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How Do I Become a Registered Traveller?

The Registered Traveller service allows frequent travellers to the UK to pass through the UK border and passport control quicker.

For more information about the Registered Traveller scheme, assistance with becoming a UK registered traveller, or for any other question or query related to travelling to the UK, reach out to one of our trusted immigration advisers on  0333 305 9375  or contact us  online  today.

Overview of the Registered Traveller Service

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.

Members may use either the UK passport entry lanes, EU passport entry lanes or ePassport gates if they have a biometric or chipped passport. You’ll also need to carry your visa or biometric residence permit, if you have one.

Registered Travellers do not have to fill in a landing card, undergo interviews or have fingerprints taken as a visa holder when they travel to the UK.

Note that passport holders from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea or the United States are no longer eligible for the Registered Travellers service and may freely use ePassport gates.

Registered Traveller membership lasts for up to 12 months at a time, after which  it can be renewed .

Whether you wish to register as a Registered Traveller or are looking for another route into the UK, IAS’s immigration lawyers can help. Take the first step in receiving assistance with your immigration case today by calling us on  0333 305 9375 , or contact us  online .

Who is Eligible for the Registered Traveller Service?

To be able to become a Registered Traveller, you must be 18 or older and have either:

• Valid visa or entry clearance
• Visited the UK at least 4 times in the last 24 months

Note that you must have entered the UK from another country for this to count. Passing through the UK on your way to another country does not count as having visited the UK.

You must also be an eligible passport holder from one of the following countries:

Where Can I Use the Registered Traveller Service?

Registered Travellers can benefit from faster entry into the UK at the following airports:

In addition, Registered Travellers can use the service at the following Eurostar terminals:

What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Registered Traveller?

As previously mentioned, the main benefit of the Registered Traveller scheme is the ability to pass through the UK border much faster than usual.

This may be especially useful for business travellers, particularly those who need to take frequent trips to the UK as part of their work and rely on fast passage through the border in order to prevent any delays from impacting their schedule.

Faster passage into the UK is assured with the removal of any interview, landing card or fingerprint requirements for travellers, which may help to ensure a consistently fast and hassle-free experience when passing through the UK border.

Non-business travellers may also benefit from using the Registered Traveller service, such as those who need to travel frequently to the UK for personal reasons and don’t wish to undergo the numerous required processes involved with crossing the UK border each time.

How Do I Apply to Become a Registered Traveller?

You must apply to become a Registered Traveller online on the  gov.uk website .

To apply, you will need your passport number, passport expiry date and a credit or debit card to pay the fee.

Applying through the online form is very simple and should only take around 5-10 minutes.

Once you’ve applied, the UK government will conduct some background checks and will make a decision on your application within 10 working days.

If your application is accepted, the next time you travel to the UK you must go through the ‘other passports’ lane.

The immigration officer will check that you meet the criteria and tell you if you can become a member. Your 12 month membership will start on the day you submitted your application.

If you need additional assistance with your Registered Traveller application or with any other UK immigration application, IAS are here to help. Reach out to us today on  0333 305 9375  or contact us  online  for help from one of our expert advisers.

What Are the Fees and Processing Times?

It costs £70 to become a Registered Traveller for 12 months.

This includes a non-refundable £20 administration fee. If your application to become a Registered Traveller is declined, you will receive a £50 refund.

After the initial 12 month period, it will cost £50 to renew your membership for another year.

It will cost £20 if you get a new passport and need to update your details. Note that you will need to do this before you travel to the UK.

It won’t cost anything to update your details if your visa or immigration status changes.

Registered Traveller memberships are usually processed within 10 working days.

How Can I Renew or Update my Membership?

As previously mentioned, Registered Traveller membership lasts for up to 12 months at a time. Your membership will expire after this time if you don’t renew it before the expiry date.

You will normally be notified by the Home Office 28 days before your membership expires.

In order 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.

Here, you can do any of the following:

• Select the option to renew your membership for another 12 months. This 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.

Note that if you need to renew your child’s membership, you will need to do so separately to yours.

Our friendly legal team are on hand to help with your UK immigration case. Take the first step and reach out to us today.

Can I Add Children to My Registered Traveller Membership?

Registered Traveller members can add children to their membership as long as they have 29 days or more remaining in it.

The child must also be 17 or under, have a passport from an eligible country, and have a UK visa or entry clearance, if they’re not applying as a visitor.

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 the child to your membership, they can also travel with their other parent as long as they’re also a member. Before they travel together, you’ll need to email the Home Office with full names and Registered Traveller numbers for:

• Your child’s other parent

How Do I Apply to Add Children to My Membership?

You must apply online through the  gov.uk website  to add children to your membership. You will need your Registered Traveller number, child’s passport number and expiry date and a credit or debit card for this.

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 the relationship between you and any children travelling with you by providing:

• A birth or adoption certificate showing your relationship to the child
• A divorce or marriage certificate if you’re the parent but have a different surname to the child

The immigration officer will then confirm your child has been added to your membership.

hat are Fees and Processing Times for Children?

For each child that’s 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 5 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 your child’s details if their visa or immigration status changes.

Adding a child to your Registered Traveller membership will usually be processed within 10 working days.

How Can IAS Help?

