Last Friday, I got an interesting email from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (I get these emails, I assume, because I'm enrolled in Global Entry.)
It seems that the United Kingdom has been operating an expedited screening program called the Registered Traveller Service since 2013 on a trial basis. The difference is they're now opening up the program making it more accessible. Even this time around last year, it looks like most applicants needed an in to get with the program.
There are a couple of differences between this program and Global Entry, though. In order to register for it, travelers need to be:
- Be over the age of 18 from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand or the USA AND
- Have a visa (but not a Tier 5 concession (Creative and sporting), EEA family permit, discretionary leave or leave outside the rules) OR
- Have visited the UK 4 times in the last 52 weeks (1 year) eg for business, education, tourism, education or medical treatment
The other major difference is the cost and the length of time it lasts for. The application fee is £70 (~$106.25) for one year; £50 (~$75.89) is refundable if the application is rejected. In contrast, Global Entry is $100 for five years.
Here is the email from U.S. CBP:
You are receiving this message because you have been identified by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as a U.S. citizen enrolled in the Global Entry program. CBP would like to inform you that the United Kingdom now operates an expedited entry program called Registered Traveller. Registered Traveller is a new service launched by the UK Border Force to give faster and more convenient entry to the UK for nationals from the United States. You are eligible to apply for membership in the UK Registered Traveller service. Membership in Registered Traveller costs £70. Complete details of Registered Traveller eligibility and availability can be found online at https://www.gov.uk/registered-traveller.
Membership in Registered Traveller include the following benefits:
- Access to ePassport gates at airports across the country
- Use of the UK / European Union queue at airports across the country
- A dedicated Registered Traveller lane at Gatwick Airport
- Not needing to complete a landing card on arrival to the UK
- No credibility interview with a Border Force officer.
Registered Traveller is already proving popular with members, who have provided praises such as, "This is an excellent service, it is efficient, extremely well run and very effective. I would highly recommend this service," and "Well done Britain. Fast, secure, easy. Great service and timesaver, and remarkably easy to set up. Thanks to all the people who made this possible."
You can apply for Registered Traveller online now at https://www.gov.uk/registered-traveller.
This is an automated email. Please do not reply.
