What happens at my first court appearance if I am arrested in the UK on an Interpol notice?

Following arrest, you will appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court—the designated court for extradition matters—typically within 48 hours. The judge will confirm your identity, inform you of the requesting state’s allegations, and address bail. Bail in extradition cases faces a presumption against release where flight risk exists, though conditions such as substantial sureties, passport surrender, and residence requirements can overcome this. The hearing establishes initial timelines for the requesting state to submit a formal extradition request—usually 45 days for European countries, 65 days for others under the Extradition Act 2003.