Are you travelling to the UK soon? It’s important to know the different UK entry processes, as these can vary depending on how you arrive in the country.
This guide covers:
- UK entry procedures by air, sea, or land
- Required documents, including the UK ETA
- Support for travellers with children and/or medical needs
Entry to the UK by air, sea, and land
The UK has multiple entry points, including airports, ferry ports, and international train stations. At every point, you’ll pass through UK border control.
Border control rules apply to all parts of the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). The exact process you follow will depend on how you arrive.
You’ll need the correct documents to enter the UK. At Etauk.com, we help you understand the requirements for your point of arrival, regardless of your mode of transport.
You can use the same email address for both your ETA and your child’s ETA. However, decisions might arrive at different times, based on when you submitted each application.
By air
Flying is usually the most convenient way to get to the UK. Direct flights are available from major cities worldwide, including Auckland, Sydney, and Washington, DC.
The main UK international airports include:
- London Heathrow (LHR)
- Manchester Airport (MAN)
- Birmingham Airport (BHX)
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
- Belfast International Airport (BFS)
Step-by-step UK entry process for air passengers
UK entry requirements for air travel are checked twice: first by your airline before boarding, and again by UK Border Force officers on arrival.
After landing:
- Follow the Arrivals/UK Border signs to reach immigration, where your travel documents will be checked.
- Use the automated ePassport Gates if you’re from Canada, New Zealand, the USA, or certain other eligible countries. Registered travellers can also use the eGates.
- If you’re not eligible for the eGates, join the All Passports queue. A UK Border Force officer will check your identity, visa or ETA, and confirm the purpose and length of your stay.
- Collect your luggage from the baggage reclaim area.
- Enter the customs area choosing the correct channel depending on whether you have goods to declare.
Do I need an ETA for ferry or train travel to the UK?
You’ll need an ETA to enter the UK by ferry, train, or air if you hold a passport from a country eligible for the ETA. Check the full list of eligible nationalities before you travel.
By sea
The UK is also accessible by ferry, with routes connecting it with the Channel Islands and various ports in Europe, including in France, the Netherlands, and Spain.
The main UK ferry ports include:
- Port of Dover
- Portsmouth International Port
- Dockyard Port of Plymouth
- Port of Liverpool
- Port of Hull
Step-by-step UK entry process for ferry passengers
The UK entry process for ferry passengers is similar to that for air arrivals.
Once the ferry has docked:
- Follow the Arrivals/Border Control signs. Foot passengers should head to the arrivals hall, while drivers must remain in their vehicles until directed to move forward.
- Present your passport and visa/ETA to the UK Border Force officer. You might be asked questions about the purpose and duration of your stay.
- Wait for vehicle inspection (for drivers). All vehicles might be stopped for inspection. UK Border Force officers will check the contents, documents, and any goods being transported.
- Collect your baggage, if necessary.
- Pass through customs via the correct channel, depending on whether you have goods to declare.
By land
You can reach the UK by land via the Channel Tunnel (also known as the Eurotunnel), which connects mainland Europe to southern England.
This undersea rail tunnel is mainly used to transport vehicles (including cars, motorcycles, coaches, and freight lorries) on specially designed shuttle trains. The tunnel runs between Coquelles, Calais (France), and Folkestone, Kent.
You could also get the Eurostar. This is a high-speed passenger train service that connects London with major European cities, including:
- Paris
- Brussels
- Amsterdam
The Eurostar train uses the Channel Tunnel for its primary route.
Step-by-step UK entry process for Eurotunnel and Eurostar arrivals
UK customs and border checks for train travellers are generally completed before departure. In some cases, there might be additional spot checks on the train or upon arrival.
After checking in:
- Present your travel documents, including your passport and visa/ETA, to Border Force officers. You might be asked questions about the duration and purpose of your trip.
- Go through customs and security checks, which might also include luggage and vehicle inspections for the contents, documents, and any goods being transported.
- Proceed to boarding
- Eurostar: Foot passengers board the train directly after immigration and security clearance.
- Channel Tunnel shuttle: Vehicles are driven onto the shuttle train, with passengers remaining inside their vehicles for the 35-minute journey.
- Disembark without further checks.
Documents required when entering the UK by land, air or sea
Get your documents in order before you travel. Having the correct paperwork ready in advance will save you time and reduce stress at border control.
When arriving in the UK, all travellers must present the following, no matter how you enter:
- A passport valid for the duration of your trip
- UK visa or ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)*
- A return or onward travel ticket
You might also be asked to provide:
- Accommodation details in the UK
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay
- Health insurance that includes medical emergency care
*If you’re a UK or Irish citizen, an ETA or visa is not required. The same applies to permanent residents of Ireland, or if you have permission to work, live, or study in the UK.
UK border requirements for drivers
If you’re bringing a vehicle to the UK, you’ll also need to present:
- Driving licence (and an International Driving Permit, if required)
- Vehicle documents (registration, insurance, hire/lease contract)
- Ferry or Eurotunnel booking confirmation
Your UK ETA for air, sea, and land travel is electronically linked to your passport, so there’s no need for extra paperwork. If you renew your passport, you’ll need to apply for a new ETA.
Special considerations
Certain travellers must provide additional documents and complete extra steps before travelling to the UK.
Travelling to the UK with children
All children entering the UK must have their own valid passport and necessary travel documents, such as an ETA/visa.
If a child is travelling with only one parent or a legal guardian, UK Border Force officers might also ask for proof of the relationship, such as:
- A birth or adoption certificate
- A letter of consent from the other parent
- Legal custody documents
Travelling to the UK with medical needs
Travellers with reduced mobility, sensory disabilities, or other medical needs can receive support at the UK border.
If you require assistance:
- Notify your transport provider - Contact your airline, ferry, or train operator before you travel to arrange help from check-in, through border control, to your seat.
- Bring medical documents - Carry your doctor’s letter or prescription for any medicines or medical equipment. Keep all items in their original packaging.
- Check customs rules - Some medical supplies or dietary products might have limits. You should confirm these before you arrive in the UK.
How Etauk.com can help with your UK ETA
The ETA is an electronic travel authorisation required for visitors (including babies and children) from most visa-exempt countries. You must obtain it before travelling to the UK.
Etauk.com is your trusted partner for applying for the UK ETA. Since 2023, we’ve helped travellers from all over the world navigate the process with ease and confidence.
Our goal is to make your journey to the UK as simple and stress-free as possible. Choose us for our:
- Expert guidance: Our easy-to-use online form includes built-in tooltips to guide you through each section, helping you complete it accurately and without confusion.
- Format verification: Upload your supporting documents, and we’ll make sure they meet the required UK size and format standards.
- Error checking: We carefully review all your information before submission to minimise delays or rejections caused by typos, errors, or missing information.
- Multilingual support: Our team speaks 15+ languages, including English, Spanish, German, and Arabic. Get help in the language you’re most comfortable with.