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What documents do you need when entering the United Kingdom (UK)
If you are planning to enter the UK, your identity document (for example your passport or identity card, valid for the whole of your stay) will be checked when you arrive at a UK border to make sure you’re allowed to enter the country. You may also need a visa to come into or travel through the UK, depending on your nationality.
Check which documents you need when entering the UK below.
Before you travel to the UK, check that your visa is valid and will not expire before you enter the UK.
If you are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
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a passport
an Irish passport card
a national identity card issued by an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, if you’re eligible to use one
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You cannot use a national identity card from an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein to enter the UK unless you:
have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man’s settlement schemes
have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit, or the equivalent from Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man
you have a Frontier Worker permit
you are an S2 Healthcare Visitor
you are a Swiss national and have a Service Provider from Switzerland visa
If you are a British citizen
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a passport or
a Gibraltar identity card
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You do not need any documents to enter the UK.
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A Border Force officer may ask to see proof of your identity and nationality. You can use any documents that show your identity or nationality, for example:
a passport (current or expired)
proof that you’ve been given British citizenship - such as a UK citizenship certificate
a Gibraltar identity card (current or expired)
a copy of your passport or Gibraltar identity card that clearly shows your identity and nationality
You can use more than one document - for example, a driving licence with a citizenship certificate. If you’re using an expired passport or identity card, it must be recent enough that it’s clear that it’s yours.
If you are from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
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If you are from outside the European Union (EU), Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you must have a valid passport for the whole of your stay to enter the UK.
In some cases, you may also need a visa, depending on which country you’re from.
Make sure you check if you need a visa to come to the UK.
It is mandatory to have your visa before you travel to the United Kingdom.
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You may also need a visa if you are ‘transiting’ or travelling through the United Kingdom, for example if you will be changing flights at one of UK’s airports.
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Before you travel to the UK, check that your visa is valid and will not expire before you enter the UK.
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