UK now requires entry clearance - Airman's World - Brief Article

Airman, Feb, 2004

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- New immigration regulations enacted by the United Kingdom require people visiting for more than six months to obtain entry clearance before travel.

These new rules apply to military family members, as well as civilian personnel, contractors and their families. Active duty military members on orders are exempt.

Military people with orders to the United Kingdom must ensure their family members obtain no fee passports, since they are required to be submitted to the British consulate along with the applications for entry clearance, said officials at the Air Force Personnel Center here.

Officials said processing an entry clearance is expected to take less than a week for "routine" applications, but may take as long as 45 days.

A fee is also required for each family member requiring an entry clearance. The fee is approximately $125 at the current exchange rate, payable in local currency, plus a $16 lee for mailing costs.

Airmen may file for reimbursement of the fees on their travel voucher when they arrive at their new base. Civilian employees must have a transportation agreement to make a claim for reimbursement.

For more information, officials urge airmen to contact the passport of outbound assignments section at their local military personnel flight.