The UK's Registered Traveller service offers faster entry to frequent travellers at some airports and train stations. To find out more about the service, you can contact IAS, a team of immigration lawyers, on +44 (0)333 414 9244. They are open Monday to Sunday, from 8.30 am to 6 pm.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Telephone Number | +44 (0)333 414 9244 |
Opening Hours | Mon - Sun, 8.30am - 6pm |
Purpose | Faster entry through the UK border |
Eligibility | Over 18s with a valid visa or entry clearance, who have visited the UK at least 4 times in the last 24 months, and hold an eligible passport |
Eligible Passports | Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region passports only), Macao Special Administrative Region, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan (with a personal ID number on the photo page), and more |
Cost | £70 for 12 months, including a non-refundable £20 admin fee |
Renewal Cost | £50 for another year |
New Passport Update Cost | £20 |
Visa/Immigration Status Update Cost | Free |
Processing Time | 10 working days |
What You'll Learn
Benefits of the Registered Traveller service
The Registered Traveller service offers a faster and more convenient way to enter the UK for eligible frequent travellers. The scheme, operated by the UK government, is designed to streamline the border entry process at selected airports and train stations. Here are some key benefits of the Registered Traveller service:
Faster Border Entry
The primary advantage of the Registered Traveller service is expedited entry through the UK border. Members can utilise designated UK passport lanes, EU passport lanes, or ePassport gates if they possess a chipped or biometric passport. This privilege significantly reduces waiting times, making it ideal for business travellers who need to make frequent trips to the UK and require a seamless and efficient border experience.
Simplified Entry Requirements
Registered Travellers are exempt from the usual visa holder requirements, such as interviews, landing cards, and fingerprinting. This simplification of entry requirements ensures a consistent and hassle-free experience when entering the UK. It saves time and eliminates the need for repetitive processes during each visit.
Convenience for Frequent Travellers
The service is particularly beneficial for individuals who travel to the UK frequently, whether for business or personal reasons. By enrolling in the Registered Traveller programme, travellers can avoid the standard border control procedures, making their trips more efficient and predictable. This convenience can be invaluable for those who need to maintain a tight schedule or simply prefer a smoother journey.
Eligibility for Selected Nationals
The Registered Traveller service is open to eligible passport holders from specific countries, including Hong Kong, Macao, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Taiwan. This eligibility criterion ensures that individuals from these countries can take advantage of the benefits offered by the programme, enhancing their travel experience to the UK.
Streamlined Application Process
Applying for Registered Traveller membership is straightforward and can be done online. Applicants need their passport number, expiry date, and a valid payment method to cover the application fee. The UK government aims to process applications promptly, providing a decision within 10 working days. This efficient application process adds to the overall convenience of the Registered Traveller service.
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Eligibility requirements
The telephone number for the UK Registered Traveller Service is +44 (0)333 414 9244. This service allows frequent travellers to the UK to pass through the UK border and passport control faster.
To be eligible for the Registered Traveller Service, you must meet the following requirements:
Age:
You must be 18 years of age or older to apply for the Registered Traveller membership.
Passport:
You must hold a valid passport from an eligible country. Eligible countries include:
- Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region passports only)
- Macao Special Administrative Region
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Taiwan (if your passport has a personal ID number on the photo page)
- Botswana, Seychelles
- Brunei, Malaysia, Maldives
- Andorra, Monaco, Vatican City State
- Bahamas, Mexico
- Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga
- Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay
Visa or Entry Clearance:
You must have either a valid UK visa or entry clearance.
Travel History:
You must have visited the UK at least four times in the last 24 months. It is important to note that passing through the UK on your way to another country does not count as a visit. You must have entered the UK from another country for it to be considered a valid visit.
Biometric Residence Permit:
If you have a biometric residence permit, you will need to carry it with you when using the Registered Traveller Service.
EVisa:
If you have an eVisa, ensure it is linked to your current passport or travel document before travelling.
Membership Renewal:
Registered Traveller membership lasts for up to 12 months at a time and costs £70, including a non-refundable £20 administration fee. After the initial period, renewal costs £50 for another year. You will be notified by the Home Office 28 days before your membership expires, and you can renew or update your membership through the gov.uk website.
