United Kingdom · study · guide
UK border control: requirements and rules
This guide explains what you must do when you arrive at the United Kingdom border.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 13 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control/at-border-control
What you need to show
You must show your identity document, such as your passport or national identity card, at border control. You must have this document ready and remove it from any holder or wallet. You must also remove any face covering or sunglasses.[1][2][3]
If you have settled or pre-settled status, used the ID Check app, or have a certificate of application, you should link your passport or national identity card to your UK Visas and Immigration account. If you cannot link your account and your carrier requests proof of permission to travel, you must give them a share code at the border.[4][5]
Who can use eGates
To use the eGates, you must be 120cm (3ft 11in) or taller. If you are between 8 and 17 years old, you must be accompanied by an adult to use them.[6][7]
Arriving by bus or coach
If you travel by bus or coach, you must have your travel documents ready. You must be ready to get off the bus when you arrive, and you must leave the bus when you reach border control.[8][9][10]
Special entry rules
If you travel in a family, you must move through passport control together. If you enter the UK with a Temporary Work - Creative Worker certificate of sponsorship for up to 3 months and want to enter without a visa, you must see a Border Force officer and get a stamp in your passport.[11][12]
If you are allowed into the UK temporarily after being refused entry, you must report to immigration officers at set times and surrender your passport.[13]
Checklist
- Remove your passport or national identity card from its holder or wallet.[2]
- Take off your sunglasses and any face coverings.[3]
- Link your identity document to your UK Visas and Immigration account if you have settled status, pre-settled status, a certificate of application, or used the ID Check app.[4]
- Stay together with your family when moving through passport control.[11]
Questions people ask
Can children use the eGates at UK border control?
Children must be at least 120cm (3ft 11in) tall to use the eGates. If a child is between 8 and 17 years old, they must also be accompanied by an adult to use the eGates.[6][7]
What should I do if I am travelling to the UK by bus?
You must have your travel documents ready and be prepared to get off the bus when you arrive. You must leave the bus when you reach border control.[8][9][10]
Do I need to get a passport stamp as a Creative Worker?
Yes, if you are entering the UK with a Temporary Work - Creative Worker certificate of sponsorship for up to 3 months and want to enter without a visa, you must see a Border Force officer and get a stamp in your passport.[12]
What happens if I am refused entry but allowed in temporarily?
If you are allowed into the UK temporarily after being refused entry, you must report to immigration officers at set times and surrender your passport.[13]
How should I present my passport at the border?
You must show your passport or national identity card at border control. You must have it ready, remove it from any holder or wallet, and remove any face coverings or sunglasses.[1][2][3]
What if my carrier asks for proof of permission to travel?
If you cannot link your passport to your UK Visas and Immigration account and your carrier requests proof of permission to travel, you must give them a share code at the border.[5]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.