Navigating Arrivals at Gatwick: What to Expect and How to Prepare
On average, it takes about an hour to exit Gatwick Airport after landing, although this can vary depending on how busy the airport is. You’ll need to account for time spent collecting luggage, getting through customs, passing the security checkpoint, and walking to your gate.
What to Do in Arrivals at Gatwick?
If you arrive at Gatwick early or your passenger’s flight is delayed, there are various facilities available in the Arrivals area at both terminals. These include toilets, free Wi-Fi, Costa Coffee, M&S, and a selection of other eateries. These amenities provide a comfortable waiting environment, ensuring you have everything you need while you wait.
Directions to Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Airport is located at Junction 9 of the M23. For detailed directions, you can use online maps where you can enter your location for a tailored route and personalised directions from your starting point. This helps ensure a smooth journey to the airport, whether you’re coming from London, Brighton, or elsewhere.
Additional Information
Gatwick is one of the UK’s busiest airports, serving a wide range of international and domestic flights. The airport’s efficient layout and clear signposting make navigation straightforward. If you have a stopover, there are convenient hotel options within the airport, providing a comfortable place to rest between flights.
Passport Control at London Gatwick Arrivals
Upon arriving at Gatwick Airport, your first step is to clear passport control. The airport features two main passport control areas: one for the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), British nationals, and Swiss nationals, and another for all other nationalities. It’s essential to follow the signage to ensure you head to the correct area, although staff are available to assist if needed.
For those eligible, using the ePassport gates can significantly speed up your journey through passport control. ePassport gates are available for travellers aged 10 and over (with those aged 10-17 requiring adult supervision) who hold biometric passports from the UK, EU, EEA countries, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the USA, or are Registered Traveller members with a biometric passport. Simply scan your passport at the gate to proceed.
If you do not meet the criteria for the ePassport gates, you will need to see a border force officer. This includes travellers with children under 10, those using a passport without a biometric chip, and individuals coming to the UK for short-term study or specific types of work.
Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay, and have any required visas completed correctly before reaching the border control officer. The process at passport control is designed to be efficient, but peak travel times can still cause delays.
Arrivals at Gatwick Airport: Customs
Upon arriving at Gatwick Airport, all passengers must clear customs before proceeding. Gatwick offers two customs channels: the green channel for passengers with nothing to declare and the red channel for those with goods to declare. It is crucial to follow the correct channel to ensure compliance with UK customs regulations.
Declaring Goods
Passengers must always declare the following upon Gatwick arrival: