What you can claim back as a tourist
As a tourist visiting the UK, you can reclaim Value Added Tax (VAT) on goods you buy and take out of the country, but not on services like hotels, meals, or transport. The refund is usually between 15% and 17.5% of the purchase price, depending on the retailer's system and the VAT rate at the time you bought the item. You cannot claim back VAT on anything you consume in the UK — only on physical goods you export.
The amount you receive depends on three things: the original price of the item, the VAT rate charged (currently 20% standard rate in the UK), and the retailer's processing fee. Most retailers deduct a handling fee of 15% to 25% from the VAT amount before sending it to you, so your actual refund is smaller than the full VAT paid. For example, if you spend £100 on clothing with 20% VAT (£20), and the retailer takes a 20% fee, you receive roughly £16, not £20.
Key Takeaways
- You can only reclaim VAT on goods you physically take out of the UK, not on services, food, or anything consumed during your visit.
- The refund amount is a percentage of the VAT you paid, typically 15% to 17.5% of the purchase price after retailer fees.
- You must buy from a retailer registered for VAT refunds and request a refund form at the point of sale — you cannot claim back VAT later.
- You need to show your goods, receipts, and passport at UK airport customs before you leave, or the refund will not be processed.
- Refunds take 4 to 12 weeks to arrive, depending on the retailer and refund method you choose.
Which purchases may have access to and which do not
You can claim VAT back on physical goods: clothing, shoes, electronics, souvenirs, jewellery, and luggage. You cannot claim on services of any kind, including accommodation, restaurant meals, pub drinks, theatre tickets, tours, or transport. You also cannot claim on goods you buy and use in the UK before leaving — the item must be unused and in its original condition when you leave the country.
Some items have lower VAT rates or are VAT-exempt. Books, newspapers, and some food items are charged at 0% VAT, so there is nothing to reclaim. Children's clothing and some medical items are also exempt. If you are unsure whether an item qualifies, ask the retailer at the till — they will know whether they can issue a refund form for that purchase.
Minimum spend requirements and retailer participation
Most UK retailers only issue VAT refund forms if you spend a minimum amount in a single transaction. This threshold varies by shop — common minimums are £25, £30, or £50. Some large department stores and tourist-focused shops have lower thresholds (£15 to £20), while luxury retailers may require £100 or more. If you spend less than the minimum, you cannot claim, so it is worth asking before you pay.
Not all retailers participate in VAT refund schemes. Chain stores, supermarkets, and small independent shops often do not offer refunds. Tourist areas, shopping centres, and high-street brands are more likely to participate. Look for signs in the window or ask at the till. If a retailer does not offer refunds, you cannot claim VAT on that purchase, even if you meet the minimum spend.
How to request a refund form at the point of sale
You must ask for a VAT refund form when you buy the item — you cannot go back later and claim. Tell the cashier you are a tourist and want a refund form. They will print a form (usually a multi-part receipt or a separate document) and ask for your passport number. Keep the form, your receipt, and the original packaging. Do not open or use the item.
The retailer will explain which refund method you can use. Most offer a choice between a refund to your credit or debit card, a cheque sent to your home address, or cash at the airport. Card refunds are fastest (4 to 8 weeks) but may incur a small currency conversion fee if you are not using a UK bank account. Cash at the airport is immediate but only available at certain airports and only if the retailer has a desk there.
Customs verification before you leave the UK
Before you board your flight or ferry, you must show your goods, receipts, and refund forms to UK customs. This is a legal requirement — without customs approval, the retailer will not process your refund. Go to the customs desk in the airport or port departure area. Have your passport, the goods (still unused and in original packaging), the refund forms, and receipts ready.
Customs will check that the goods match the receipts and that you are taking them out of the UK. They will stamp or scan the refund form. If you do not get customs approval, send the stamped form back to the retailer — they cannot refund you without it. Some retailers have their own refund desks at major airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester), where you can also get cash refunds on the spot if customs has approved your forms.
Processing times and how refunds reach you
The time it takes to receive your refund depends on the method you chose and the retailer's processing speed. Card refunds typically arrive in 4 to 8 weeks. Cheques take 6 to 12 weeks because they must be posted to your home address and then cleared by your bank. Cash refunds at the airport are instant if the retailer has a desk there, but not all retailers do.
After customs stamps your form, the retailer receives it and processes the refund. Large retailers and department stores are usually faster (4 to 6 weeks). Smaller shops or those using third-party refund processors may take longer. If you do not receive your refund within the expected timeframe, contact the retailer with your receipt and refund form reference number — they can check the status or reissue the refund if it was lost.
What affects the final amount you receive
The refund you actually receive is smaller than the VAT you paid because retailers deduct a handling or administration fee. This fee is typically 15% to 25% of the VAT amount and covers the cost of processing, verification, and currency conversion. A retailer might advertise "VAT refunds" but the fine print shows they take 20% off the top.
Currency conversion also reduces your refund if you are paid in a currency other than pounds sterling. If you chose a card refund and your bank is not in the UK, the retailer or their processor converts the pounds to your home currency, and the exchange rate used may not be the best available. Requesting cash at the airport avoids this fee but is only possible if the retailer has a desk there and you have already received customs approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim VAT back on food, drinks, or restaurant meals?
No. VAT on services — including food, drinks, accommodation, and entertainment — cannot be reclaimed. Only physical goods you take out of the country may have access to. This includes groceries from supermarkets if you take them with you unopened, but not meals eaten in restaurants or cafes.
What if I buy something, use it in the UK, and then want to take it home?
You cannot claim VAT on used goods. The item must be unused and in its original packaging when you leave the UK. If you have opened it, worn it, or consumed any part of it, the retailer will refuse to process the refund, even if customs approves it.
Do I have to get customs approval at the airport, or can I claim later?
You must get customs approval before you leave the UK. Without a stamped or scanned refund form from customs, the retailer will not process your refund. If you forget to visit customs, contact the retailer immediately with your receipt and form — some may still help, but most will not.
What happens if the retailer goes out of business before my refund arrives?
If the retailer closes or ceases trading, you may not receive your refund. This is rare but can happen. If you do not receive your refund within 12 weeks, contact the retailer's customer service or the refund processor listed on your form. Keep all receipts and forms in case you need to dispute the refund with your bank or credit card company.
Can I claim VAT back if I am a UK resident visiting for a short trip?
No. VAT refunds are only for tourists who are not UK residents. You must have a non-UK address and a valid passport from outside the UK to claim. UK residents cannot reclaim VAT on purchases, even if they are visiting from another part of the country.