Is there VAT refund in Heathrow Airport?

From 1 January 2021, the UK government ended tax-free sales in airports, ports and Eurostar stations. This means you cannot buy tax-free goods such as electronics and clothing if you are travelling to non-EU countries. VAT refunds for overseas visitors in British shops have now been removed.



In 2026, there is no traditional VAT refund service for international tourists at London Heathrow Airport for goods purchased in UK high-street stores. The UK government officially ended the "VAT Retail Export Scheme" in January 2021 following Brexit. This means that you cannot claim back the 20% VAT on items like clothing, electronics, or luxury goods bought in London and brought to the airport. However, you can still shop "Tax-Free" at Heathrow’s own boutiques (located after security), where the VAT is removed at the point of sale for passengers departing to non-UK destinations. For those who wish to buy expensive items in the city and save on tax, the only professional alternative in 2026 is to have the retailer ship the goods directly to your international home address; in this specific case, the retailer can legally deduct the VAT from the purchase price, although you may be liable for import duties in your home country.

People Also Ask

You can try to get your VAT refund through the mail but the process takes much longer and can be unreliable. Most people submit their requests at the airport on their way home. You'll have to present your documents to a customs agent, whose stamp is required as “proof of export.”

MORE DETAILS

There are some goods and services on which VAT is not charged, including: insurance, finance and credit. education and training. fundraising events by charities.

MORE DETAILS

All Burberry shops at Heathrow are airside, so the prices at those shops should be lower than High Street prices.

MORE DETAILS

The United States Government does not refund sales tax to foreign visitors. The foreign country in which you paid the Value Added Tax (VAT) is responsible for refunding the tax. Some countries won't refund after the fact, so check with the Foreign Embassies & Consulates office of the country you visited.

MORE DETAILS

The VAT can be refunded if the merchandise is purchased and exported by a customer whose residence is outside the European Union.

MORE DETAILS