This is the first blog in our series going through the process of applying for asylum on the basis of your sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics. You can also read or watch our full guide in 11 languages.
It is very difficult to enter the UK in order to claim asylum, especially since the 2022 Nationality and Borders Act. You cannot claim asylum outside the UK, and there is no visa specifically for claiming asylum. However, claiming asylum due to a well-founded fear of persecution is a basic human right, and many people do successfully claim asylum in the UK – 108,000 people claimed asylum in 2024, and 39,616 were granted protection. You can read more about the laws around entry to the UK in the Right to Remain toolkit.
Once you are in the UK, the Home Office expects you to claim asylum immediately upon arrival. However, you have the right to claim asylum at any time, no matter how long you have been in the UK.
There are many possible reasons why someone does not or cannot claim asylum immediately. For example, you might have come here on a student visa and “come out” or transitioned while in the UK, meaning you would be persecuted if you returned to your country of origin. Or you might have been here visiting family or friends who discovered your identity and told people in your country of origin, putting you at risk of harm if you returned. You might have also not been aware that you are able to claim asylum on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics.
Whatever your reason, it is important to remember that it is a basic human right to seek safety – but you will need to explain the delay, and apply as soon as possible. While it’s important to have a lawyer to assist you during the asylum process, you don’t need one to claim asylum and shouldn’t delay claiming to find a lawyer – you can do that after.
You can claim asylum immediately on arrival at the port of arrival (airport, train station, or when reaching the UK from sea) by telling immigration officials that you wish to claim asylum. You would normally have your screening interview (a short interview to gather basic information about you and your journey, not about your reasons for claiming asylum) that day or the day after.
You can also claim asylum later after arriving, by making an appointment by phoning the Asylum Intake Unit appointments line on 0300 123 4193. They are open 9 am to 4:45 pm Monday-Thursday, and 9 am to 4:30 pm on Fridays. You will then be invited to a screening interview in person at your nearest intake unit – Croydon (London), Belfast or Glasgow.
If you have nowhere safe to live, you still need to call the above phone line – you may not be seen if you go to the intake unit without an appointment. You should be asked about whether you need accommodation in the interview – make it clear if you do, and you should be offered temporary emergency accommodation, called Section 98 support.
Please note you cannot claim asylum at a police station. If you are detained or picked up by immigration enforcement teams before you’ve claimed asylum, make sure to tell them you wish to do so.