The Registered Traveller program is a useful way for people who need a faster and more convenient way to enter the UK on a more frequent basis. However, not everyone is eligible, and the background checks of the UK government may lead to you being disqualified.

For expert help and ease with the application process, contact us at IAS.

We are expert lawyers and legal advisers specialising in UK and international immigration. We have helped thousands of clients get to where they want to go, using our decades’ worth of experience in the legal and immigration sector to help inform the expert advice we give to our clients.

Whether you’re unsure of what you need to do to enter the UK, need help with applying for a visa on behalf of a loved one, or just need to talk to a legal professional regarding your case, we’re here to help.

We can also liaise with the Home Office and UK border services on your behalf to ensure that your application and eventual passage to the UK goes smoothly.

For more information about the services we offer and what we can do for you, contact us today on  0333 305 9375 , or talk to us  online  today.

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Blog Government Digital Service

https://gds.blog.gov.uk/2015/02/17/registered-traveller-service-goes-live/

Registered Traveller service goes live

The Home Office's Registered Traveller Service is out of beta and fully live. After using this new quick and easy service, frequent visitors from the US, Japan, New Zealand, Canada and Australia are able to enter the UK more quickly and easily. Here's a short film we've made about it.

In a nutshell, the service lets users apply to become a Registered Traveller. It takes about 5 minutes. Once registered, users:

• don't have to fill in landing cards
• may use faster European Economic Area (EEA) border queues
• may use ePassport gates at participating UK international ports if they have a biometric passport

Making life easier for business travellers helps to keep the UK competitive. And by allowing travellers that have undergone detailed advance checks to use ePassport gates, Border Force airport staff are able to devote more time to other priorities.

The Registered Traveller Service is currently for travellers from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States of America.

If you're interested in the development of the service, here's a blog post by Mike Bracken on how the development team was able to reuse code from another Home Office project, Visit Visa: How sharing helps us improve digital services .

Join the conversation on Twitter , and don't forget to sign up for email alerts .

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Sharing and comments

Share this page, 12 comments.

Comment by Keith posted on 20 August 2015

To some extent I have to agree with Ray, that this service would benefit from being extended to non-European nationals who reside in the UK by virtue of Indefinite Leave to Remain. Currently, however, there is no cost benefit to me to make UK border activities more effective and until then will suffer the inconvenience upon re-entering the UK with my Irish family, experienced for over 20 years.

Comment by Ashley posted on 12 August 2015

Question - I am a US citizen currently in London on business. I received my registered traveler approval while here. I am flying home tomorrow. Is there a way to complete the final step of getting border patrol to approve me while I am here, or does it have to wait until the next time I return? Hoping there is a way to take advantage of the fact that I'm already here to complete the final approval step. Thanks,

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 13 August 2015

Thanks for your question. I'll try and get an answer for you as soon as possible, but wanted to acknowledge your comment in case the response isn't quick enough to reach you before you fly.

Enrolment can only be completed on your next international arrival into a participating UK port.

Hope that helps!

Comment by Ray posted on 10 August 2015

As a Canadian living in UK, I am happy to see this services. However, it is very expensive - I travel abroad frequently, about 10-15 times a year just for holidays or sightseeing. It ends up about £5-7 per trip if I apply for it. Would I spend this money? Definitely NO. If £70 are for 5-10 years (or my until my visa expires) or £15-20 ish per year, I may give it a go...

Comment by Andrew Chesney posted on 01 August 2015

I've heard that Global Entry is being trialled again, would you be able to send any further details.

Many thanks

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 11 August 2015

A service called ‘Register to apply for US Global Entry’ will be launched later in the year which will enable British Citizens to then obtain Global Entry membership. We cannot confirm a commencement date yet but we will provide an update in early November. Thanks.

Comment by A MUIR posted on 29 July 2015

Do you have an update on the progress of re-opening the Global Entry scheme to UK citizens as per your above comment?

The latest update is that a service called ‘Register to apply for US Global Entry’ will be launched later in the year. We cannot confirm a commencement date yet but we will provide an update in early November. Thanks.

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 12 November 2015

In relation to Global Entry please see this post from the Home Office Digital team: https://hodigital.blog.gov.uk/2015/11/12/crossing-the-atlantic/

Comment by S .Ross posted on 08 June 2015

Is the U.S. Global Entry program accepted in lieu of the UK program?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 08 June 2015

Thanks for your comment. British Citizens are currently unable to apply for Global Entry membership. However, UK Border Force are discussing with the US how the scheme may be opened to British Citizens later this year.

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Simple Flying

What is the uk's registered traveller program.

UK Registered Traveller program allows foreign passengers to breeze through passport control similar to UK, EU, and other citizens.

Border control is one of the more tiresome parts of the process for frequent travelers. To ease the pain for some passengers, the UK offers a program known as 'Registered Traveller,' allowing the use of ePassport gates. Here's a look at the process.

Open to some countries

As world borders open up, don't reach out to sign up for Registered Traveller just yet. Tt's essential to understand the eligibility for the program. This is restricted to select nationalities , listed here:

• Africa: Botswana, Namibia, Seychelles
• Asia: Brunei, Hong Kong (SAR passport only), Macao (SAR passport), Malaysia, Maldives, Taiwan (passports with personal ID number)
• Europe: Andorra, Monaco, Vatican
• Middle East: Israel
• North America: Bahamas, Mexico, St. Vincent and Grenadines
• Oceania: Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga
• Central and South America: Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay

To be eligible, passengers must have entered the UK four times in the last 24 months. This does not apply to transiting the airport and must have entered the country, passing the border. Additionally, passengers must also have a UK visa, biometric resident permit (BRP), or entry clearance (such as visa-free access).

