Entering the UK on a Tier 4 Student Visa (COVID-19 Edition)

Going through the border can be very stressful no matter where you’re going or when. However, during the times of COVID-19, it can be even more so. As an international student with a Tier 4 visa, you should be allowed into the UK no matter which country you are from. But depending on which country you are coming from you may have to self-isolate for two weeks as well.

If you are a returning student who has already gotten your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) you will be through the border in no time. If you are just entering the UK for the first time with your temporary visa sticker you will have to add some extra steps to the process.

The first thing you should be aware of is the passenger locator form that you will need to complete online 48 hours before you are expected to enter the UK. On the form you will need to provide contact information for when you are in the UK as well as emergency contact information should you or someone on your flight begin to show symptoms. If you are flying out of a country that the UK requires you to self-isolate, you will need to provide the address of where you will be staying for your two week quarantine. This can be your dorm, flat, or wherever you will be for the entire duration of self-isolation.

You will also need to provide information about when and where you are flying to and from. This will be the airline, flight number, arrival time and arrival airport. If you are flying directly to your final destination put the arrival time and flight number of your one flight. If you have a connecting flight within the UK such as London but will be going on to another city such as Edinburgh, put the arrival time and flight number of your first flight into the UK, which in this case would be London. This will be when you will be going through the border and they will ask for the form. If you have a connecting flight from Dublin or anywhere else in Europe you will still need to go through the border when you land in the UK.

After you have completed the form print it out and/or save the file to your phone and ensure there are NO MISTAKES. If there are any, or you need to change any information, such as the time of arrival or flight number, you must fill out an entirely new form.

I flew out of the US into London and then on to Edinburgh. My checked baggage was sent straight to my final destination. This may not always be the case so it is best to ask when checking your luggage if you will need to recheck it when you arrive in the UK if you have a connection. Also, be sure to check that you will not need to switch airports in London and that you have enough time between flight if you need to do so.

As soon as you arrive in the UK you will need to head straight for the border. There will most likely be signs and arrows directing you on the right path. Once at the border it is best to have you documents in hand before you get to the counter.

If you are a returning student you will need to show them your passport, passenger locator form, and your BRP. It is also good to have your boarding pass in hand as sometimes they may want to see it.

If you are a first-time entrant on your visa you will need your passport, passenger locator form, the temporary visa sticker in your passport and the letter that came back with your passport to show the UK border official, and the bank/ acceptance letter from the university. This is an official document that should have your term-time address on it. They may not ask to see this letter but it is important to have them in case they do. It is also good to have your boarding pass with you should they ask to see it and also keep it for when you go to pick up your BRP at your university.

The Border Official will look over your documents, maybe ask you a few questions, and should let you in with no problems. If you are entering for the first time you should also get your passport stamped as it will make it easier when picking up your BRP. If they do not stamp your passport your boarding pass or baggage tickets can be shown as proof of your journey into the UK.

Once in the UK you will either continue on to your connecting flight or go to pick up your luggage and leave the airport.

During these times free transportation from airports and train stations may be provided by your university. My university let me schedule to be picked up from the airport and taken to my dorm which was where I was self-isolating. Free accommodation for my quarantine was also provided by the university as well as catering which needs to be paid for. There is the option to opt out of catering however only if you can provide proof of how to get food while still self-isolating.

If you are living in private accommodation you may be able to have your driver pick up your keys before getting you from the airport. University-provided transportation is not private. You will more than likely be sharing a ride with other international students. So if you would like a private ride it is best to book it yourself through a different company.

If you are quarantining in university accommodation you should call just before you arrive so that they can be ready to escort you to your room and give you your packed meals.

Once you arrive wherever you will be spending your two weeks of self-isolation it is important to STAY THERE for the entire two weeks. If you do not, you can be fined. If you need anything you can have items delivered to you, but be sure to add that you are self isolating in the delivery instructions and wear a mask when answering the door.

It should go without saying you will need to be wearing a face mask throughout this entire journey. At the airport, on the plane, through the border, during the ride to your accommodation up until you are alone in your room. Before leaving it is best to bring multiple masks with you. My airline recommended us to change our masks every four hours.

Everything I’ve said here may all sound very overwhelming and stressful but as long as you know what to expect and follow the rules and procedures in place wherever you are, you should have no trouble at all and make it to your university safe and sound.

Stay safe and take care.