UK IMMIGRATION NEWS

Faster Travel Visa Processing Agreement Between US and UK

Monday, 7 July 2008

A new Agreement between the UK and US governments will allow visitors between the two countries faster processing when they arrive in the other country.

The Border and Immigration Agency announced that the United Kingdom and United States governments have signed an agreement to develop a trusted traveller initiative allowing pre-screened passengers to receive expedited processing when arriving at airports in the other country.

Under the new agreement, the U.S. and U.K. would work to develop expedited channel for participating travellers and will establish fingerprint, iris or facial recognition technology to speed up border controls while maintaining security.

Global Entry currently is only available to eligible U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents who agree to undergo a background check and interview and to provide fingerprints. Enrolled travellers returning to the U.S. from abroad will be able to bypass passport processing lines and utilize a kiosk instead.

Border and Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said,

"Speedy travel between the UK and the US is crucial to large financial organisations. That is why today I was delighted to meet representatives of large City employers, including foreign banks, to announce an agreement made with the US to speed up movement between the US and the UK for trusted people who regularly travel between the two countries."

The U.K. in 2006 established a domestic registered traveller program utilizing iris scans to verify identity. Pre-enrolled and pre-screened participants receive expedited processing in airports under the program. About 200,000 have enrolled and over 1 million crossings have taken place since its launch in March 2006.

If you are interested in UK Visas, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to the UK.