UK customs (2024)

FAQs

Do I have to answer customs questions in the UK? ›

They can ask, you don't have to answer. They then can take you aside... Immigration officials are free to ask anyone entering the country any reasonable questions about who they are, where they have been, why are they here etc. Your EU passport or a UK does not give anyone an exemption from these questions.

Agents should not ask questions unrelated to verifying citizenship, nor can they hold you for an extended time without cause. Even though you always have the right to remain silent, if you don't answer questions to establish your citizenship, officials may detain you longer in order to verify your immigration status.

For goods over the £1,500 threshold and restricted and excise goods, and goods over 1,000kg you will need to make a full customs declaration either by yourself or through an agent.

We have a duty to protect the UK from drugs, firearms and other harmful goods and to stop smugglers evading taxes. This includes goods that travellers should pay UK tax and duty on. To do this, we need your help and co-operation. If we stop you and ask you about your baggage, please co-operate.

On average, a customs clearance takes 24 hours. The United Kingdom customs clearance, for example, takes just a few minutes or hours to clear. However, if any documents are missing or your goods are inspected, it might take longer, ranging from a few days to several weeks.

The declaration form helps the customs to control goods entering the country, which can affect the country's economy, security or environment. A levy duty may be applied. Travellers have to declare everything they acquired abroad and possibly pay customs duty tax on goods.

A CBP officer will ask questions to verify your documents, check your bags, and determine whether you qualify to enter the US. If you refuse to answer questions from your CBP officer, you may be denied entry into the country.

IF YOU ARE QUESTIONED ABOUT YOUR IMMIGRATION STATUS

You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, whether you are a U.S. citizen, or how you entered the country.

Immigration officers can access several different databases to check personal, criminal, and other details about you before you cross the U.S. border. One of the primary databases they use is one the FBI uses, called the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

Drugs (such as heroine, morphine, cocaine) Offensive weapons (such as flick knives, daggers, swordsticks, and some martial arts equipment) Indecent and obscene material (such as books, magazines, films)

What happens if you don't declare at customs in the UK? ›

If you do not do what you're asked, your goods and any vehicle you use to transport them may be seized.

Why do I need to fill out a customs form? Customs forms are mandatory if you send gifts or goods outside of the UK, except if posting to the EU from Northern Ireland.

Use passport e-Gates when possible

Use passport e-gates if you can. They are automated gates that use facial recognition to check your identity and allow you to enter the country without talking to a Border Force officer. To use them in the UK, you must have an eligible passport and meet specific requirements.

Your baggage is usually checked in front of you. Customs officers keep a record of: all baggage they open and check. any damage to your baggage or belongings during a check.

If you are travelling to the UK from an international destination and will be connecting to a domestic UK flight, you must first clear Customs and Immigration. You will need to present your passport and any other relevant travel documents at passport control before you can proceed to your connecting flight.

Do customs open every package to verify information? No, customs officers will not open up your package or packages without good reason. Every package is put through a scanner machine, or an x-ray machine, to verify that the items you are shipping match your customs forms.