Benefits of the program

If you meet the requirements of the program, the Registered Traveller program brings a host of benefits. Those with ePassports, including a chip at the bottom, can use the dedicated ePassport queues at airports around the UK and other ports of entry such as railway stations. In case you do not have a chip, eligible holders can use the UK Passports section at the border, allowing you to reach the front much faster than other passengers.

With Fast Track still suspended at airports due to COVID and staffing shortages, Registered Traveller can mean the difference of hours when clearing the border at busy times. Let's take a look at the application process and cost of the program.

Application steps and price

Applications for Registered Traveller are made online and take ten working days for a response. If successful, you will still need to use the 'other passports' queue the first time to be approved by a border force agent who will recheck eligibility requirements. After that, you are free to use the benefits.

The program costs £70 ($92) for the first 12 months and £50 ($66) for renewal every year. If you are unsuccessful, you will get a £50 ($66) refund for your application. Children can be added for £20 ($26), but traveling with a child means you cannot use an ePassport gate upon entry.

The £50/year fee makes Registered Traveller far more expensive than US' Global Entry program, which only costs $100 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck at all airports. However, for those who fly to the UK often, the convenience of breezing through might be worth it.

What do you think about the UK's Registered Traveller program? Would you sign up? Let us know in the comments!

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Registered Traveller Service FAQs | DavidsonMorris

• Anne Morris

IN THIS SECTION

• 9 minute read
• Last updated: 26th November 2019

  Travelling under the Registered Traveller Service offers frequent business travellers a number of benefits.

What is the Registered Traveller Service, who is eligible and how do you apply?  

This article covers:

• What is the Registered Traveller Service (RTS)?

What are the benefits for business travellers?

What are the limitations of the rts, who is eligible for rts membership, how do i apply for rts membership, how do i add a child to my rts membership, how much does rts membership cost, how do i renew my rts membership, tips on faster travel through uk passport control, what is the registered traveller service (rts)/strong>.

The Registered Traveller Service is an effective way of ensuring faster and more convenient entry for frequent travellers through UK passport control. As a member of this service, a registered traveller can benefit from faster entry at both major airports and certain rail terminals by using UK and EU passport entry lanes, as well as the ePassport gates where their passport has a biometric chip.

The Registered Traveller Service can be used at the following airports:

• Cardiff International
• East Midlands
• London City

The Registered Traveller Service can also be used at the following Eurostar terminals:

Depending on the nature of the business trip to the UK, time can often be of the essence. In particular, for frequent business travellers, any delays in getting through UK passport control can provide unwelcome delays in an already hectic schedule.

The Registered Traveller Service is designed to make it easier and more convenient for regular travellers to the UK, including business travellers, to transit through immigration controls at major UK ports of entry.

By using the Registered Traveller Service this will allow you to use UK and EU passport entry lanes or ePassport gates, thereby significantly reducing any wait time to allow you to get on with your working day.

As a registered traveller member, you will no longer need to undergo an interview and/or have fingerprints taken as a visa holder.  

The Registered Traveller Service has a number of limitations, not least in who is eligible to apply for membership under this service. The service is no longer accepting new membership applications from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the United States.

In particular, the Registered Traveller Service is now only available to qualifying citizens of certain countries (see below). However, passport holders from these other previously eligible countries no longer need to be registered traveller members to use ePassport gates when entering the UK.

For those applicants that remain eligible for the Registered Traveller Service, another limitation is the cost, namely the initial fee, plus additional fees for renewing or updating membership details.

That said, given the significant saving to be made on time, many employers are more than willing to allow business travellers to expense the RTS membership fee so that their executives and employees have a more seamless transition through the UK border.  

To apply for membership under the Registered Traveller Service, you must satisfy the following eligibility criteria:

• Be aged at least 18 years old
• Be in possession of an eligible passport for specific countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, South and Central America, and Oceania
• Have a UK visa or entry clearance, where you will need to carry with you your visa or biometric residence permit if you have one Have visited the UK at least 4 times in the last 24 months.

When calculating how many times you have entered the UK in the last 24 months, it counts as visiting if you have entered the UK from any other country, including EU countries. However, you cannot count those occasions on which you are simply passing through the UK en route to another country.

To satisfy the criteria for being in possession of an eligible passport you must be a passport holder from one of the following countries:

• Africa – Botswana, Namibia and the Seychelles
• Asia – Brunei, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region, Malaysia, Maldives, and Taiwan, albeit only for Taiwanese with a personal identification number in their passport
• Europe – Andorra, Monaco and the Vatican City State
• Middle East – Israel
• North America – Bahamas, Mexico, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• South and Central America – Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay
• Oceania – Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga.

To apply for membership under the Registered Traveller Service you will first need to ensure that you are eligible (see above). If so, you will next need to submit an online application that will take around 5-10 minutes. You will need your passport and its expiry date to apply, together with a debit or credit card to pay the relevant fee.

