Asylum intake unit

You must register and have a screening at an asylum intake unit if you’re in the UK and want to claim asylum.

You should call to make an appointment.

You’ll have your asylum screening at the UK border if you claim asylum as soon as you arrive in the UK.

How to make an appointment

Make an appointment for screening by phoning the intake unit.

Asylum intake unit appointments line
Telephone: 0300 123 4193
Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4:45pm
Friday, 9am to 4:30pm
Find out about call charges

Check what you need to bring with you before you go to your appointment.

If you have nowhere to live

You’ll still need to call the asylum intake unit appointments line.

They’ll call you back and you may be told to attend a screening appointment or to go to a ‘walk-in’ service at an asylum registration location.

If the asylum registration location does not know you’re coming you may not be seen.

Where to go

You’ll be told where you need to go when you make an appointment.

You may be asked to come back another day if you arrive without an appointment.

You cannot get financial help for travel to or from the asylum intake unit.

When you arrive

You’ll have to go through a security check before you’re allowed to go to your asylum screening.

You’ll be searched and you’ll go through a body scan. Your bags will also be scanned.

How long it takes

Your asylum screening can take up to 4 hours.

You may be detained after your screening. You should bring anything you need, for example medication, food and anything you need for any children you have with you.