Banner image showing passenger buying alcohol as part of customs allowance Banner image showing passenger buying alcohol as part of customs allowance

Customs

Everyone arriving in the UK must clear Customs. If you have goods to declare, you and your luggage may be checked

Make sure you adhere to Customs rules and regulations

For your safety and to enjoy as quick an onward journey as possible, please note the following: 

  • Never carry anything into the UK on behalf of somebody else
  • Never bring prohibited goods into the UK. If in doubt, ask the Customs information point
  • If you are unsure about your tax-free entitlement, ask the Customs information point

Preparing for Customs

There are two customs channels to choose from when entering the UK: red or green. 

Green customs channel: Flying from anywhere with nothing to declare. 

Red customs channel: Flying from anywhere with goods to declare. 

What you can bring with you to the UK depends on where you are travelling from, however you must always declare the following to customs upon arrival at London Gatwick: 

  • Anything over your duty-free allowance 
  • Any goods that are banned or restricted in the UK 
  • Goods that you intend to sell in the UK 
  • More than €10,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies or assets) in cash if you are arriving from outside the EU

If you have goods to declare, you and your luggage may be checked. 

If you are travelling with €10,000 or more (or its equivalent in other currencies or assets) and arriving from inside the EU, that’s no problem, but you must declare it to customs before entering or leaving the UK.

Learn more about what you can take through Customs.

Connecting passengers

If you're transferring between two international flights at London Gatwick, you may be able to have your baggage tagged through to your final destination, but you will still need to declare any items in your hand baggage which are liable for duty.

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.  

Depending on where you are travelling from, you may also need to fill out an Immigration form, such as a UK Visitor Visa form. Once you have been cleared by Customs and Immigration, then you can proceed to check in for your UK flight.