Having submitted your application, the Home Office will carry out background checks and contact you within 5 to 10 working days to advise you whether you have been successful and what you need to do next.

If successful at this stage, you will still need to complete your application at a UK border, ie; the next time you travel to the UK you will need to go through what’s described as the ‘other passports’ lane where an immigration officer will ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and tell you if you can become an RTS member.

If so, you will be granted membership under the Registered Traveller Service for a period of 12 months. However, your membership will begin on the day you first submitted your application.  

Even where you primarily seek faster entry through UK passport control for the purposes of business travel, you may, on occasions, also want to travel to the UK with your family, or even have your partner and children come to stay with you during the course of a business trip.

As such, you can apply to add a child as a registered traveller, as long as you have at least 29 days or more left on your membership for Registered Traveller Service. However, to be eligible, your child must be aged 17 or under, have an eligible passport and, in circumstances where they are not applying as a visitor, have a visa or entry clearance.

To apply on their behalf you will need your registered traveller number and your child’s passport number and expiry date. You will get a decision on your application within 10 working days.

Once your child has been added, the first time you and your child travel to the UK you must both go through the ‘other passports’ lane together. You may be required to prove the relationship between you and any child travelling with you, for example, if you have different surnames.

You can do this by giving the immigration officer a birth or adoption certificate showing your relationship to the child, or a divorce or marriage certificate if you are the parent but have a different surname to the child. The officer will then confirm your child has been added to your membership, although you will also receive confirmation of this via email within 48 hours.

Once you have added a child to your membership, you can both use the UK and EU passport lanes together, although you will not be able to use the ePassport gates. Your child can also travel with their other parent, as long as that parent is also a member of the Registered Traveller Service. Additionally, in advance of any travel arrangements, you will be required to email the Home Office with the full names and registered traveller numbers for you, your child and the child’s other parent.  

To apply for membership under the Registered Traveller Service you will need to pay a fee of £70. However, this will only provide you with membership as a registered traveller for an initial period of 12 months.

You will also be required to pay a £20 administration fee to apply for each child, together with a membership fee calculated at £2 a month until your membership expires. However, you will be told how much to pay when you apply. You must apply and pay for each child separately.

In the event that your own application is unsuccessful, you will be given a rebate of £50. However, if the application on behalf of any child is rejected, you will not be reimbursed the £20 administration fee.

As set out above, your membership under the Registered Traveller Service will only last for a period of 12 months. The fee for renewing your RTS membership for a further 12 months will be reduced to £50.

The Home Office will usually email you details on how to renew your membership 28 days before it expires, although the onus will be on you to ensure that your membership does not expire.

Your child’s membership will expire at the same time as yours. However, you will need to renew your and your child’s memberships separately. To renew your child’s membership, you will need to sign in with their registered traveller number and date of birth. The fee for renewing their membership will again be calculated at £2 a month until your own membership expires.

In the event that you need to update your passport details under your membership, or those of your child, in circumstances where you or they have been issued with a new passport, you will need to pay a fee of £20. You will also need to ensure that you do this before you travel to the UK. Again, you will need to update your and your child’s memberships separately.

You will also be required to update your details, or your child’s details, if any visa or immigration status changes, although there is no fee to do so here.  

During peak travel periods, such as school holidays or over the festive season, there is typically an increase in the number of travellers coming through the UK border. One way to ensure faster travel through UK passport control, not least where you need to come to the UK for the purposes of business, is to become a member of the Registered Traveller Service.

However, there are also additional ways in which you can help to ensure that you are processed more quickly. In particular, always keep your passport and travel documents on your person, rather than packing these away in your luggage, as you will need to show these on your arrival.

When passing through passport control, remove your passport from its cover and have it open at the photo page and stay together when travelling as a family as the immigration officer may have questions to establish your relationship with any child with whom you have a different surname.

In the event that you are travelling solo as a business traveller, rather than accompanied by your children, you will be able to use the ePassport gates for quicker entry. There are over 250 gates in place at 15 air and rail ports in the UK.

Typically, you will be eligible to use an ePassport gate where you have a biometric symbol on the cover of your passport and you are a member of the Registered Traveller Service. You can also use these gates if you are either a British citizen or a national of an EU country, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland or the United States.

If you use the ePassport gates, you will need to see a Border Force officer before you leave the port to receive a stamp in your passport. As a business traveller, you may need your passport stamped if you are coming to the UK to carry out, for example, permitted paid engagements.

About DavidsonMorris

As employer solutions lawyers, DavidsonMorris offers a complete and cost-effective capability to meet employers’ needs across UK immigration and employment law, HR and global mobility .

Led by Anne Morris, one of the UK’s preeminent immigration lawyers, and with rankings in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners , we’re a multi-disciplinary team helping organisations to meet their people objectives, while reducing legal risk and nurturing workforce relations.

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

United kingdom - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in the United Kingdom due to terrorism.

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the United Kingdom. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

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Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to the United Kingdom.

