Customs
Do I need a visa?
This section explains the restrictions on what you can bring into the United Kingdom, and how to go through customs controls.
If you are planning to travel into or out of the United Kingdom, there are rules about what goods you can bring with you without paying duty or value added tax (VAT) here. Some items are also banned or restricted by law. These restrictions apply even if you are citizen of the United Kingdom who is returning from a trip abroad.
There are heavy penalties for smuggling, so:
- never carry anything into the United Kingdom for someone else;
- never bring banned goods into the United Kingdom;
- if you are driving, make sure that everyone travelling with you knows which goods are banned or restricted. If you smuggle goods into the United Kingdom in a car, our officers may seize the car;
- if you are in doubt, speak to an officer in the red channel or use the red point phone; and
- a pet may be tame, but rabies is a killer. Do not smuggle an animal into the United Kingdom. It could be carrying rabies.
If you need further help or advice, please call our National Advice Service.
What can I bring into the United Kingdom?
This section explains the restrictions on what you can bring into the United Kingdom. Some of these restrictions apply even if you are travelling from within the European Union.
How to go through customs
This page explains the customs channels at ports and airports in the United Kingdom, and which one you should use.
Customs when leaving the United Kingdom
This page explains that some visitors to the United Kingdom can qualify for a refund of value added tax (VAT) paid on goods purchased during their stay.
Sailing a pleasure craft to and from the United Kingdom
This page explains where you can find full details of the customs requirements for private people who sail a pleasure craft (for example a yacht) to and from the United Kingdom.
Contact us
This page explains how you can contact us for enquiries about customs when travelling to or from the United Kingdom. It also tells you how to contact us to report smuggling.
News & updates
- UK work restrictions continue for Bulgarians and Romanians
- Migration advisory committee publishes advice on work restrictions for Bulgarian and Romanian workers in the UK
- First identity cards issued to foreign nationals in Sheffield
- Cocaine seized at Gatwick airport - former England cricketer charged
Terms explained
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United Kingdom
The United Kingdom includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are considered as part of the United Kingdom for nationality purposes, but have their own immigration laws and policies. The Channel Islands are not treated as part of the United Kingdom for value added tax (VAT) purposes.