Flight connections
Flight connections
Passport control and Customs
International connections: you will not need to clear passport control or Customs.
International to UK and Ireland connections: you must clear passport control and Customs.
UK and Ireland to international connections: you can use the special immigration check points if your baggage is through-checked – otherwise you must clear Immigration and Customs.
Baggage
If your baggage is checked through to your final destination, you do not need to collect it at Gatwick. It will continue to your final destination for Customs clearance there.
If your baggage is not through-checked, you must collect it at Gatwick. Follow signs to baggage reclaim – you will need to pass through Immigration on your way – and then proceed to the check-in desk for your next flight.
Changing terminals
Simply take the inter-terminal shuttle which runs 24 hours a day and takes just two minutes.
Connecting to other London airports
Find out more about the different options for connecting to other London airports.
Further information
If you are connecting on to international destinations you do not have to clear Customs and Immigration but can make your way through Flight Connections. If you need to change terminals, use the free Flight Connections bus which runs every 10 - 15 minutes. But to use Flight Connections, you must have either a boarding card or ticket for the onward flight, and your hold luggage must be through-checked to your final destination.
If connecting on to UK flights (including the Channel Islands and Ireland) you must go through Customs (for international passengers) and baggage reclaim, and then go to check-in for your onward flight.
It is a law that all passengers entering the UK must clear Immigration at their first port of call. Therefore it is important that your passport/visa allows you entry into the UK. You can apply for a 24-hour visa when you arrive, but the UK Border Agency staff must be satisfied that you have a confirmed booking of onward travel within 24 hours.
You must make stopover arrangements if your connecting flights are separated by an overnight stay.