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33 Nine Elms Lane London, SW11 7US United Kingdom Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: +(44) (20) 7891-3845 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Edinburgh, Scotland 3 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BW Scotland Telephone: 013-1556-8315 / from the United States: 011 (44)(13) 1556-8315 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  020-7499-9000 / from the United States: 011 (44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: 0131-557-6023 /from the United States: 011 (44) 131-557-6023 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Belfast, Northern Ireland Danesfort House, 223 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5GR Northern Ireland, United Kingdom Telephone: 028-9038-6100 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9038-6100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 01253-501106 / from the United States: 011 (44) 1253-501106 Fax: 028-9068-1301 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9068-1301 Email: [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• To enter the United Kingdom, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay.
• Starting June 2019, U.S. passport holders will be able to use the ePassport Gates upon arrival in the United Kingdom. U.S. citizens who had previously registered for the UK’s Registered Traveller Service (RTS) should now also use the ePassport Gates on arrival in the UK.
• If you are planning onward travel after departing the UK, note that many other countries require at least six months’ remaining validity on your passport to enter. If you are bound for Continental Europe, please see our  U.S. travelers in Europe page for additional details.
• Visas for specific categories of visitors must be obtained prior to travel. Visit the  UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website to determine if you need a visa to enter the United Kingdom. We cannot intervene on your behalf when you apply for a UK visa, nor can we advocate for your admission into the UK if you are denied entry.
• Students and prospective students should visit the  UKVI website  to determine if they need a visa.
• For some U.S. travelers, especially students, an entry stamp is required.  Please consult this website  for more information.
• Unpaid and paid workers, interns, volunteers, charity workers, and temporary workers can find information about obtaining a visa on the  UKVI website .
• Visitors traveling to the United Kingdom to get married, even if they do not plan to reside there, must obtain a visa in advance. See the  UKVI website  for visa information.
• Surcharges apply to certain categories of visas, generally those involving work, study, or residency for more than six months. More information is available on the  UKVI website  and in our Health section below.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of the United Kingdom.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible near-term attacks in Europe. The UK Security Service publishes specific reasons for any changes in the threat level and recommended actions for the public via its  UK threat levels website .

There is the potential for  isolated violence  related to the political situation in Northern Ireland. The Police Service of Northern Ireland assesses there is a continued threat of violence from dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets, and may involve the use of  firearms  and  explosives . Tensions may be heightened during the summer marching season (April to August), particularly on and around the July 12 public holiday.

Avoid areas of demonstrations  if possible, and be careful within the vicinity of demonstrations. Demonstrations occur frequently in and around city centers and areas where tourists frequent. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate to violence.

The phone number for  police/fire/ambulance emergency services  is  999  in the United Kingdom and  112  in Gibraltar. You should also use these numbers to report security threats or suspicious packages. Also see information for  contacting police from abroad .

• Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
• Be vigilant, as  pickpocketing ,  mugging,  and “snatch and grab” theft of mobile phones, watches and jewelry can occur.
• Do not leave bags unattended in restaurants, pubs, hotel lobbies, and parked cars.
• Be alert to other criminal schemes, such as  impostors  posing as undercover police officers and “fining” tourists for bogus minor offenses. A legitimate Metropolitan Police Services officer will never demand an immediate cash payment.
• Use only licensed Black Cabs or pre-ordered car services (minicabs) . Unlicensed taxis or private cars posing as taxis may offer low fares, but in some instances, travelers have been  robbed  or  sexually assaulted  while using these cars. See Transport for London for additional information on cabs and car services .
• Avoid using ATMs that look temporary in structure or location  or are located in isolated areas – they may not be legitimate. Use ATMs located inside a bank branch.

Scams : Before sending any money to individuals you have never met in person, visit the  Embassy London website  for more information about  internet financial scams  and how to protect yourself.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime : Report crimes to the local police at 999 (United Kingdom) or 112 (Gibraltar) and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(44) (20) 7499-9000.

• Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim compensation programs in the United States
• The Victim Support website  is maintained by an independent UK charity to help people cope with the effects of crime
• A Northern Ireland-based independent charity maintains a similar  victim support website
• In Scotland, victims of crime should contact  Victim Support Scotland
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support if you are destitute
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

• You will be arrested if you bring pocket knives, blades, mace or pepper spray canisters, or any part of a gun into the United Kingdom . Please refer to the UK government publication  Travelling to the UK , which details the items visitors are prohibited from bringing into the United Kingdom.
• Penalties against  alcohol-related  and other  in-flight  crimes committed aboard aircraft to and from the United Kingdom are stiff and are enforced with  prison sentences . Please also see  our information on U.S. customs regulations  covering your return to the United States.
• Controlled Substances: UK law prohibits possession and trafficking of controlled substances and narcotics, including some substances that may be legal to possess under the law of certain U.S. states. More information on controlled substances is available here . Individuals who violate UK drug laws may face penalties including fines or prison sentences.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained in the United Kingdom, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Special Circumstances:

• The legal drinking age in the United Kingdom is 18. Parents and organizers of school trips should read our  Students Abroad website  to help plan a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Scotland’s “drink drive limit” law was amended to a lower level (roughly .05 BAC) and is stricter than the rest of the United Kingdom (roughly .08 BAC). This means that  driving after even one drink  can result in a charge of driving under the influence.
• The United Kingdom has very strict gun control laws, and importing firearms is extremely complicated.  Information on applying for a firearm and/or shotgun certificate can be found on the  London Metropolitan Police Firearms licensing webpage .  Licenses from England or Wales may not be valid in Scotland; please check with the appropriate authorities.  For firearms certificates for Scotland, please check with  Police Scotland .

