You can use automatic ePassport gates at some airports if your passport has a ‘chip’ on it and you’re 12 or over. If you’re between 12 and 17, you must be accompanied by an adult. These gates use facial recognition technology to check your identity against the photo in your passport. You’re from a non- EEA country Your carrier will give you a landing card - fill this in before you arrive at border control. Your passport, landing card (and visa if you have one) will be checked. You’ll usually be asked why you’re coming to the UK.
Keep documents that show the reason for your visit in your hand luggage, so you can show them if asked, for example your travel itinerary, work permit or university letter. Registered Travellers If you’ve joined the, you can use the: • UK/ EEA channels • automatic ePassport gates if your passport has a ‘chip’ You will not need a landing card at. Travelling with a UK biometric visa You’ll have a biometric visa if your fingerprints were taken when you applied. Your fingerprints will be checked at border control - they’ll be checked against the ones stored on your visa document.
If you’re refused entry You’ll be told in writing: • why you’ve been refused entry to the UK • if you can appeal against the decision • when you will be removed from the UK You’ll usually have to leave the UK immediately. You may be allowed into the UK temporarily (usually for up to a week) but your passport will be taken from you and you must report to immigration officers at set times.