UK Customs and Visas

Visas

Citizens of Canada, the USA, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and certain Commonwealth countries, do not require a visa to holiday in the UK. However, you will need to fill in forms to apply for entry clearance on arrival, and may not stay for longer than six months. Citizens of these countries must apply for a visa to work in the UK.

Citizens of the European Economic Area and Swiss nationals do not require visas to enter, live and work in the UK. The European Economic Area covers the countries of the EU, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. However, nationals of the new EU member states Romania and Bulgaria currently need to apply for permission to work in the UK.

Visa regulations are frequently revised. See the UK Visa website or check with your local British Embassy or other diplomatic representative before you travel.

Visa Extensions

Under exceptional circumstances, tourist visas may be extended: you will need to consult the Immigration and Nationality Enquiry Bureau on +44 (0)870 606 7766. To extend student visas, apply to the Public Enquiry Office in Croydon.

Student Visas

EEA and Swiss nationals are free to study in the UK on the same basis as home students. To obtain a student visa, citizens of other countries need proof of enrolment on a full-time course of study, with a recognised education provider.

Further details are available from the UK Visa website.

Longer stays

Leave to enter the country as a visitor is normally only granted for a six month period. Subject to certain restrictions on age, nationality, and marital status, visas may be granted to young people to work in the UK as an au pair or working holiday-maker for up to two years. Special arrangements are also in place for the entry and residence of seasonal agricultural workers, language teachers on exchange placements, and those seeking training or work experience.

For full details of these and other visa regulations, see the Border and Immigration Agency website.

Customs

Customs controls at UK points of entry distinguish between goods bought within the EU, with local duty paid in the country of purchase, and duty free goods bought elsewhere.

Visit the HM Revenue and Customs website for full details.

Within the EU - Tax and Duty Paid

In 1999, duty-free sales for travellers within the EU were abolished. However, some types of goods remain cheaper when bought in other EU countries, with local duty paid. Enquiries will be made by Customs Officers at your point of entry to the UK if you attempt to bring in more than:

• 3,200 cigarettes
• 200 cigars
• 3kg tobacco
• 10 litres of spirits
• 20 litres of fortified wine (such as port or sherry)
• 90 litres of wine
• 110 litres of beer

Travellers from some EU countries face limits on the amount of tobacco products that can be bought back without paying UK duty. From Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia or Slovenia you can import 200 cigarettes, while from Estonia the limit is 200 cigarettes or 250g of smoking tobacco. There is no limit on other tobacco products as long as they are for your own use.

If you have tobacco products over these limits you will need to speak to a Customs officer in the red channel or on the red point phone.

Outside the EU - Duty Free

When travelling to the UK from outside the EU you are allowed to bring in the following, provided you travel with the items and do not intend to sell them:

• 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco
• 2 litres of still table wine
• 1 litre of spirits or strong liqueurs over 22% volume or 2 litres of fortified wine, sparkling wine or other liqueurs
• 60ml of perfume
• 250ml of toilet water
• £145 worth of all other goods including gifts and souvenirs

VAT Refunds

Citizens of countries outside the EU can get VAT (Value Added Tax) refunded on some purchases made in the UK. See our Taxes and Refunds page for details.