Immigration and customs at LHR
May 16, 2015, 11:21 am
#1
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Immigration and customs at LHR
Apologies if this has been covered elsewhere but my search couldn't find it.
We are flying from IST to LHR via MUC (TK & LH). I am not sure if arriving from MUC will count as EU arrival as we are only transiting in MUC from IST.
I am trying to estimate the time it will take us to clear customs and immigration (US citizens) in order to estimate the timing of ordered transfer service. I don't know if it will help us traveling in J (Fast Track pass?). We are arriving at 20:25
Any pertinent information would be appreciated - TIA.
We are flying from IST to LHR via MUC (TK & LH). I am not sure if arriving from MUC will count as EU arrival as we are only transiting in MUC from IST.
I am trying to estimate the time it will take us to clear customs and immigration (US citizens) in order to estimate the timing of ordered transfer service. I don't know if it will help us traveling in J (Fast Track pass?). We are arriving at 20:25
Any pertinent information would be appreciated - TIA.
May 16, 2015, 11:24 am
#2
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Immigration is the same for all international arrivals (excluding flights from the Republic of Ireland) at LHR. If you are arriving from MUC in Club Europe as a non-EU passport holder, you can use the Fast Track lane at immigration.
May 16, 2015, 11:30 am
#3
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If your journey began in a country outside the European Union (your hold luggage will have a white tag), use the red point if you have goods to declare or the green exit if you don't.
May 16, 2015, 11:32 am
#4
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Good advice. And to clarify for the OP, my post was about immigration (passport control, before baggage reclaim), and CIHY's post is about customs (after baggage reclaim).
May 16, 2015, 11:50 am
#5
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Thank you both.
How long is the entire process of clearing immigration & customs in your best guesstimate - knowing that this can vary depending on many factors.
I am looking for a range so that I know what time to order the transfer for (I don't want to pay them too much extra for waiting time).
How long is the entire process of clearing immigration & customs in your best guesstimate - knowing that this can vary depending on many factors.
I am looking for a range so that I know what time to order the transfer for (I don't want to pay them too much extra for waiting time).
May 16, 2015, 12:28 pm
#7
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I am guessing that 45 minutes (+30) should be enough. Should I allow more time?
May 16, 2015, 12:34 pm
#8
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It might not feel "nice" but I think they're wholly justified in doing this to manage their costs (in exactly the same way as if I get held up on my way to the airport, BA or any other airline will expect me to buy a new ticket).
May 16, 2015, 12:48 pm
#10
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I have a similar question regarding T5 immigration. I will arrive from EEA at 7:30am but I won't be able to use the automated gates. Any idea how long that would take? If >40min STN would be more time effective for me (and cheaper).
Thanks!
Thanks!
May 16, 2015, 12:56 pm
#11
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Why should the transfer company have to pay for HM Govt incompetence (or HAL's for that matter???)
It might not feel "nice" but I think they're wholly justified in doing this to manage their costs (in exactly the same way as if I get held up on my way to the airport, BA or any other airline will expect me to buy a new ticket).
It might not feel "nice" but I think they're wholly justified in doing this to manage their costs (in exactly the same way as if I get held up on my way to the airport, BA or any other airline will expect me to buy a new ticket).
May 16, 2015, 1:02 pm
#12
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My local firm passes on the parking charge as they have to park in the short stay car park I believe, so I think it's £3 every 30 mins
May 16, 2015, 3:27 pm
#14
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That is where my family (or the limo service) waits and once I have my luggage, I call them. They are there 5 minutes later.
That seems to work very well as it prevents curb side congestion and endless circling. Is this an option at LHR?