Registered Traveller service expanded to more airports

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The U.K. has expanded its Registered Traveller program to additional airports and Eurostar terminals. The service provides fast entry clearance to qualifying nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and the U.S.

What does the change mean? In addition to Heathrow and Gatwick Airports, the fast-lane service is now available at Edinburgh, Glasgow, London City, Luton, Manchester and Stansted Airports, and at Brussels, Lille and Paris Eurostar terminals.

• Implementation time frame: The Registered Traveller service launched in December 2014 at Heathrow and Gatwick and was expanded in August of this year.
• Who is affected: The service is available to nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and the U.S. who have either visited the U.K. at least four times in the previous 52 weeks or have a valid qualifying visa.
• Impact on processing times: Registered Travellers can avoid queues and do not have to fill out a landing card. Those with biometric passports can use automated e-passport gates.
• Business impact: The program saves time and headaches at entry borders for frequent travelers to the U.K.
• Next steps: Interested applicants may apply online with their passport and credit card at the Gov.UK website.

Background: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have visited the U.K. four times in the past year as a visitor or have a visa (not including a Tier 5 Concession [creative and sporting] visa, an EEA family permit, discretionary leave or leave outside the rules).

The government fee is £70 to apply for one year of the service. Applications are decided within 10 business days.

BAL Analysis: The Registered Traveller program is a convenient option, especially for frequent travelers, and its expansion to more airports should reduce queues at airports overall by diverting low-risk travelers to automated entry clearance gates.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in the United Kingdom. For additional information, please contact uk@bal.com.

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