport stamp or complete a landing card
Sponsored entrants, including Short‑Term Students or Creative Workers, may be redirected to a Border Force officer even if eligible for eGates due to visa route requirements.
eGates are operated by Border Force and may redirect travellers to a Border Force officer for additional checks if flagged.

For full details on entering the UK and using eGates, see the Guide to the UK Border.

Category	Who	Application Process
Visa Nationals	Nationals from countries listed under Appendix V (e.g., China, India, Pakistan, Turkey)	Must apply for a visa in advance to enter the UK. Full list: Appendix V
Non-Visa Nationals	Nationals not listed in Appendix V	Immigration clearance at UK border; usually receive an entry stamp from a Border Force officer
Non-Visa Nationals using eGates	Nationals from eligible countries (e.g., EU/EEA, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, USA)	No landing card or passport stamp. Must meet eGate criteria: biometric passport, age 10+, ETA if required. Cannot use eGates for certain routes (e.g., Permitted Pa

Visitor Visa

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There are many types of visitor routes which depend on the purpose of the visit:

Type	Description
Standard Visitor Visa	The maximum length of stay is 6 months; Genuine intention to visit: for tourism, for example on a holiday or vacation to see your family or friends to volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity to pass through the UK to another country (‘in transit’) for certain business activities, for example attending a meeting or interview to take part in a school exchange programme to do a recreational course of up to 30 days, for example a dance course to study, do a placement or take an exam as an academic, senior doctor or dentist for medical reasons Prohibited activities: paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person claim public funds (benefits) live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent or successive visits Marrying or registering a civil partnership (requires a Marriage Visitor visa)
Family Visa	This visa lets you join family members working and residing in the UK if you plan to stay for more than six months. You may be eligible for a UK Family visa to live with your spouse or partner, child, parent, or a relative providing long-term care
Permitted Paid Engagements (PPE) visit	You may be able to visit the UK for a paid engagement if you’ve been invited by a UK-based organisation or client as an expert in your profession. You can visit the UK for up to 1 month. You cannot extend your stay. You can be invited and paid by a UK-based organisation or client if you are: · A professional artist, entertainer, or musician · A professional sportsperson · A qualified lawyer representing a client · Giving a lecture or a series of lectures · An academic acting as a student examiner or assessor · An air pilot examiner You cannot: Do paid work unrelated to your main overseas job or area of expertise Study Live in the UK for extended periods Claim public funds (benefits) Pass through the UK to another country (‘in transit’) Marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership (you’ll need a Marriage Visitor visa for this)
Marriage Visitor Visa	Required if you intend to marry or register a civil partnership in the UK or give notice of marriage.

All visa types can be found on the government website, along with eligibility, fees, and other necessary information.

You can check if you need visa to enter the UK on the Government website.

Long-term Visitor Visas

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If you need to visit the UK regularly, you can apply for a long-term Standard visitor visa for 2, 5, or 10 years. Each visit allows you to stay for a maximum of 6 months, and you must meet the requirements of the Visitor route and pay the application fee.