Border Controls

Border efficiency is frequently cited as one of the most important issues for BAR UK airlines. BAR UK meets regularly with the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders & Immigration to relay concerns and issues over the efficiency of the UK border that has been incorporated into a series of reports to the Home Secretary that have subsequently driven reforms. We are regularly engaged with senior officials and the challenges during COVID-19 saw an intense engagement over border processing and Passenger Locator Form (PLF) simplification which BAR UK led on. BAR UK lobbying was previously successful in the Home Secretary announcing the extension of e-Gate eligibility to more non-EEA countries and pushing for the trial of the Electronic Visa Waiver programme for Gulf states. Other successes include the abolition of landing cards which was finally implemented in June 2019.

Our future border work is instrumental in the Future Borders Programme that includes Electronic Visas for all nationals and the introduction of an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) due to be implemented by 2025 on a phased basis.