Why does the UK border entry officer always ask about personal and family details?
I came to the UK as a child, with my parent.
They always ask me questions about what visa they had, when I entered the UK, what they do now etc. etc. etc.
Bear in mind, I am now 22 years old.
Am I legally obliged to answer their questions about my parents when I already HAVE a valid visa?
Do I have to answer their questions regarding events that happened to me 10-15 years ago when I was a child?
It's getting quite ridiculous now, especially when they get pissy when I tell them that I don't remember!
It's happened several times when returning back to the UK from a holiday.
Best Answer
Unless you have leave to remain in the UK, a visa doesn't give you the right to enter the UK by itself. It's certainly a big help. However, the Border Force maintains the right to question your circumstances to ensure that your visa was granted on legitimate grounds, and that your purposes for being in the UK are compatible with what the visa permits.
As a non-citizen, no, you're not legally obliged to answer their questions, but if you refuse to answer their questions, you run the risk that you won't be permitted to enter the country.
The family connection matters because, often, family members will work for businesses owned by their other family members. This is alright if your visa permits it but it increases the risk of a person staying longer in a country than they're legally allowed. Also, of course, some visas don't permit any employment at all.
If your long-term plans involve staying in the UK, and you're eligible, you might consider getting citizenship, which will give you a right of entry. Otherwise, and (regardless) until then, you need to be patient with them and answer their questions patiently and honestly. Impatience is not your friend when it comes to border inspection. Indulge them, and vent your frustrations out of ear- and eye-shot of them, once you are admitted back into the UK.
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Can UK immigration see your travel history?
UK Visas and Immigration specifically asks for details of your travel history for the past 10 years. ECOs check for travel history in your passport and the countries you have listed in your UK visa application. They also pay attention to any previous visa refusals you have listed in your application.What does border control see when they scan your passport?
The computer chip or machine readable passports do not hold your criminal records or any other personal information other than your name, place of birth, date of birth, passport number and the issue and expiry dates of the document. The chip is capable of carrying other information, but not criminal records.Can immigration officers see your travel history?
Answer: There is no government agency that keeps track of travel history. You can contact your travel agent; he/she may be able to pull up records of bookings in the past. Your passport will also contain records of entry and exit from the countries you have been to through the stamps and visas including dates.Does immigration check your social media UK?
According to a social media account, Immigration and border security officials across these countries are closely tracking social media profile, trails to verify details of candidates shared on their visa application.UK Border Control - common questions you might get asked when entering the UK
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