Arrival in the UK — From Airport to City, Step by Step
Visiting the UK for the first time? This guide covers immigration, baggage, customs, SIM cards, money, and safe transport into London, Manchester, or Edinburgh. Navigate your first hours confidently with practical tips and checklists.
Major Gateways & What to Expect
Most international travelers arrive via London Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Manchester (MAN), Birmingham (BHX), or Edinburgh (EDI). Terminals are modern, with English signage, plenty of ATMs, and currency exchange counters. Peak arrivals often occur in the evening; stay patient and keep your documents ready.
Peak Hours
Evening arrivals (17:00–22:00) busiest
Allow at least 45–60 mins for queues
Carry a light jacket—airports can be cool
Facilities
Lounges, prayer rooms, and rest zones
SIM and mobile top-up counters
Prepaid taxi and app-cab pickup points
Documents Handy
Passport + UK visa approval
Return ticket and first-night accommodation
Travel insurance and emergency contacts
Take photos of your booking confirmations; airport Wi-Fi may require registration or OTP.
Immigration: Entry Clearance
Join the “Non-UK/EU Passport Holders” queue. Present your passport and visa, answer questions about your stay purpose, duration, and first address. Fingerprints and photo may be taken. Families with children should keep passports and documents ready for all travelers.
Pro Tips
Remove hats or sunglasses and face cameras clearly.
Ensure names on bookings match passport exactly.
Carry old passport if recently renewed.
Allow at least 2–3 hours buffer if connecting to domestic flights or trains.
Baggage Claim & Customs
After immigration, follow signs to baggage reclaim. If your luggage is delayed, file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) immediately. Use the Green Channel if nothing to declare; Red Channel if bringing dutiable goods.
Lost & Delayed Bags
File PIR with airline before leaving the hall
Provide hotel address for delivery
Carry essentials in hand luggage
Duty Rules
Declare high-value electronics, alcohol, or tobacco
Personal medications with prescription
Check customs limits online before travel
Smart Packing
Label luggage with unique tags
Take photos of bags
Use trackers for valuable items
Money, Mobile SIMs & Getting to the City
ATMs and exchange counters are available in arrivals. Exchange a small amount on arrival and use ATMs in the city for better rates. Airport SIM counters offer pay-as-you-go plans; activation may be instant or take a few hours.
Airport to City — Safe Options
App cabs: Use official pickup zones; verify plate number and driver photo.
Prepaid taxis: Book at the airport counter; hand the receipt to driver.
Express trains/metros: Available at Heathrow (Heathrow Express), Gatwick, and Manchester.
Hotel transfers: Convenient for first-time arrivals.
Avoid unsolicited offers; use official counters and apps only.
Connecting to Domestic Flights or Trains
For domestic travel, check terminal requirements. Arrive 90–120 minutes early for flights. For trains, pre-book tickets, note correct station names, and plan for city traffic.
Connection Buffer Guide
Scenario
Suggested Buffer
Notes
Intl → Domestic (same airport)
2–3 hours
Immigration, baggage, customs, security
Intl → Train
3–4 hours
Travel to station + margin for delays
Late-night arrivals
+30–45 mins
Queues may be longer
Assistance, Families & Special Situations
Wheelchairs and buggy services are available; request 48 hours in advance. Family-friendly washrooms, nursing rooms, and priority lanes for children are available at major airports. Keep prescription medicine in original packaging with a doctor’s note.
During holidays or peak festivals, pre-book transfers and early check-ins.
Your First Night: Settle In Smoothly
Share your location with a trusted contact until arrival at the hotel. Keep passport handy, check trusted cab numbers, and locate nearby ATMs or food outlets. Hydrate, rest, and prepare for local time adjustment.
Use room safe for valuables.
Scan passport and visa page for records.
Download city maps or tour guides for the next day.
Quick Arrival Checklist
Passport, visa, insurance, hotel address ready.
Join correct immigration line; answer clearly.
Collect baggage, file PIR if missing, declare items as needed.
Exchange small cash, get local SIM; keep backup card.
Use official app cabs or prepaid counters; avoid touts.
Inform someone of arrival and transfer details.
Buffer time and printed confirmations reduce first-day stress significantly.
UK weather can be unpredictable. Check forecasts for London, Manchester, or Edinburgh before packing. Light layers work well; waterproof jackets and comfortable shoes are recommended for walking.
Bring an umbrella or foldable raincoat.
Layered clothing allows adaptation to sudden changes.
Warm clothing in winter (Nov–Feb), lighter clothes in summer (Jun–Aug).
Carry a small foldable backpack for day trips; it helps keep essentials like water, passport, and snacks handy.
Mobile Connectivity & Internet Tips
While airport SIMs are convenient, consider these alternatives for seamless connectivity:
International roaming for the first 24–48 hours.
Free Wi-Fi at airports, cafes, and libraries.
Portable Wi-Fi or eSIM for short-term travel.
Ensure your phone is unlocked before inserting UK SIM cards.
Emergency Contacts & Safety
Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers and safety tips:
Police, Fire, Ambulance: 999
Non-emergency police contact: 101
UK tourist helpline: +44 20 7035 4848
Keep emergency numbers saved on your phone and carry a small printed copy. Always stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Public Transport Cards & Tickets
For cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh, using a transport card is cost-effective:
London: Oyster Card or contactless bank card for buses and tubes.
Manchester: Get a Metrolink or bus travel card.
Edinburgh: Lothian Buses Day Ticket or mobile app tickets.
Pre-load cards or apps online to avoid long queues at the station.
Local Etiquette & First Impressions
Being polite and culturally aware can make your first day easier:
Queue patiently—UK people value orderly lines.
Say “please” and “thank you” frequently.
Use small talk cautiously; avoid controversial topics with strangers.
Understanding basic etiquette reduces stress and helps in smooth interactions at airports, hotels, and public transport.
Useful Apps & Tools for Arrival
Install essential apps before arrival for navigation, transportation, and emergencies:
Citymapper or Google Maps – for public transport routes.
Uber, Bolt, or Free Now – for app cabs.
XE Currency or Revolut – for quick currency conversion.
British Airways, Heathrow Express – for flight/train updates.
Enable mobile data or Wi-Fi temporarily to download these apps upon arrival.
Travel Insurance Tips
Travel insurance is crucial for first-time visitors:
Check coverage for medical emergencies, flight delays, and lost luggage.
Keep a digital and printed copy of your policy.
Know the emergency hotline and claims procedure.
Some health services are not free for non-EU visitors; having insurance avoids unexpected bills.
Health & COVID Advisory
Stay updated with local health requirements:
Check GOV.UK for current COVID entry rules and vaccination requirements.
Carry a mask and hand sanitizer for crowded areas.
Consult your doctor for necessary vaccinations before travel.
Arrival – FAQs
Airport counters are convenient; city stores may offer slightly cheaper plans but can take longer. If you land late, airport SIM is faster for hotel transfer.
Use app cabs from official zones or prepaid taxis inside the terminal. Verify vehicle details and share your trip with a friend.
File a PIR at the airline desk, provide local hotel address, and keep the reference number for tracking.
Yes, most hotels, shops, and restaurants accept cards. Keep small cash for transport or tips.
Plan 2–3 hours at same airport for flights; 3–4 hours if traveling by train including travel time to stations.
Ignore unsolicited helpers and unofficial taxi offers. Use official counters, metered taxis, or apps only. Verify before sharing passport or personal info.