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 or object which can cause harm.

Travel in safety

Take care of your possessions and do not leave your suitcase or bags unattended in a public place. If bags are left unattended, this could cause a security risk and lead to the bags being destroyed.

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.

British Council

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.

UK Government

Restricted goods/duty-free

Lost 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 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.
      3. 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)
      4. AirFrance 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 etc. Please note that only some airlines provide this.
Do not leave the airport without following steps 3 and 5 otherwise you will not get your luggage or any compensation.