Arrival At Heathrow

[sua yai]

We're off to the UK in three weeks. My wife got her VV easily a short while ago.

There are a couple of nagging doubts in my mind regarding "the last line of defence", ie imm at Heathrow.

I've been told that I won't be able to queue up with her, but will be told to go through the Brit section. Is this correct?

Assuming this is, what info/documents should my wife have with her as she passes through her side. Marriage cert? (It's still in Thai). Travel docs, obviously - but the tickets are e-tickets, all on one sheet of paper. Maybe best if she has those?

But what if she's asked how much money she's got? I've got it all!!! Or am I better buying some travellers cheques in her name to carry with her for this purpose?

Again, I've heard that I will be able to see her from the other side and may be able to approach the official if there are any problems. Ie, she can say, "that's my husband over there" and I go over.

I may be worrying about nothing, but if someone could give general advice as to what my wife can expect, I'd appreciate it.

[the scouser]

Sua yai,

There's no harm in you queuing up with your wife in the "others" line. You can then field any questions the I.O. may have.

I wouldn't worry, though, as the I.O. can refuse entry only in limited circumstances.

Scouse.

[sua yai]

Thanks Scouse,

Queuing up with her was always what I'd intended doing, even before I broached the subject of going back for a holiday.

It's just that I have been told that I won't be allowed to - that not necessarily by people in the know.

[Mossfinn]

Hi sua yai,

Even if you don't queue up with your wife, you will generally get through quicker and can watch her proceed from behind the immigration desks.

They did stop and question my wife, although we were not married the first time of visiting, and I just approached and fielded the questions, they just waved her through then.

As you can walk through with her and you are apprehensive about it I would do it that way, the long queue and wait is all part of the big adventure.

Good Luck I hope your wife enjoys the country, although a little better timing than when my partner first entered, January 1st, 35c to -2c in one easy go.

Moss

[Axel]

Don't worry, the immigration people are used to this. Go with your wife through 'her' line and hand over both passports. You might say 'my wife and me' or something like that.

In nearly thirty years we never had a problem for this, albeit my wife preferred, and still does, to handle herself at the non-EU - counters around Europe and sends me off to the other side.

[sua yai]

Thanks everyone.

I'll stand in line, until told to move on.

This is important to me. I don't want my wife to get too hard a time when she arrives. Not a good introduction.

[vinny]

It's natural for family members (including husband and wife) to queue together as they are traveling together. See also What happens on arrival in the UK.

[saranagon]

Also have your wifes Landing card filled up ,this can be done on the plane prior to landing