Guide to immigration, customs and what to bring with you

Here's a helpful guide to what documents you'll need to bring to the UK and information about what not to pack in your hand luggage and checked luggage.

What can I expect when going through UK customs?

Download information from the UK Government website about what to expect when entering the UK.

If you're arriving at Birmingham International Airport, you can find out more information on security measures and customs on the Birmingham Airport website.

What documents do I need to bring with me?

Download our helpful guide to what documents you'll need to bring to the UK.

What shouldn't I pack in my hand luggage when travelling to the UK?

You should always check the exact hand luggage allowance with your airline prior to packing. Most airlines have a hand baggage measurement gauge at check-in.

Make sure that your hand luggage does not contain any:

Prohibited items - sharp and pointed

These are some examples of banned items from flights, including: Sharp items, projectile-firing weapons, stunning devices, tools, blunt instruments, explosive or incendiary substances and other such dangerous goods.

Syringes that are needed for diabetics and other medical reasons will only be allowed in hand luggage if you can prove the medical necessity. You may wish to phone the airline in advance to find out what they require as proof of your medical condition.

There are restrictions that are placed on liquid items; you are only allowed to take small quantities of liquid with you in your cabin luggage.

• Liquid must be in individual containers, a maximum capacity 100ml each.
• Liquids must be packed in one transparent, re-sealable plastic bag (20cm x 20cm)
• Each passenger may only carry one such bag

What shouldn't I pack in my hold luggage when travelling to the UK?

Below are some example of prohibited liquids:

Prohibited liquids

What items are restricted when travelling to the UK?

This advice will let you know what restrictions there are on bringing these items to the UK.

Restricted items

What if the airline loses my luggage?

If your luggage is lost at Birmingham Airport, these steps will help you to be reunited with your bags.

1. Try not to panic - staff at the airport will be able to help 
2. Wait at the luggage carousel until all the luggage from your flight has come through. Check the areas near the carousel - if you were delayed at immigration, then your luggage may have already been unloaded.
3. Ask for the Arvin Aviation desk or call +44 (0)121 767 7771 and tell the working staff member that your luggage has not arrived. You will then be asked for the following items, so have them ready:
• Your flight ticket, which has the luggage receipts and flight details
• A description of the missing luggage
• Your address in the UK (The airport official may use this address for any correspondence or for forwarding your luggage)
4. Air France or KLM passengers, please call Skytanking on 0121 767 8660.
5. TUI passengers, please view TUI information on lost luggage.
6. Jet2 passengers, please call 0121 767 1578 or view Jet2 information on lost luggage.
7. The official may be able to find out where your luggage is at that moment in time, or you may have to wait for further notice.
8. Once the official has taken all your details, he/she will explain the procedures for dealing with lost luggage and will give you a reference number and a telephone number for you to ring for any news. Alternatively, they may give you a web address.
9. Ask the official for a free emergency overnight kit, which contains toiletries, e.g. toothbrush. Please note that only some airlines provide this.