Roberta Aguirre
When travelling to the UK, you must declare certain goods at customs upon arrival at London airports. The UK's departure from the European Union in 2021 brought changes to customs and the process of declaring goods. Travellers must now select the green channel (nothing to declare) or the red channel (goods to declare). This applies to goods carried on your person or in your hand luggage, as well as those in your hold baggage. You can also declare goods online up to 5 days before arriving in the UK and pay any applicable taxes and duties. It is important to note that there are restrictions on certain items, such as cash amounts, meat products, and weapons, and failure to declare goods may result in seizure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to declare goods | If you pass through UK border controls when transiting through a UK airport on the way to another country |
| How to declare goods | Online from 5 days (120 hours) before arrival in the UK or at the red channel/red-point phone on arrival |
| What to declare | Cash over £10,000 or equivalent, meat, honey, or dairy products if arriving from outside the EU; any amount of cash if arriving from inside the EU |
| Where to declare | At the first UK airport you arrive in; if baggage is not checked through to the final destination, you must clear customs at the first point of arrival |
| Customs channels | Red channel/red-point phone: for declaring goods; Green channel: for travellers with nothing to declare |
| Other restrictions | Guns, bombs, and bullets require a special permit; copies of movies or music without permission are prohibited |
| VAT refunds | The VAT refund scheme for visitors outside the EU has been discontinued by the UK government as of 1 January 2021 |
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What You'll Learn
Declare goods online up to 5 days before arriving in the UK
When travelling to the UK, you can declare goods online up to 5 days (120 hours) before your arrival. This can be done via the HMRC Online Service for Passengers. By declaring your goods online, you can calculate and pay any tax and duty you owe, which will be calculated using simplified rates. You can also declare goods using the red channel or red-point phone on arrival in the UK. This can be done if, for example, you have not been able to declare them online, or if you are carrying more than the permitted amount of alcohol or tobacco.
If you are travelling with goods that do not exceed the personal allowance and you have made a declaration at duty-free goods, you can use the green channel when going through customs. You should keep the reference number and your email receipt for your declaration, as Border Force officers may ask to see this.
If you are bringing in goods that exceed your allowance, you must pay UK taxes on all of the goods in that category, not just those above the allowance. You cannot share your personal allowances with other passengers. Passengers travelling by private plane or boat for pleasure purposes are only entitled to an allowance of £270 worth of goods.
It is important to note that there are certain goods that are not allowed to be brought into the UK, including restrictions on bringing in more than £10,000 in cash (or equivalent in any currency). Further, passengers transferring at a UK airport should be aware of security rules on the carriage of liquids (including duty-free) purchased at airports outside the UK, as these items may not be permitted through the security search point.
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Duty-free goods and allowances
When travelling to the UK, what you can bring with you depends on where you are coming from. However, there are some general rules regarding duty-free goods and allowances.
If you are travelling from outside the EU, you must declare cash amounts over €10,000 (or the equivalent in other currencies) to customs. If you are travelling from within the EU, you do not need to declare cash, but you must declare goods that exceed your allowance.
You can bring in the following amounts of alcohol without paying UK duty and/or tax: 4 litres of spirits and other liquors over 22% ABV (alcohol by volume), or 9 litres of alcoholic drinks less than 22% ABV.
If you bring in goods over your allowance, you must pay UK taxes on all of the goods in that category, not just the amount above the allowance. You cannot share your personal allowances with other passengers. You can pay any tax and duty due from 72 hours in advance of arrival using the HMRC Online Service for Passengers.
If you have made a declaration of duty-free goods and have nothing further to declare, you can use the Green Channel when going through customs. You should keep the reference number and your email receipt for your declaration as Border Force officers may ask to see this. If you have goods to declare, you and your luggage may be searched.
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Customs and tax refunds
When travelling to the UK, what you can bring with you depends on where you are coming from. However, there are some consistent rules regarding customs and tax refunds.
Firstly, if you are bringing in more than £10,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies or assets) in cash, you must declare this to customs. If you are arriving from within the EU, you do not need to pay tax or duty on this money, but you must still declare it.
Secondly, if you are carrying goods that you have not declared online in advance, you must declare them at the first UK airport you arrive at. This includes goods in your hand luggage or on your person, as well as those in your hold baggage. You can declare goods at the red channel or red-point phone. If you have already declared duty-free goods online, and have nothing further to declare, you can use the green channel.
