Lois Larson
Customs at Heathrow Airport is located after baggage reclaim. Passengers arriving from the EU are required to make a customs declaration by selecting the green channel (nothing to declare) or the red channel (goods to declare). Each terminal has its own passport control and customs, and it takes approximately 2-20 minutes to get to passport control, depending on the gate. From there, it's a minute's walk to baggage pickup and another minute to customs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Each terminal has its own Passport Control ('immigration') and Customs |
| Time to get to Passport Control | 2-20 minutes, depending on the plane's gate |
| Time to get to Customs | 1 minute |
| Queue at Passport Control | There may be a queue, and it may be long |
| Queue at Customs | No queue, but you may have to wait for hold baggage |
| Time to get to the Central Bus Station | 5 minutes |
| Baggage checked through to the final destination | No need to pass through customs at Heathrow |
| Collecting baggage and checking in to the next flight | Need to pass through customs at Heathrow |
| Travelling from the Channel Islands | Need to clear UK customs but no need to go through passport control |
| Travelling from the EEA countries | Need to make a customs declaration by selecting the green channel (nothing to declare) or the red channel (goods to declare) |
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What You'll Learn
Customs after baggage reclaim
After you've gone through Border Control at Heathrow Airport, you'll need to head to baggage reclaim. From there, it's a brief walk to Customs. Each terminal has its own Customs area, and it should take you no more than a minute to get there.
If you have checked baggage, you may need to wait for it to arrive. Once you have your baggage, you can proceed to Customs. If your baggage is checked through to your final destination, you'll clear Customs at that destination. However, if you're collecting your baggage at Heathrow and checking in for your next flight yourself, you'll need to pass through Customs at Heathrow.
When passing through Customs, you'll need to select the appropriate channel. If you have nothing to declare, you can choose the green channel. If you have goods to declare, you should select the red channel. It's important to be aware of the restrictions on bringing certain goods into the UK. Make sure you review the relevant government advice before your travel.
After clearing Customs, you'll be able to exit the terminal and proceed to your onward travel. Depending on your mode of transportation, you can follow the signs to the bus station, taxi stand, or car park. For those continuing their journey by bus, it's approximately a five-minute walk to the Central Bus Station from the Arrivals Hall.
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Customs channels: green and red
Customs channels are a classification system used by customs authorities to manage and monitor international shipments. The system divides shipments into three main categories: green, orange, and red, each indicating the level of control that will be applied to the goods before they are allowed to enter or leave a country. The green channel is the most desired by companies that ship internationally, as it allows the immediate release of goods without additional physical or documentary inspections. This means that customs authorities consider the shipment to comply with all legal and regulatory requirements, significantly reducing clearance times. When a shipment passes through the green channel, the goods are automatically released after the initial analysis by the customs system.
The orange channel implies that the shipment will be subject to a documentary inspection without the need for a physical inspection of the goods. This level of control ensures that the documentation presented is accurate and complies with legal regulations before releasing the shipment. Although it may cause a moderate delay compared to the green channel, the orange channel is less stringent than the red channel, and if the documents are in order, the goods can be released quickly. Customs authorities review documents associated with the shipment, such as the commercial invoice, bill of lading, and certificate of origin.
The red channel involves thorough physical and documentary inspections. Through the red channel, customs authorities can determine whether a shipment requires additional inspections or can be released directly. The assignment of a channel is done automatically by means of computerized systems that analyze various factors associated with the shipment, such as the documentation. The aim of the customs channels system is to ensure compliance with international regulations, prevent the entry of illegal or undeclared goods, and protect countries' economic and health interests.
At Heathrow Airport, passengers arriving from the EU are required to make a customs declaration by selecting the green channel (nothing to declare) or the red channel (goods to declare). The blue channel, previously used for arrivals from EEA countries, has been closed. If your baggage is checked through to your final destination, that is where you clear customs. If you are collecting your baggage and checking in for your next flight yourself, you need to pass through customs at Heathrow. Each terminal has its own passport control and customs, and it will take you 2-20 minutes to get to passport control, depending on your plane's gate. From there, it is a one-minute walk to baggage pickup and another minute to customs.
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Immigration and passports
All passengers arriving at Heathrow Airport must go through UK Border Control, unless they are on a domestic UK flight or a flight from the Republic of Ireland. Each terminal has its own passport control and customs area. It takes approximately 2-20 minutes to get to passport control, depending on the plane's gate and the length of the queue.
