Are EEA nationals allowed to use the non-EEA queue at UK airports?
I just (half an hour ago) entered the UK at Stansted airport, and the EEA queue at immigration was absolutely packed (it would have taken at least an hour to get through), whereas the non-EEA queue was all but empty (only one person, although a problem case, was being processed in front of me)
When I got to the officer, the following convo took place:
IO: You're Swedish mate
Me: Yeah I know, this queue was just much emptier.
IO: Well this is for non-EU people.
Me: I know, but there's no one behind me anyway, so I thought I'd just dash through.
IO: Well, don't do this again. This is for non-EU people - you have to go in the EU queue, every time.
Me: Heh, alright.
(IO hands back my ID and sends me on my way)
Is is true that I must use the EEA queue, or was the IO simply having a bad day? According to a Flyertalk user:
It is very rare (in my experience) for the non-EU lines to be emptier than the EU lines. But if they are indeed emptier, then there is no rule or otherwise that I am aware of that would enable the immigration officer to turn you away or make you go to the EU line. If that happens, I would seriously raise this with the chief immigration officer.
UPDATE: Second time just now, this time getting it on video. Regret not telling him why he misunderstood the meaning of being subject to immigration control. Guess I didn't want to drag it out further. Now I'll definitely write a letter to the Border Force and ask for clarification regarding this.
Pictures about "Are EEA nationals allowed to use the non-EEA queue at UK airports?"
Can EU citizens use eGates at Heathrow?
It's important you have a valid passport to travel and all necessary visas. ID cards will no longer be accepted as a valid travel document to enter the UK, though some exemptions do apply. UK and EU citizens may use the eGates at passport control.Who can use eGates in UK?
Use the eGates for quicker entry are either: a British citizen. a national of an EU country, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland or the USA. a member of the Registered Traveller Service.Can I still use EU passport queue?
Under the new rules, EHICs that were issued before the end of 2020 will still be valid for use until their expiry date (on the front of your card), but only within EU countries.Are EU nationals allowed to enter UK?
EU , EEA and Swiss citizens can travel to the UK for holidays or short trips without needing a visa. In other cases, find out if you need to apply for a visa to enter the UK . You can cross the UK border using a valid passport which should be valid for the whole time you are in the UK .EU Nationals in UK \u0026 Financial Dependency Requirements on EUSS/EEA Visa
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: vectors icon, C H, Olga Lioncat, Olga Lioncat