Adding Children to Membership:
You can add children to your membership if they have a passport from an eligible country, are 17 or under, and have a UK visa or entry clearance if they are not applying as a visitor. Their membership will expire at the same time as yours, and you must renew and update their membership details separately.
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Application process
The Registered Traveller service is a UK government-operated scheme that allows frequent travellers to the UK faster entry at some airports and train stations. The service is available to those who meet the eligibility criteria and can be applied for online.
To apply for Registered Traveller membership, you must be 18 or older and have a valid passport from an eligible country. Eligible countries include:
- Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region passports only)
- Macao Special Administrative Region
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Taiwan (if the passport has a personal ID number on the photo page)
In addition to the above, applicants must also have either a UK visa or entry clearance and have visited the UK at least four times in the last 24 months. It is important to note that passing through the UK on the way to another country does not count as a visit.
The application process is straightforward and can be completed in 5-10 minutes. Applicants will need their passport number, passport expiry date, and a credit or debit card to pay the fee. The cost of becoming a Registered Traveller is £70 for 12 months, which includes a non-refundable £20 administration fee. Applicants will receive a £50 refund if their application is declined.
Once the application has been submitted, the UK government will conduct background checks and make a decision within 10 working days. If the application is accepted, the applicant must go through the ''other passports' lane the next time they travel to the UK. An immigration officer will check that the criteria are met and confirm the membership. The 12-month membership will start from the day the application was submitted.
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Membership renewal and update
Registered Traveller membership lasts for up to 12 months and will expire if not renewed before the expiry date. You will be notified by the Home Office 28 days before your membership expires.
To renew or update your membership, you will need to visit the gov.uk website and sign in to the membership area with your Registered Traveller number and date of birth. From there, you can:
- Select the option to renew your membership for another 12 months, which costs £50.
- Update your passport details if you get a new passport. This costs £20.
- Update your details if your immigration or visa status changes. There is no fee for this.
Please note that if you need to renew a child's membership, you will need to do so separately from your own.
Immigration Lawyers
If you need assistance with your Registered Traveller application or any other UK immigration application, you can contact the Immigration Advice Service (IAS) for help. Their team of trusted immigration lawyers can provide guidance and support throughout the application process. Their contact number is +44 (0)333 414 9244, and they are available Monday to Sunday, 8.30 am to 6 pm.
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Adding children to membership
Adding children to your membership
You can add children to your Registered Traveller membership as long as you have 29 days or more remaining on it. To add a child, they must be 17 or under and have a passport from an eligible country. If they're not applying as a visitor, they must also have a UK visa or entry clearance.
Your child's membership will expire at the same time as yours. However, you will need to renew or update your and your child's memberships separately. Once you've added a child to your membership, they can also travel with their other parent as long as they are also a member. Before they travel together, you'll need to email the Home Office with the full names and Registered Traveller numbers of both parents.
To add a child to your membership, you must apply online through the gov.uk website. You will need your Registered Traveller number, the child's passport number and expiry date, and a credit or debit card. You will also need to apply and pay for each child separately.
If your application is successful, the first time you and your child travel to the UK, you must both go through the 'other passports' lane together. You may have to prove your relationship with the child by providing a birth or adoption certificate. If you are the child's parent but have a different surname, you may need to provide a divorce or marriage certificate. The immigration officer will then confirm that your child has been added to your membership.
For each child added to your membership, you will need to pay a membership fee of £2 a month, as well as a non-refundable £20 administration fee. The membership fee is only payable for the duration of the validity of your membership. For example, if you have five months left on your membership, you will pay £10. It will also cost £20 to update your child's passport details if they get a new passport. It won't cost anything to update their details if their visa or immigration status changes. Adding a child to your membership will usually be processed within 10 working days.
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Frequently asked questions
The telephone number for the UK Registered Traveller Service is +44 (0)333 414 9244.
The Registered Traveller Service is a scheme operated by the UK government that grants frequent travellers to the UK faster entry at some airports and train stations.
The main benefit of the Registered Traveller scheme is the ability to pass through the UK border much faster than usual. This includes the removal of any interview, landing card or fingerprint requirements.
To become a UK Registered Traveller, you must be 18 or older and have either a valid visa or entry clearance, as well as having visited the UK at least 4 times in the last 24 months.