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How long does it take for immigration at Heathrow?

But it ws quite a long walk. I would say it can take anywhere from 15 min to 45 min to get thru, all depends on how many flights are arriving and going thru passport control.



In 2026, immigration times at London Heathrow (LHR) vary based on your nationality and the time of day. For UK, EU, US, Canadian, and Australian passport holders who can use the e-Gates, the process is usually fast, typically taking 15 to 30 minutes. However, for those required to see a Border Force officer at a manual desk, wait times can reach 60 to 90 minutes during morning peaks when several long-haul flights arrive simultaneously. A major factor in 2026 is the full implementation of the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES); while this primarily affects travel to Europe, it has caused regional processing delays that occasionally spill over into UK transit hubs. To ensure the fastest experience, ensure you have removed your passport from any cover before reaching the e-Gate and that you are not wearing a hat or sunglasses, as facial recognition technology is the primary driver of the current "fast-track" arrival system.

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Delays at Heathrow, the Daily Mail also reported, have been due to extensions in Border Force shift hours to cope with the increased arrival numbers. Some staff are now forced to work 12 hours each day which has caused an increase in staff calling in sick due to exhaustion.

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How do I avoid immigration queues at Heathrow? Once the check is made successfully, the gate opens automatically for you to walk through. Using e-gates helps you to avoid the queues and get through passport control more quickly. A Passenger Ambassador is available to help should you need it.

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Your flight will probably use a gate at one of the satellite terminal buildings at T5, so the walk from the airbridge to passport control could take 10 or 12 minutes. There may or may not be a queue - you could wait 10 minutes but you might find that immigration will take 30 minutes.

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If you are a non-visa national seeking to enter the UK as a tourist on arrival, the immigration official will endorse your passport with an entry stamp which confirms the date and port of arrival; this is the start date of your six month tourist grace period.

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The aviation sector has blamed staff shortages for long queues reported at airports in recent weeks, including at Heathrow and Stansted. British Airways and easyJet have axed hundreds of flights in recent months due to ongoing staff shortages.

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Your passport (and visa if you have one) will be checked at border control. You'll usually be asked why you're coming to the UK.

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Customs is a walk through and bags are a lottery but 45mins to 1hour to be on your way is not unrealistic.

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If you choose to leave the airport during an international flight, be sure to be back at the airport at least three hours before your flight to allow time for customs and immigration as well as check-in and security.

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How long does it take to get through Heathrow Terminal 2 Arrivals? Please allow between 30 minutes and 2 hours. How do I check in at Heathrow Terminal 2? Boarding usually begins around 45 minutes before departure but please check with your airline.

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In some cases, planes may wait on the ground for only a short period of time, such as 30 minutes to an hour, before departing on their next flight. This is more common for short-haul flights with quick turnarounds. Usually takes at least 20- 30 minutes to unload load and fuel.

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If CBP fails to issue an electronic I-94 or to stamp the client's passport, you should accompany the client to the nearest Deferred Inspection site to request a paper I-94 and/or passport stamp. The I-94 and passport stamp should reflect the correct date of entry.

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