How long is the passport control queue at Heathrow?

For British and European passengers, the “service level agreement” that Heathrow airport has with the Border Force is that almost everyone – 95 per cent of passengers – should be through passport control in 25 minutes. For other nationalities, the time is 45 minutes.



People Also Ask

95% of arriving passengers should be processed within 45 minutes - but as said above, there are so many variables...

MORE DETAILS

How long is the wait for passport control at Heathrow? The service level for non EU passport control is 95% of the time you get through in 45 minutes. This year Border Control never had a month where they hit it 100% of the time, so count on a hour to get through passport control unless you fly at an odd hour.

MORE DETAILS

95% of arriving passengers should be processed within 45 minutes - but as said above, there are so many variables...

MORE DETAILS

The fastest way to pass immigration quickly is to use the electronic gates wherever possible. I recently passed through Terminal 5 in less than two minutes this way. U.S. passport holders have been able to use U.K. ePassport gates at major U.K. airports including all London Heathrow terminals since 2019.

MORE DETAILS

How long does it take to clear customs at Heathrow? On average, it takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour to clear customs and immigration at Heathrow Airport.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Many flights from the United States arrive at Heathrow between 6:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. (local time) each day, so this is when you can expect long lines at immigration. Similarly, each Sunday from 5 p.m. onwards many Brits will be returning from weekends away so there will likely be long waits.

MORE DETAILS

If you are eligible to use an e-Passport gate then we recommend that you do so. E-Passport gates are automated, where a passport reader and camera, rather than a border officer, will verify your identity and check your passport. Once the check is made successfully, the gate opens automatically for you to walk through.

MORE DETAILS

Heathrow Terminal 5 handles more passengers than any other terminal in the UK – even when busy single-terminal airports are included. In September an average of 100,000 passengers arrived or departed each day from T5, which is the main hub for British Airways.

MORE DETAILS

Is it difficult to navigate Heathrow airport? The sheer size of Heathrow airport can be daunting but thankfully there are signs everywhere to help you find your way. Just keep your eyes peeled, and allow plenty of time and you should be fine. If you do struggle there are dedicated help desks to assist you.

MORE DETAILS

How long does customs usually take? On average, it takes travelers 17 minutes and 53 seconds to get through Immigration and Customs. This number will vary based on the airport you're traveling through, the time of year you're traveling, and the time of day you're arriving at the airport.

MORE DETAILS

Currently unavailable to book
We are currently unable to offer our Fast Track service to customers online. However, please do check with your airline if you are eligible to use the Fast Track departure service provided on behalf of our airline partners.

MORE DETAILS