Government launches new scheme
- Frequent travellers from Japan can save time on arrival
- Membership application can be started online
- Plans to widen eligibility criteria and ports that may be used
Border Force, part of the Home Office responsible for frontline border control operations at air, sea and rail ports in the UK, has launched a new service called Registered Traveller.
Membership of this initiative allows frequent travellers from Japan, the United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand to get faster and more convenient entry to the UK through London Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport and rail terminals at Paris and Lille in France, as well as Brussels in Belgium.
Since its launch in November 2014, the Registered Traveller initiative has received positive feedback. One member said that “The Registered Traveller scheme is a life saver. For someone who travels to the UK a great deal, it simply makes my life easier”.
Member benefits
- Access to ePassport gates with a biometric passport at major border ports in the UK and EU
- Access to the UK/EU queue at border control
- Landing cards do not need to be filled out
- No credibility interview
- No need to provide fingerprints for visa holders on each arrival
All of this helps registered travellers to save time. One member said: “It adds a lot of convenience and improves the experience of entering the UK”, adding that it “makes me feel a bit welcome knowing I can use the ePassport gates”.
Becoming a member
Before you apply, check whether you are eligible on www.gov.uk/registered-traveller.
Application process
Applying to become a Registered Traveller can be done quickly and easily by filling in an online form. Border Force uses this information to register you on the system. The next time you arrive at a UK border, officers will complete your full membership enrolment that allows you to access all the benefits of being a Registered Traveller.
To apply to become a Registered Traveller for 12 months costs £20, which is non refundable, and the annual membership fee (not paid unless application is successful) is £50.
Participating ports and future plans
Registered Traveller is currently available at the UK Border Ports at London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London City and the Eurostar terminals in Paris, Brussels and Lille, as well as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Stansted where you will be able to use the EU/UK channel or ePassport gates if you have a biometric passport. Further airports will be added throughout 2015.
If you are interested in finding out more or if you think Registered Traveller could benefit you or your staff, please contact
rtinbox@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
