Arriving in the UK
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 and checked luggage.
You can find out more information on security measures and customs on the Birmingham Airport website.
Documents checklist
Download our helpful guide to what documents you'll need to bring to the UK.
Travelling to the UK
This leaflet tells you about going through Customs when entering the UK.
What not to pack (hand luggage)
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.
Take only one piece of hand luggage and make sure that your hand luggage does not contain any:
Prohibited items - sharp and pointed
|
Knives with blades any longer than 6cm |
Scissors with pointed tips and blades longer than 6cm |
|
Razor blades |
Tradesman’s Tools |
|
Tools Toy/replica guns (metal or plastic) |
Paper Knives |
|
Billiard, snooker or pool cues |
Sporting Bats |
|
Household cutlery |
Darts |
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.
What not to pack (all luggage)
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
Below are some example of prohibited liquids:
Prohibited liquids
|
E-Cigarettes and associated items |
Pastes, including toothpaste |
|
Cigarette Lighters |
Liquid-solid mixtures |
|
Water and other drinks, soups or syrups |
Contents of pressurized containers, including shaving foam, other foams and deodorants |
|
Creams, lotions and oils i.e. lipstick, vaseline |
Instruments containing mercury |
|
Perfumes |
Fireworks |
|
Sprays |
Paints, thinners |
|
Gels, including hair and shower gels |
Acids, corrosives, alkalis, caustic soda |
Restricted items
This advice will let you know what restrictions there are on bringing these items to the UK.
Restricted items
| Item | This advice will let you know what restrictions there are on bringing these items to the UK. |
|---|---|
| Cash | Any cash that exceeds £10,000 (or the currency equivalent) must be declared at customs |
| Food | Some foods are not allowed entry into the UK if coming in from outside the EU, these include: Meats, dairy products, most fruits and vegetables and some other variants of food. |
| Alcohol, Tobacco and Gifts | There are restrictions on the amount of Alcohol, tobacco and gifts each person is allowed to enter the UK with. If more than the allowance is taken then goods may be confiscated. |
| Counterfeit Goods | Counterfeit goods may be seized and the individual may be prosecuted. This can include dvd’s, clothing etc. |
| Drugs | Controlled drugs such as cocaine, heroin, MDMA (Ecstasy) cannabis, methamphetamine and other illegal drugs. |
| Indecent and Obscene Material | This for example can include indecent material featuring children, material involving extreme violence or illegal pornography. |
| Live Animals | Pet animals may only be imported if they comply with the PETS scheme. |