Banner image showing passenger handing over passport Banner image showing passenger handing over passport

Passport and visa control

If possible, we recommend that you use the ePassport gates which will speed up your journey through the border

Clear passport control after arriving at London Gatwick

Your first step after arriving at London Gatwick is to clear passport control. If possible, we recommend that you use the ePassport gates which will speed up your journey through the border and into the baggage reclaim area. 

There are two passport control areas at London Gatwick. One is for European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), British nationals and Swiss nationals, whilst the other is for all other nationalities. Ensure you read the signage carefully and make your way to the correct area, members of staff are also on hand to direct you to the fastest moving queue.

Who can use eGates? An explanation video lasting two minutes
Who can use eGates?

You can use the ePassport gates when you arrive at the airport if you are over 10 (10 to 17 year olds must be accompanied by an adult), have a biometric passport, and are a citizen of one of the following:

  • The United Kingdom (UK) 
  • EU 
  • EEA countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland) 
  • Australia 
  • New Zealand 
  • Canada 
  • Japan 
  • Singapore 
  • South Korea 
  • The United States of America (USA) 
  • Registered Traveller members with a biometric chipped passport

Simply scan your passport on arrival. If you aren’t eligible to use the ePassport gates or prefer not to, then please wait for the next available border force officer.

You will still need to see a border force officer if you are: 

  • Travelling with children under 10 years old
  • Travelling with a National Identity card or with a passport that does not have a biometric chip
  • Coming to the UK for short-term study (under six months)
  • Coming to the UK for specific types of work or reasons
  • A passport holder of a country not listed above

If you do not hold a passport as detailed above, please go to the left-hand side of our arrivals hall. Make sure you have any visas completed correctly before you get to the border control officer. 

For full details on entry requirements into the UK, visit the Border Force website. 

Please note: Your passport must not expire during your visit. 

Preparing for passport control

By making sure you're prepared for passport control, UK Border Force can get you through without delay following your arrival at London Gatwick. Simply follow our handy advice to ensure an as seamless onward journey as possible.

Find more information on how to travel through the UK border.

Image showing exit of gates for arriving passengers into the UK at London Gatwick
  • Have your passport open at the photo page and remove any holders or covers
  • Use ePassport gates if possible. Simply follow the on-screen instructions. A member of staff will be on hand to help you
  • Please remove all hats and sunglasses
  • Stay together if you're travelling as a family
  • If you are an EEA citizen, it may be faster to use your passport rather than your EEA National Identity card. You can use the ePassport gates. Passports are faster for Border Force officers to process
  • Passport holders of countries that cannot use e-gates (see above), make sure you have your passport ready and keep an eye out for the next available Border Force officer
  • Check your eligibility and join the Registered Traveller service if you are an international traveller
Travelling with an unrelated or child with a different surname

If you are travelling with a child under 18 years old and are not or may not appear to be the child's parent (for example, if you have a different family name), a border officer may ask you a few questions to establish your relationship with the child. 

Carrying evidence of your relationship with the child and/or the reason why you are travelling together will help avoid confusion. This evidence could include copies of the following: 

  • A birth or adoption certificate showing your relationship with the child 
  • Divorce or marriage certificates if you are the parent but have a different surname than the child
  • A letter from the child’s parent/s giving authority for the child to travel with you and providing contact details if you are not the parent

Please complete our Young Traveller's Form by clicking the link below and bring it with you if you're travelling with a child who is not your relative or if you are an unaccompanied minor.

You can also find out more in the Children Travelling to the UK leaflet published on the Border Force website.

Download Young Traveller's Form here