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Going through customs

When you arrive in the UK, you'll have to go through customs. Most UK ports and airports have three customs exits or 'channels', while some have only one exit, with a red-point phone for declaring goods. This guide tells you which to use and when.

On this page:

When to use the blue channel

You should use the blue channel if you are travelling from a country within the European Union (EU) and have with you for your own use:

  • no more than 200 cigarettes from Bulgaria, Lithuania, or Romania
  • no more than 200 cigarettes or 250g of smoking tobacco from Estonia
  • no banned or restricted goods

Check which countries are in the EU in our customs guide for travellers coming to the UK

Find out more about what goods you can bring in to the UK from the EU

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When to use the green channel

You should use the green channel if you are travelling from outside the EU and have with you:

  • no more than your duty free allowances
  • no banned or restricted goods
  • less than 10,000 euros (or equivalent) in cash

Customs officers from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) carry out checks on travellers in the green channel and there are penalties for failing to declare goods. This can include seizure of the goods and any vehicle used to transport them.

Find out more about what goods you can bring in to the UK from outside the EU

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When to use the red channel or red-point phone

You should use the red channel or the red-point phone if you have:

  • goods that exceed your duty free allowance
  • more than 200 cigarettes from Bulgaria, Lithuania or Romania
  • more than 200 cigarettes or 250g of smoking tobacco from Estonia
  • any commercial merchandise in your baggage – see link at end of section
  • 10,000 euros or more (or equivalent) in cash
  • any banned or restricted goods

You should also go through the red channel if you are unsure about what you need to declare.

You’ll be able to speak to a customs officer either in person or by using the red-point phone. You should tell them everything that you are bringing into the country. The customs officer may ask to look inside your luggage.

Find out what goods are banned or restricted

How to declare cash if you’re carrying 10,000 euros or more

How to declare commercial goods carried in your baggage

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Paying tax and/or duty

If you exceed your duty free allowance and have Customs Duty, Excise Duty or Import VAT to pay, the customs officer in the red channel will tell you how much to pay and you’ll have to pay it immediately. They will give you a receipt which you should keep as proof of payment.

If you’re using the red-point phone, you’ll be given instructions on how to make your payment.

Find out more about Customs Duty, Excise Duty and Import VAT

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Getting more help and advice

If you need more information about going through customs, you can contact the VAT, Customs and Excise Helpline on Tel 0845 010 9000. Lines are open from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm, Monday to Friday except bank holidays.

More contact details for the VAT, Customs and Excise Helpline

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More useful links

A customs guide for travellers entering the UK

What to do if your goods are seized by customs

UKBA’s Customer Charter (Opens new window)

Making a complaint (Opens new window)

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