If you are travelling with your family, you should go through passport control together. If you are travelling with a child who has a different last name from yours or who is not your own, you may be asked to confirm your relationship. You can speed up this process by bringing documents that prove your relationship with the child and the reason for your trip, such as birth or adoption certificates, marriage or divorce certificates, or a letter from the child's parent(s) permitting you to travel and providing their contact information.
The UK is moving from physical immigration documents to eVisas. If you currently use a physical document to prove your immigration status, you will need to switch to an eVisa. Physical immigration documents include a biometric residence permit (BRP), biometric residence card (BRC), visa vignette, or ink stamp in your passport. If you already have an eVisa, make sure the passport you are using for travel is linked to your account.
An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new requirement for visitors to the UK who do not currently need a visa. An ETA permits you to travel to the UK for up to six months and is electronically linked to your passport. Visitors to the UK will need an ETA, including children. You will need an ETA if you are visiting for tourism, business, studying, or to visit family or friends. If you are passing through the UK border before onward travel, you may need to apply for a 48-hour visa (Visitor in Transit visa) before your arrival in the UK. Your passport must allow entry into the UK, and you must have a booking for onward travel.
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UK Border Control
All passengers arriving at Heathrow Airport must go through UK Border Control, except for those on domestic UK flights or flights from the Republic of Ireland. Each terminal has its own Passport Control ('immigration') and Customs. It takes approximately 2-20 minutes to get to Passport Control, depending on the plane's gate and the length of any queue. From there, it is a one-minute walk to Baggage pickup and another minute to Customs.
If your baggage is checked through to your final destination, you clear customs there. However, if you are collecting your baggage and checking in for your next flight yourself, you must pass through customs at Heathrow. Passengers arriving from the EU are required to make a customs declaration by selecting the green channel (nothing to declare) or the red channel (goods to declare). The blue channel, previously used for arrivals from EEA countries, has been closed since the UK left the European Union on 1 January 2021.
If you are travelling with a child who has a different last name from yours or who is not your own, you may be asked to confirm your relationship. You can speed up this process by bringing relevant documents, such as birth or adoption certificates, marriage or divorce certificates, or a letter from the child's parent(s) permitting you to travel and providing their contact information.
An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required for visitors to the UK who do not need a visa. This permits travel to the UK for up to six months and is electronically linked to the passport. An ETA is needed for tourism, business, studying, or visiting family and friends.
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Customs for international students
Documents
Firstly, ensure you have all the required documents in one place, such as a folder, before reaching the immigration counter. These documents include:
- Your passport
- Visa
- Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS)
- Recent bank statements
- Details of your UK accommodation arrangements
Immigration Process
After you arrive at Heathrow, you will need to go through UK Border Control, which includes passport control and customs. Each terminal has its own passport control and customs area. It may take around 2-20 minutes to get to passport control, depending on your plane's gate and the queue. At passport control, you may be required to meet a Border Official or use the eGates if you meet certain criteria, such as having a biometric symbol on your passport.
Baggage Reclaim
After clearing immigration, proceed to the baggage reclaim hall to collect your luggage. If your baggage is checked through to your final destination, you will clear customs at that destination. However, if you need to collect your baggage at Heathrow, you will need to pass through customs at the airport.
Customs Declaration
When passing through customs, you may need to make a customs declaration. If you have nothing to declare, you can walk through the green channel. Otherwise, select the red channel if you have goods to declare.
Meeting Point
Heathrow has designated international student meeting points in Terminals 2, 4, and 5 and a separate one in Terminal 3. These areas are intended for hosts to meet international students. It is recommended to have a plan for your onward journey after you have collected your luggage and cleared customs.
Other Considerations
- Familiarise yourself with restrictions on bringing certain goods into the UK, such as food, plants, and large amounts of money.
- Obtain a local SIM card to avoid high international calling charges on your current SIM.
- Ensure your electronic devices are charged and have internet access to access important information or services, such as the Heathrow journey planner for your onward travel.
- Pack essential items in your hand luggage, including paperwork, money, warm clothing, and contact details of your university or accommodation provider.
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Frequently asked questions
If your baggage is checked through to your final destination, you clear customs there. If you are collecting your baggage and checking in to your next flight yourself, you need to pass through customs at Heathrow.
Each Heathrow terminal has its own Passport Control ('immigration') and Customs. It will take you 2-20 minutes to get to Passport Control, depending on your plane's gate. From there, it's a one-minute walk to Baggage pickup and another minute to Customs.
All passengers arriving from the EU are required to make a customs declaration by selecting the green channel (nothing to declare) or the red channel (goods to declare). If you have nothing to declare, it's a brief walk through the green channel and then out into Terminal 2's Arrivals Hall.
