Immigration on entry to the UK

Introduction

Last updated 16 September, 2026

Coming to study in the UK as an international student can feel a little daunting. This information gives an overview of what will happen when you arrive in the UK as a student, and includes important details about how to keep evidence of your date of entry, especially if you use eGates at an airport. It also includes important information for you to consider if you leave the UK after your course finishes, but you are hoping to re-enter the UK before your immigration permission expires. 

If you are coming to the UK via Ireland, see our information on Entering the UK via Ireland instead.  

If you are travelling to the UK by air you will arrive at your airport and pass through immigration control first (before collecting your luggage). There are usually two main queues: one for UK and European Economic Area and Swiss nationals, and one for everyone else. 

If you travel by Eurostar, you will go through UK immigration control in France before you board the Eurostar. 

Can I use an eGate?

Last updated 16 September, 2026

There is Home Office guidance on Entering the UK, which provides information about what to do and expect at UK border control.

If you are a registered traveller, you will be able to enter through the UK/EEA passport entry lanes, and through the eGates provided you have a passport with a biometric symbol on the cover (which looks like a circuit chip).

Similarly, EEA and Swiss citizens can use the eGates, provided you have a passport with a biometric symbol on the cover, are 8 years old or over (those who are aged 8-17 years must be accompanied by an adult), and have a valid digital immigration status or record of a digital exemption. You must also be 120cm or taller to use the eGates.

Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and the USA, are considered 'eligible countries' and can also use the eGates, with the same requirements as those for EEA and Swiss citizens. 

Make sure you join the correct queue. If you cannot, or do not, use the eGate a Border Force Officer will look at your passport and check your immigration permission. They may assess you as a Visitor, if you are a non-visa national and deemed to be applying at the border. Read more about this, under 'Do I need to apply in advance, for entry clearance?', in our information about Visitors.

You can also read more about eVisas, which are different from eGates.

Checks made by a Border Force Officer

Last updated 16 September, 2026

A Border Force Officer may still ask to look at your passport and check any immigration permission you have, even if you do use an eGate. Therefore, it is important that you have the right documents in your hand luggage.

If you are a non-visa national applying as a Visitor on entry to the UK, you are required to obtain an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before you arrive in the UK. Read more about this, under 'Do I need to apply in advance, for entry clearance?', in our information about Visitors.

It is also important to have the right documents in your hand luggage if you are returning to the UK towards the end of any immigration permission you hold, including Student permission, because Border Force Officers may need evidence to satisfy themselves that you are still entering for the same purpose for which you were granted permission – see below.

When you enter (or re-enter) the UK with Student immigration permission, the Border Force Officer must be satisfied that you speak English at the required level, without needing an interpreter.  

You should also have documents relating to: 

• your studies (letter from your university/college/school, including your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number if you are coming to the UK as a Student) 

• your finances 

• where you are going to stay 

in your hand baggage, in paper form if possible (not on an electronic tablet or mobile phone).

After immigration control, you will be able to collect your baggage.

Evidence of your arrival date and place

Last updated 16 September, 2026

What you need to declare

Last updated 16 September, 2026

There is government information about Travelling to the UK that tells you about going through Customs when entering the UK.

There are some prohibited and restricted items, and the information is separated into information for those arriving in England, Scotland and Wales and information for those arriving in Northern Ireland.

Returning to the UK after the end of your course but before your permission expires

Last updated 16 September, 2026

You may be thinking of leaving the UK after your course finishes but hoping to re-enter before your immigration permission expires.

If you have Student immigration permission, you should be allowed to enter the UK if you return after the end date of your course but before your permission expires. Page 95 of the Student and Child Student caseworker guidance addresses the issue of re-entry to the UK when you have finished the course but you still have Student permission:

"Students are able to travel outside of, and re-enter, the UK whilst they hold valid permission as a Student, including in the period after they have completed their course and still hold permission under the route".

Whether you will be allowed to enter on this basis will depend on whether Border Force Officers are satisfied, when you enter the UK, that you will complete the activity you intend to carry out and leave the UK before your permission expires, or that you will submit an in-time application to extend your immigration permission in the UK.

You should carry any relevant documentation with you when you travel, to show to the Border Force Officer if required. You may, for example, have evidence confirming your graduation date, if you travel between the end of your course and before your graduation, or evidence of a new immigration application. 

However, your ability to do this at all could be affected if your institution has made a report to UK Home Office about your immigration permission. See below for greater detail about that.