Arriving in the UK

ResLife

Posted 8 hours ago

Mon 17 Aug, 2026 09:08 AM

The countdown is on...

Soon you'll be arriving here at uni, but before you do here is all the information you need to know if you are arriving from outside of the UK...

This page explains what you will need to when you arrive at the UK Border and the tasks you need to do soon after arriving in the UK.If you have been granted Student immigration permission, you should carry the following documents in your hand luggage when you arrive in the UK. Always check the Advice and Counselling Service information for International Students as the prime source of information, the below is a summary.

A valid passport, with a visa or UK visa vignette (if applicable)
A print-out of your eVisa and a share code (you should make sure your eVisa is linked to your valid passport
Your UKVI decision letter, which confirms your leave granted 
Your travel ticket
Vaccination certificates, if required
An X-ray certificate, if required
A paper copy of your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Documentary evidence that you have enough money to pay your tuition fees and accommodate yourself while you’re in the UK (recent bank statements, proof of scholarship or sponsor’s letter)

Border Force Officers may ask you simple questions about your stay in the UK when you arrive at passport control. See 10 top tips from the UK Border Force [PDF 39KB]

Please note that students travelling to the UK (even those who already have a valid visa) may be asked extra questions before they board their flight. We want you to be aware that these checks can happen at the airport in your home country.

These checks may be carried out by airline staff or by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) officers. Their goal is to confirm that you are genuinely travelling to the UK to study. In some cases, these interviews have resulted in students being denied boarding.

We are not always informed why students may be prevented from boarding, but we have heard it can be things such as:

Being prepared to explain your study plans
Understanding your financial arrangements
Demonstrating your English language ability

To help avoid any issues, please make sure you are well prepared to answer basic questions about your course, your university, your accommodation, and your financial support before you travel.

EU, EEA or Swiss nationals with Student permission

If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen and you applied using the UK Immigration: ID Check app, you will receive your permission in the form of an online digital status; you will not receive a physical document. When you enter the UK, information will be checked digitally, and those with a UKVI account will not routinely need to prove their status.

To prevent unnecessary delays at the border, it is important to ensure the document you travel on is registered to your account, which you can do by updating your details if you intend to travel on a different document (for example, a new passport). We advise that you carry a printout of your decision email, just in case of any issues at the Border.

Checklist on arrival

Your visa vignette (if you have one) will only be valid for 3 months. You need to create a UKVI account to access your eVisa with its full duration.
You should create a UKVI account to access your eVisa before travelling to the UK to avoid any issues with carriers and at the UK border.
You can buy a Totem card as evidence of your age to buy alcohol or cigarettes or enter pubs and clubs. 
Attend all induction activities arranged by your School and support services, to understand how you can get the best out of your studies.
We recommend that you register with a doctor (GP) as soon as you can after you arrive in the UK. You can find instructions on how and where to register on the Student Health web pages.

Coming to campus from the airport? Here are all the best routes

Visas and international student advice

International Student Advisers are here to provide advice and guidance to support current and prospective students, enabling you to focus on your studies and enjoy university life. See the topics below that we provide guidance on. Find out how we can support you and how to contact us:

Our International Student Advisers offer confidential support to all Queen Mary students, providing expert guidance on visa and international student issues. We're authorised to give visa advice, ensuring you stay informed about your options. Our role is to empower you with information and solutions, letting you make decisions that fit your needs. While we usually help you explore solutions independently, we can also advocate on your behalf if needed. Keep in mind that UK immigration rules change, so verify advice closer to implementation.

When will I be able to come to the UK?

You can travel to the UK once your Student visa has been granted. Depending on the length of your course, you can usually enter the UK up to one month before your course start date (as shown on your CAS) or 7 days before your intended travel date, whichever is later. Before travelling, make sure you have created a UKVI account to access your eVisa, and check the 'valid from' date of your Student permission. Do not travel before your visa is granted or before the 'valid from' date, as you may be refused entry or be admitted as a Visitor instead of a Student. Visitor permission does not allow you to enrol at Queen Mary on a course longer than six months, so it is important to enter the UK using your Student permission to complete enrolment and start your studies.

ARRIVALS BEFORE YOU ARRIVE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS