Left UK without passing through Immigration, why?
Last year, I traveled to the UK for a conference. Upon entry, my passport was stamped confirming my entry via immigration.
Upon my exit, surprisingly (and something I'm been wondering about ever since) I went through no immigration. The direction to board flight led me straight to flight check-in, then we boarded the flight.
Below is my entry stamp. Stamped within my Visa stamp, really?
I went to the Netherlands this year, got stamped, in and out. Entering ZA, I got stamped. Even leaving and returning to my home country (Ghana), I got both stamped. I find the stamping a standard procedure/protocol.
Yet, with the UK, I left the country without being stamped. I don't know if that was part of the plan or I missed something or what?:
- Does the UK have a policy of not stamping when people leave the country?
- Was that a mistake on my part?
- Obviously, my stay period has expired, and on paper, I'm "not supposed" to be in the country, but without the UK exit stamp, might that affect my visit or travel visa application to UK one day in the future? Because if stamping is mandatory, and I don't have one, then I will be hot if asked, "How did you leave the country without the stamp?"
- In this case, those who could have determined if I overstayed or not, was the Airline
More info
- My visa was for a stay up to 29/30 days or so. But I stayed only for 7 days
- Flight used throughout was Emirates and passed through Dubai on transit
- Origin was South Africa.
- Destination Airport was Heathrow
For comparison, below is my Netherlands stamps, both in an out.
My Readings/Researches
I came across this result, and one of the answers pointed out, its "No real reason now for UK exit stamp." Really? I see a strong reason to, otherwise, stamping me in is of no real reason then.
One commentator also added: "A loophole which no doubt has been exploited by some foreigners." No idea how someone will exploit that!
And considering this instance, it can lead to some questions.
Best Answer
Some countries, including the UK, the US and Canada do not stamp your passport on exit. However, they still know you have left. If you leave by commercial means (such as air, train, etc.) the airline or train company will forward a record of your departure electronically to customs on your behalf. This cuts costs and speeds up the process.
Pictures about "Left UK without passing through Immigration, why?"
Do you go through immigration when leaving UK?
Dear all, There is no passport control when you leave UK. Instead, airlines send Advanced Passenger Information to Home Office.Why is there no immigration when leaving UK?
The UK, the USA, Canada, Ireland and Mexico do not impose systematic exit controls on departing passengers. You were not "stamped out" because it is currently deemed an unnecessary use of resources. No such exit stamp exists. Your departure was recorded if you exited by sea, train or by air on a scheduled carrier.Does UK immigration stamp passport on exit?
2. Re: Do you get a custom stamp when you leave London Airport? Customs do not stamp passports, border control (border police) do. The UK do not have any passport control upon exiting the country as the EU/Schengen has so nobody gets an exit stamp.Why did UK allow immigration?
This migration was initially encouraged to help fill gaps in the UK labour market for both skilled and unskilled jobs, including in public services such as the newly created National Health Service and London Transport. Many people were specifically brought to the UK on ships; notably the Empire Windrush in 1948.6 COMMON REASONS FOR UK WORK VISA REFUSAL
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: cottonbro, Kwangho Cha, Kristupas Kemeža, Kristupas Kemeža