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in the United Kingdom.

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:

• UK law requires that all public service providers (except in the transportation sector) make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure their services are available to persons with disabilities.  Nevertheless, code exemptions permit many older buildings to have steps up from the street.
• Getting around in cities may be difficult at times because sidewalks can be narrow and uneven.
• Most London Underground and UK National Rail System stations are not readily accessible for people with disabilities.  Many stations do not have elevators, and have stairways and long corridors for changing trains or exiting to the street. Many UK buses are equipped with lowering platforms for limited-mobility or sight- or hearing-disabled travelers.
• Many taxis have swivel-entry seats or retractable ramps to ease entry.
• Disabled parking permits (known as “blue badges”) are issued by local government councils throughout the country. Visit the  UK government website  for contact information. Some councils may not offer permits to temporary visitors.

The  Transport for London  and  National Rail  websites provide information for passengers with disabilities.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  women travelers .

While medical services are widely available,  free medical care  under the National Health System (NHS) is allowed only for UK residents, certain EU nationals, and some visa holders.

An NHS surcharge is assessed on certain visa applicants at the time of application.  Tourists and short-term visitors will not be assessed the surcharge, but will be charged 150 percent of the cost of any medical treatment they receive from the NHS. Unpaid balances of £1,000 or more can result in being barred from return to the United Kingdom.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills, and U.S. Medicare is not valid overseas.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides  coverage overseas . Most care providers overseas only accept  cash payments . See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas.

• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Carry  prescription medication  in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Traveling with sufficient supplies to last the duration of your trip is recommended. Mailing prescriptions is prohibitive and may be delayed or rejected by British customs.

Certain prescriptions available in the United States are classified as a "controlled drug"  in the United Kingdom and cannot be brought into the country without applying for and obtaining a prior license. This includes prescriptions for medical marijuana or products containing CBD and THC.  Please visit the https://www.gov.uk/travelling-controlled-drugs for additional information. 

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended for international travel by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions in the United Kingdom can differ significantly from those in the United States.

• In contrast to the United States, UK traffic drives on the left.  Read the  Highway Code  before driving.
• Emergency call boxes  (orange telephone booths with “SOS” printed on them) are found at half-mile intervals along motorways. White and blue poles point in the direction of the nearest call box. Call boxes dial directly to a motorway center. Use these phones rather than a personal cell phone, because motorway center personnel will immediately know your exact location.
• Generally,  pedestrians do not have the right of way  and should not expect vehicles to stop for them.

Many U.S. citizen pedestrians are injured, some fatally, every year in the United Kingdom, because they forget that oncoming  traffic approaches from the opposite direction  than in the United States.  Exercise extra care when crossing streets; remain alert and look both ways before stepping into the street.

Traffic Laws: 

• UK penalties for driving under the influence of  alcohol  or  drugs  are strict and often  result in prison sentences .
• Using a  hand-held cell phone  or similar device while driving is  illegal  in the United Kingdom. Only hands-free phones may be used. You will be  fined , or in the case of an accident,  arrested  and serve time in  prison .
• The speed limit on highways/motorways in the United Kingdom is 70 mph, or lower when posted.
• You will be  detained  and  arrested  if you cannot provide a UK address to receive a subpoena or are about to depart the United Kingdom and have to be brought to court quickly for a motoring offense.
• In Central London, a congestion charge is levied on all drivers who pass through the congestion zone. You will be  fined  or  arrested  if you do not pay the charge. See  Transport for London  for more information about driving in London.

Public Transportation:  Public transport in the United Kingdom is extensive.

• Information on disruptions to London transportation services can be found on the  Transport for London  website.
• Information about the status of National Rail Services can be found on the  National Rail Enquiries  website.
• Bus and train service information in Northern Ireland can be found on the  Translink  website.
• Bus and train service information in Scotland can be found on the  Traveline Scotland  website.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. For specific information concerning UK driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, refer to the  UK Department for Transport  website or the  Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency  website.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of the United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of United Kingdom’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to the United Kingdom should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at  www.marad.dot.gov/msci . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings website (select “broadcast warnings”).

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in the United Kingdom . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

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Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

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Cote d Ivoire

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Dominican Republic

El Salvador

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France (includes Monaco)

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Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

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Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

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New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

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Philippines

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Sao Tome and Principe

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Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

Vatican City (Holy See)

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International travellers to the UK will need to take Covid test beforehand

Health secretary announces change to travel rules in bid to control spread of the new Omicron variant

• Coronavirus – latest updates
• See all our coronavirus coverage

All international arrivals to the UK will be required to take a pre-departure Covid-19 test to tackle the new Omicron variant , the health secretary has announced. Sajid Javid said that tightened requirements will come into force from 4am on Tuesday 7 December.

Travellers will need to submit evidence of a negative lateral flow or PCR test to enter, which must have been taken a maximum of 48 hours before the departure time. People currently only need to self-isolate until they test negative within two days of arrival.

The Scottish and Welsh governments also confirmed that people arriving in Scotland and Wales from abroad will need to take a pre-departure Covid test. The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed it intended the rules to apply to all the devolved nations.

Nigeria will be added to England, Scotland and Wales’s travel red lists, joining several other southern African countries.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that the total number of confirmed Omicron cases had risen to 160 on Saturday, up 26 from the previous day.

