Arriving in the UK
Birmingham is the UK’s second largest city after London and home to more than 65,000 students. Like most cities in the world, you should take precautions to ensure your safety when travelling.
Do not bring drugs, other than those prescribed by a doctor, into the UK. It’s also illegal to carry any sort of offensive weapon.
Take care of your possessions and do not leave your suitcase or bags unattended in a public place.
We advise against carrying large amounts of cash. Instead, bring a small amount of money for expenses, along with a credit card or traveller's cheques.
If you’re taking a taxi from Birmingham International Airport, choose one which has a Birmingham City Council taxi identification label which on the side or back of the taxi.
If relatives or friends are meeting you on arrival in the UK, make sure that all of your arrangements are confirmed before you leave, and agree a contact telephone number in case you are delayed. The British Council have some useful information on keeping safe in the UK.
Emergency services
UK emergency services number is:
999
This number is used to call the:
Police, Fire brigade and ambulance.
This number should only be used in the case of an emergency
British Consulate or High Commission
Your nearest British Consulate or High Commission will be able to tell you about restricted goods and duty-free allowances, or you can check the UK Government website.
Lost luggage
If your luggage is lost at Birmingham airport these steps will help you to be reunited with your bags.
- Try not to panic - staff at the airport will be able to help
- Wait at the luggage carousel until the entire 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.
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Ask for 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)
- 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.
- 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.
- Ask the official for a free emergency overnight kit which contains toiletries e.g. toothbrush etc. Please note that only some airlines provide this.