Guidance on Search of a Person: UK Visas and Immigration Staff Guidance

March 30, 2026 · WOWERI

UK Immigration staff have the power to search people and seize items. Learn how it works and what you need to know. Searches can occur at airports, borders, and other locations.

Introduction

UK Immigration staff have the power to search people and seize items under immigration laws. This process is regulated by the Immigration Act 2016 and other relevant laws.

When a Search Can Occur

A search can occur in the following situations:

• When entering the UK
• When leaving the UK
• At airports and borders
• In other locations where there are grounds to believe the person is in the UK illegally

How a Search is Conducted

A search is conducted by immigration staff who have the authority to:

• Request a person to produce identification documents
• Conduct a superficial search of the person
• Seize items that may be related to illegal stay in the UK

What You Need to Know

If you plan to visit the UK or are already in the country, it's essential to know about the immigration service's powers to search and seize items. Ensure you have all necessary documents and are not carrying any prohibited items.

Source: gov.uk