earthworm_gym

Hey,

Not sure where to post this question, so figured this might work:

Wife (US) and I (British) are visiting the UK for Christmas this year. When we arrive at the UK Border Patrol, do we travel together in the UK/EU citizenship line, or do we separate- with me going through the UK/EU line and she going through Visitor's line?

Thanks in advance!

-J-

Wintersong

You should go through separate lines. I've always taken my US kids through the citizens line with me, but I'm not sure they'd let you get away with it for a fully functioning, autonomous adult

If you're a dual citizen you could both go through the non-EU line, of course.

earthworm_gym

Interesting! I've heard on the contrary today, in that family "goes through as one." You know who I can call to get official answer?

tom169

Calling for an answer seems a bit OTT. Just ask one of the employees hovering over the lines.

earthworm_gym

Just want to be prepared, that's all.

Noorah101

Prepare for going through separate lines, then be pleasantly surprised if you get to go through together.

Rene

tom169

I don't get the need to prepare for this. There are a few lines to choose from and employees directing traffic.

I can only think of three outcomes from you and wife going in UK/EU citizen line:

- all OK
- disgruntled look from the border person
- non citizen asked to join other line

scottyvisa

At Heathrow, even when we were just dating, I went through the non-eu line with my now wife, as felt bad leaving her in the queue alone, and once it was our turn the officer said to me that I could have taken her through the EU line with me! I think since married you'll definitely be fine taking her with you through that line. They are all setup to handle all nationalities, they just separate it to make it quicker for EU passengers as it takes less time to process them.

Wintersong

Right?

The protocol is that you go through the line which is clearly labelled according to your own citizenship.

Assuming that neither of you needs assistance with a disability, it's not too much of a hardship. You can always wave at each other.

It's actually never occurred to me to ask if my husband and I can go through together - to be honest, after 11hrs in a pressurised tin can with him snoring next to me, it's somewhat of a relief to stand in a separate line for a few minutes

PetrifiedExPat

I (U.K. Citizen) went through the non EU line with my US citizen wife the last few times, it was shorter and the immigration officers didn't care.

robin1234

At Heathrow my wife and I go through the British/EU line together. She's a U.S. citizen. That way, the officer can see the whole situation, he can ask us our relationship and holiday plans or whatever. Easier for us and for the officials. The EU/British line is usually very short since most are going through the automated system.

Pugilation

We tend to go through whichever line is shorter. At Manchester airport the non-EU line is nonexistent

earthworm_gym

We're flying into Heathrow also. Do we need anything to prove our marriage? haha!

earthworm_gym

One time we were asked to rejoin a different massive line because the employee put us in the wrong place!

Rete

?????? Why would you have to prove your marriage to enter the UK? Your spouse and children have passports don't they? You are all traveling together, right? You all have the same surname? If not, even that doesn't matter. They enter the UK based on their US Citizenship and desire to visit not on their relationship to a UK Citizen.

I know you are worried about joining a line as a family group, but have you never flown together to the UK before now? Seems like a little thing to be obsessed about. As pointed out they appear to allow families to remain together when entering and you will encounter this when you return to the US after your holiday.

Merry Christmas.