Policing.uk

Examination at Ports and Borders

Terrorism Act 2000, Schedule 7

  • Warrant: No
  • Force: No
  • Notice: No

Schedule 7 confers powers on examining officers (police, immigration, and customs officers) to stop, question, and detain persons at ports, airports, and international rail stations for the purpose of determining whether the person is or has been involved in the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism. No suspicion is required: the power is exercisable at any port or border control point.

Conditions

  • The person must be at a port, airport, or international rail terminal
  • The examining officer must be exercising the power for the purpose of determining involvement in terrorism
  • No reasonable suspicion is required
  • The person may be detained for up to 6 hours (reduced from 9 hours by the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014)

Limitations

  • The power is exercisable only at ports, airports, and international rail terminals: not in the wider community
  • A code of practice governs the exercise of the power and must be followed
  • The person has no right to a solicitor during the first hour of examination
  • Material obtained may only be retained for terrorism-related purposes

Last updated 24 September 2026