Are you eligible for the Registered Traveller Scheme?
If you are an Australian, Canadian, Japanese, New Zealand or American national and you regularly travel into Heathrow and/or Gatwick airports, then the Registered Traveller scheme could help to speed you on your way!
What is a Registered Traveller?
The scheme, first piloted in 2013, is designed to improve the way in which regular travellers enter the UK. Once successfully registered, members of this scheme will enjoy expedited travel through certain European travel hubs for the duration of their 12 month membership.
Upon entering the UK via Gatwick and Heathrow airports, Registered Travellers will:
- be able to use the ePassport gates (providing they have a biometric passport);
- be able to use the UK/EU channels at passport control or the Registered Traveller lanes (at Gatwick Airport only);
- not be required to fill out a landing card or undergo a credibility interview upon arrival.
These benefits will also be available to Registered Travellers at Eurostar terminals in Paris, Lille and Brussels. Other ports of travel will be added throughout 2015.
Who can apply to be a Registered Traveller?
You can apply to be a Registered Traveller if you are a national of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand or the USA; are over 18 years of age; have visited the UK four times or more in the previous 52 weeks and have been granted one of the following types of leave to enter the UK:
- Indefinite leave to remain;
- Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa excluding dependants;
- Tier 1 (Investor) visa excluding dependants;
- Tier 2 visa – all categories excluding dependants;
- General Visitor (tourist);
- Business Visitor;
- Entertainer Visitor;
- Sports Visitor; or
- Parents of Children at School in the UK.
How much does it cost?
A non-refundable payment of £50 will entitle successful applicants to 12 months of membership as a Registered Traveller.
How can I apply?
The online form takes less than 10 minutes to fill out and you will only need your passport and credit or debit card details.
When will I receive a decision?
The Home office promises a decision within 10 working days of the application’s submission and you will receive an email of initial acceptance containing instructions on how to complete your membership. You will need to show your passport to the Border Force when you next travel, at which point your enrolment will be finalised.