It is important to note that there are certain goods you are not allowed to bring into the UK, including some that are restricted, such as guns, bombs, and bullets, which require a special permit. Additionally, as of 1 January 2021, the VAT refund scheme for visitors outside the EU, known as the Retail Export Scheme (RES) or tax-free shopping, has been discontinued. This means that tax-free purchases at airports, ports, and Eurostar stations are no longer available for travellers to non-EU countries, and VAT refunds for purchases made in British shops are no longer permitted.
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What to do if you're transferring between two international flights
If you are transferring between two international flights at a London airport, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure a smooth journey. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
Before Your First Flight
Before embarking on your journey, it is essential to check with your airline to confirm any specific requirements or procedures for transferring between international flights at your specific London airport. Each airport may have slightly different processes, so being informed beforehand will help you prepare. Additionally, enquire about the minimum connection time recommended by the airline to ensure you have adequate time between your flights.
Upon Arrival at the London Airport
Once your first flight lands, check your boarding time and gate information. Most London airports have clear signage to guide you to the international connecting areas. Follow these signs to reach your next gate. London Heathrow Airport, for example, provides free shuttle bus services if you need to commute to another terminal.
Prepare Your Travel Documents
Regardless of whether you are transiting airside (without passing through UK border control) or landside (passing through UK border control briefly), you will need to present your passport and any required visas or travel permits upon arrival at the London airport. If you are connecting between airports, such as Heathrow and Gatwick, ensure you have the correct documents to enter the UK, as your baggage will not be automatically transferred.
Collect and Re-check Your Baggage
In most cases, if you have booked two separate flights, you will need to collect your checked baggage and then check it back in for your next flight. This process may vary depending on your airline, so it is advisable to confirm with them beforehand. If your baggage is not through-checked to your final destination, you will need to collect it from the baggage reclaim area and then proceed to the check-in counters to complete the necessary steps for your connecting flight.
Proceed Through Security and Immigration
All connecting passengers must go through security again, and the standard liquid restrictions apply. If you are transferring from an international flight to a domestic one, you will need to go through biometrics before reaching security. Additionally, if you choose to leave the airport between your connecting flights, you will need to pass through UK immigration and ensure you have the right to re-enter the UK.
Boarding Your Next Flight
Ensure you arrive at your assigned departure gate on time. Gate information at Heathrow's Terminal 5, for instance, is displayed on screens in the main terminal, and it takes about 20 minutes to reach the satellite gates. It is recommended that you be at your boarding gate at least 20 minutes before your flight's departure.
By following these steps and allowing sufficient time between your flights, you can efficiently navigate your way through transferring between two international flights at a London airport.
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What to do if you need assisted digital support to make your declaration
When travelling to the UK, you must declare goods if you pass through UK border controls when transiting through a UK airport on the way to another country. If you need assisted digital support to make your declaration, you can call HMRC from 72 hours in advance of your arrival on 0300 322 9434, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Make your declaration ahead of arrival where possible. However, if you are travelling outside these hours of service, you can use the red point phone or red channel to declare your goods.
Most UK airports have two exits or 'channels': the red and green channel. The red channel is for goods to declare, and the green channel is for passengers with no goods to declare. Some airports and ports only have one exit and a red point phone where you can declare goods.
If you are travelling with goods that you have already declared at duty-free and have nothing further to declare, you can use the green channel when going through customs. You should keep the reference number and your email receipt for your declaration as Border Force officers may ask to see this.
If you are travelling with goods that need to be declared, you can declare them online from five days (120 hours) before you are due to arrive in the UK. You can calculate and pay any tax and duty you owe when you declare your goods. You can also declare goods using the red channel or red-point phone on arrival in the UK.
If you are travelling to London City Airport and require assisted travel, you can contact the airport's Assisted Travel Service on (+44) 7867 358938. You can also contact your airline, tour operator, or travel agent directly to arrange support during your journey. London City Airport also works with AccessAble and the Business Disability Forum to improve the service provided to customers with reduced mobility and hidden disabilities.
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Frequently asked questions
Most London airports have two exits or channels: the red and green channel. The green channel is for travellers who have nothing to declare, while the red channel is for those who have goods to declare. Some airports only have one exit and a red point phone where travellers can declare goods.
Travellers must declare goods such as more than €10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies or assets in cash if arriving from outside the EU. Other goods that must be declared include duty-free goods, goods exceeding personal allowances, and goods that are restricted or prohibited, such as certain food products, guns, bombs, and bullets.
Travellers can declare goods online up to 5 days (120 hours) before arriving in the UK or by using the red point phone or red channel at the airport. It is recommended to make the declaration in advance where possible. Travellers can also call the HMRC helpline for assisted digital support in making their declaration.