Javid said on Twitter that, in light of the most recent data, the government was “taking further action to slow the incursion” of the variant and stressed that vaccines remained the “first line of defence”, urging the public to have their boosters when offered .

The introduction of pre-departure tests for travellers entering the UK has been called a “devastating blow” for the travel industry by the chief executive of the Airport Operators Association. Karen Dee told PA Media that the policy will act as a “major deterrent” to travel.

“Most of the limited remaining demand following the reintroduction of self-isolation will now fall away, just as airports were hoping for a small uplift over the Christmas holiday,” she said.

“Travel and aviation are the only sectors hit with any operating restrictions in response to the Omicron variant. The UK and devolved governments should have done the right thing and, alongside the restrictions, announced support for our businesses and our staff to get through another period of shutdown.”

The CEO of Airlines UK, Tim Alderslade, called the decision “premature”. He said: “We don’t have the clinical evidence. The red list extension made complete sense – that’s what it’s there for – but we know from experience that blanket restrictions do not stop the importation of variants.

“It’s already here. They’ve now changed their travel advice twice within a week and it’s just impossible for anyone to plan. These measures must be removed as quickly as possible in line with the speed of the booster programme.”

The transport secretary, Grant Shapps, said on Twitter that he understood the move would be difficult for the travel industry. “As the scientists work to understand new Omicron variant we need to apply additional caution until picture is clearer,” he tweeted . “We appreciate this will be difficult for the travel sector as we prioritise public health & protect the progress of our world-leading vax & booster programme.”

His comments come one day after one day after assuring travellers that pre-departure tests would not be needed.

Meanwhile, the shadow health secretary, Wes Streeting, tweeted : “Finally the health secretary accepts Labour’s call for pre-departure tests, but why up to 48 hours before flight?”

He also called for further action including increasing the number of booster jabs given to 500,000 a day.

• Coronavirus
• Airline industry
• Sajid Javid

Most viewed

All UK travel rules to end on Friday, says government

• Published 14 March 2022
• comments Comments

The transport secretary has confirmed that all remaining Covid travel measures will be scrapped.

Currently, everyone travelling to the UK must complete a passenger locator form before they arrive.

Travellers who are not fully vaccinated have to take a Covid test before departure, fill in the form, and book and pay for a PCR test after arriving.

Grant Shapps confirmed in a tweet that these rules will end at 04:00 on Friday.

His announcement means that passengers who are not fully vaccinated will no longer have to take Covid tests before and after travelling to the UK. The passenger locator form will no longer be necessary either.

People planning an overseas trip will still need to be aware of other countries' entry rules.

Mr Shapps tweeted: "These changes are possible due to our vaccine rollout and mean greater freedom in time for Easter."

When any new Covid strains appear in the future, the government said its default approach would be to use "the least-stringent measures" for restricting travel.

Its "Living with Covid" plan said new measures at the border would only be considered in "extreme circumstances".

It said the UKHSA would closely monitor the prevalence and spread of Covid variants.

• What are the UK's 'Living with Covid' plans?

Scotland and Wales have agreed to follow England in scrapping the remaining coronavirus border measures.

But Welsh Health Minister Eluned Morgan said she was doing so "reluctantly" - and was "extremely disappointed" that testing requirements and the passenger location form were being ditched.

The Scottish government said consistency across the four nations was agreed because of the "negative impact of non-alignment on the tourism industry".

Testing requirements for fully-vaccinated arrivals into the UK were dropped in February.

The latest move was welcomed by some figures in the travel industry, which has campaigned for the remaining rules to be dropped so businesses can take full advantage of strong summer holiday demand.

Tim Alderslade, chief executive of trade body Airlines UK, said: "Today's announcement sends a clear message to the world - the UK travel sector is back.

"With travellers returning to the UK no longer burdened by unnecessary forms and testing requirements, we can now look forward to the return to pre-Covid normality throughout the travel experience."

A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: "The removal of all remaining UK travel restrictions is the final important step towards frictionless air travel, helping to further restore consumer confidence as we welcome more customers back to the skies this spring and summer.

"To uphold the experience of all travellers, it's vital that the UK Government works closely with industry to ensure the UK border is ready for increasing passengers, as international travel ramps up."

Meanwhile, Eurostar's chief executive Jacques Damas said the easing of restrictions would help the cross-Channel train operator's recovery.

"We hope and expect to see the UK's approach replicated across our other markets in the coming weeks," Mr Damas said.

Challenges remain

However, as Covid restrictions recede, other headwinds for the aviation industry are appearing.

The price of jet fuel has soared as a result of higher crude oil prices. This adds to cost pressures on airlines, although some have been protected by their hedging strategies, whereby they purchased fuel in advance at lower prices.

On Friday, the chief executive of Heathrow airport, John Holland-Kaye, said the recovery of aviation remained "overshadowed by war and Covid uncertainty".

Businesses will also be keeping a careful eye on whether consumers' confidence to book is knocked by the war in Ukraine and rising household bills squeezing disposable incomes.

Air France-KLM and Ryanair have both recently warned air fares will rise .

Related Topics

• Coronavirus testing
• Travel & leisure industry

More on this story

What's the guidance for Covid in the UK now?

