Здравствуйте!
Her Majesty�s Customs have a good deal of leverage in how they treat each person clearing customs. If this is your first visit to the UK, you will probably be asked: 1. Where are you staying? If it�s a hotel, they will ask how will you be paying for the stay. If you have pre-paid your accommodation, then you may need to produce a receipt, or the customs officer may choose to call the hotel. A great deal of the decision will be based on your behaviour. They can tell quite easily if you are not telling the truth or are being evasive in your answers. If you say that you are staying with friends, they may wish to phone your friends and ask further questions. It is at this point that they may ask you how will you be paying for your stay in the UK. If they are not comfortable with your answers, they may ask you to show your money to them, or possibly you could be invited to go to a private room where they can ask you further questions. I will say, with great honesty, our customs officers are polite, friendly, helpful and professional. Their role is to protect our borders. Provided you are honest with your answers and honest as to why you are requesting to enter the United Kingdom, you will have no problem. I hope you enjoy your visit to our beautiful country! Fr. Bill