Travelling to the UK

Going through immigration

When you arrive in the UK, you will go through immigration and customs control.

 Alert We aim to keep the information on this page up to date, however this might not always be possible and therefore you must make sure that you are aware of the current UK Government rules before travelling.

Re-entering the UK after travelling abroad

  • When you re-enter the UK, the immigration officer may ask you to prove that you are still a registered student. For this reason, we advise you to carry a copy of your attendance certificate with you. 
  • If you are travelling during semester time, you should ask your Faculty for permission to take time out of your course. Please read the information on the Time Away during Semester webpage before making any travel plan.
  • If you are travelling at the end of your course, but before your visa expires, you should carry documents to show why you are re-entering the UK, for example, if you are going to study on another course, a copy of the CAS for the new course (or offer letter if you don’t have a CAS) or proof you are awaiting results or attending your graduation ceremony.
  • Border Force officials will need to be satisfied when you are entering the UK that you will either complete the activity you intend to carry out* and leave the UK before your visa expires, or that you will submit an in-time application to extend your leave in the UK. You should carry any documentation relevant with you when you travel to show to the Border Force officer if required. *For example: permitted work; collecting your possessions together; attending your graduation ceremony, visiting areas of the UK.
  • If the University reported to the UKVI that you completed your course early or you took Approved Temporary Withdrawal, then you should not try and re-enter the UK on your current visa. This applies even if you are in the four months 'extant leave' after your course ends or the 60 day period you have to leave the UK. Please contact ISAT for advice in these cases.