Faster entry at UK border now available for Vincentians

Regular visitors to the United Kingdom (UK) from St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) are now eligible to apply to join the UK’s Registered Traveller Service.

The service, which became effective on October 5, provides approved members, who have undergone advanced security checks, an expedited clearance through the UK border.

Immigration Minister Brandon Lewis said: “St Vincent and the Grenadines is just one of 40 countries which can now benefit from Registered Traveller Service.

“With over 81,000 people from around the world having already signed up to the service, this is a true indication that the UK is open for business and I look forward to watching the service grow in the future.”

To be eligible to apply to become a Registered Traveller, passengers must hold an eligible passport, have a visa for the UK or have visited the UK at least four times in the past two years. 

Being a Registered Traveller allows approved members, who have undergone advanced security checks, faster entry at the UK border through access to the ePassport gates (if they hold an ePassport) or the UK/EU passport lane. They will not be required to fill in a landing card.

People who meet the eligibility criteria may apply to join the Registered Traveller Service online by providing personal details and passport details. Once background checks have been carried out, if the application is successful, the successful applicant will be sent a provisional acceptance letter.

To validate and confirm their membership, the individual must present themselves on their next arrival in the UK to a Border Force officer, where the membership process will be completed with an interview to determine the applicant’s suitability for the service and identity checks are carried out.

The Registered Traveller Service was first introduced on 8 April 2015 for applicants aged 18 and over from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and the United States. Since this launch, the service has been rolled out to a total of 40 countries and is now open to the under 18-year-old dependants of members.

   For more information on Registered Traveller go to: https://www.gov.uk/registered-traveller