• Published 1 July 2022

Ryanair boss: Air fares will be higher this summer

• Published 2 March 2022

What Covid rules do holiday destinations have?

• Published 14 February 2022

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• Driving and road transport
• Cycling and walking

£101 million investment to boost cycling and walking nationwide

Newly funded projects will provide even more people, especially in rural and deprived areas, the choice to travel by walking, wheeling or cycling.

Communities across England will benefit from £101 million of government funding for high-quality walking and cycling routes, improving the quality of local public engagement for new walking and cycling schemes, free e-cycle loans, expanding trials of side road zebra crossings and developing new active travel routes in National Parks, government agency Active Travel England ( ATE ) announced today (23 March 2024).

The new funding will enable local authorities to deliver walking and cycling schemes and dedicated funding has also been issued to help councils undertake proper consultation with local communities. Together, these measures will unlock sustainable transport options for millions more people across England and give people the choice to travel safely on foot or by cycle. It will particularly benefit people living in deprived or rural areas with almost half of funding going to deprived communities.

The schemes, funded by ATE , have been designed to benefit all communities, and local authorities will work closely with residents to ensure they are attractive and inclusive for all. Safety and accessibility are at the heart of the newly funded projects to give even more people the choice to travel by walking or cycling.

ATE has also today announced a £200,000 expansion of trials into simple zebra crossings of side roads. First trialled in Greater Manchester in 2021, research has found that the markings lead to drivers giving way 65% more than where there is no marking.

Now, delivering on commitments made in their landmark trailblazer devolution deals, both Greater Manchester and the West Midlands are working with the government to explore the implications of, and options for, introducing side road zebras. A survey in 2021 found that almost 8 in 10 parents would feel safer about their child walking to school if there were zebra crossings on side roads. According to National Travel Survey, in 2022, 50% of trips to school were by walking or cycling (children aged 5 to 16).

National Active Travel Commissioner, Chris Boardman, said:

This funding is not only going to give millions of people safer and more enjoyable ways to get to school, the shops and workplaces but it will also help local authorities to work with communities to come up with plans for future projects that will make the most difference, providing excellent value for money. We’re not just talking towns and cities. A lot of the funding is going to rural areas and we’re funding National Parks to develop new walking and cycling routes. This money is about innovation, too, and we’re excited to work with the West Midlands and Greater Manchester to trial and assess simpler zebra crossings and technologies to assist visually impaired people.

Roads Minister, Guy Opperman, said:

We’re committed to ensuring people can travel in the way that works best for them, which is why we’re investing over £100 million for over 100 kilometres of new walking and cycling routes, improved access to our national parks, and e-cycle loan schemes. This funding is not just an investment in new infrastructure, but in communities that will benefit from the social mobility and health benefits that improved and new walking and cycling routes will bring.

Local authorities will receive funding for projects in areas from Southampton up to the North East. Investment from Active Travel Fund 4 Extension alone will deliver almost 70 miles of new or improved walking and cycling routes, 154 new crossings and 47 safer junctions. This will give millions more people the option to walk, wheel or cycle, improving their health, reducing air pollution and making streets safer for all. 

The £101 million funding package is made up of:

• £45.7 million of capital funding awarded to local authorities as part of Active Travel Fund 4 Extension funding
• £51.5 million of revenue funding awarded to local authorities as part of the annual Capability Fund for 2023/24 and 2024/25
• £2.4 million to local authorities and Cycling UK for e-cycle loan programmes
• £1 million to National Parks
• £200,000 to West Midlands Combined Authority to trial simple zebra  crossings on side roads

Four authorities will also receive a share of £2.4 million funding to pilot free e-cycle loan schemes in their areas, following a national trial which saw people take out a free month-long e-cycle loan. This will give people and businesses the opportunity to try e-cycles in South Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Leicester and Luton and Dunstable. Removing the cost barrier helps people see if an e-cycle works for their lifestyle or their business.

A further £1 million will support the development of walking and cycling routes in England’s National Parks. This will enable authorities to develop plans for better links between rural towns and villages, with an aim of unlocking better transport choice for people living in and visiting rural areas.

Currently 9 in 10 journeys to National Parks are made in a car. The funding will allow authorities to develop a pipeline of projects for future investments, with a focus on inclusive routes that connect schools, employment and leisure sites with local communities. Better walking and cycling routes will bring health, environmental and cost benefits to residents and the more than 90 million people who visit National Parks each year.

David Butterworth, Chief Executive of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Cycling Lead for England’s National Parks, said:

Credit to Active Travel England for reaching out to National Park Authorities. We are now working together to develop improved guidance to rural local authorities and initiate and deliver some fantastic projects to improve walking and cycling opportunities for millions of people. This new funding will make a real difference to the delivery of our ambitions around improving the health and wellbeing of the nation and providing the greater travel opportunities that are needed to reduce our carbon emissions.  

This is the first-time specific allocations for local authorities have been revealed. The money, which comes from a range of funding pots, paves the way for improvements over the 23/24 and 24/25 periods. London’s transport budget is devolved, which means London boroughs are not included in the funding package.

ATE will continue to work with authorities to ensure that schemes are delivered to a high-quality to benefit communities as a whole. A guide to best practice consultation and engagement is being developed and will be published in the spring.

Head of Communications, Active Travel England

Email [email protected]

Media enquiries 020 7082 6603

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