With the removal of IRIS earlier this month, the UK Borders Agency has launched it’s Trusted Traveller programme.
Only valid for non-EU/EEA passengers, it will enable you, once approved, to join the EU/EEA queue and you will not be required to compete a landing card.
It appears that the trial is aimed at passengers who were previous members of the IRIS registration scheme. Requirements to join are:
- be from the United States of America, Canada, Japan, Australia or New Zealand
- be over 18
- have visited the UK at least 4 times in the last 52 weeks
- have been registered for the iris immigration registration system (IRIS)
- be coming to the UK as a visitor
Your registration will expire 31 March 2014 – you can apply to join the scheme again after this date. It appears that from 31 March 2014 a fee will apply and you will have to register a biometric passport.
Applications are accepted here.
Be aware that you need your IRIS scheme registration number, a list of your last four UK entry dates and the ability to complete the registration at Heathrow or Gatwick within the next 3 months, after enrollment. (You MAY be able to get the IRIS scheme number from this email account – irisinfo @homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk (delete the space before the ‘@’)
A shame it is open only to IRIS users. I’ve been waiting for this for years now, and looks like still waiting. I love the 1+ hour waits at Heathrow!
“…the registration is completed at Heathrow and Gatwick..” What happens? Do you have to wait for a UKBA official to complete the process?