Two Digital Nomads Around the World

Nomad Bento

How do I get a \”Frequent Traveller\” passport? (+ sample letter)

If you are like us digital nomads or if you are planning to go on a (very long) round-the-world trip, your 32-page passport will fill up quickly.

After 2 1/2 years of travel (1 year around the world and 18 months of digital nomadism), this is our case, there are only two pages left on our passport, impossible to leave for a tour with so little space available.

It is (almost) only for this reason that we return to France. What isn’t very pleasant is that a passport renewal immobilizes you for 4 to 6 weeks (from the filing of the file, and again, you must have managed to make an appointment).

There is an emergency procedure but it does not allow the delivery of biometric passports (impossible to go to the USA) and must be solidly motivated (professional, humanitarian, …).

No question for us to go through the emergency procedure.

What is a “frequent traveler” passport?

While preparing my file, I discovered that there was a “frequent travel er” passport

What is the difference between a classic passport and a “frequent traveller” passport? It has more pages!

A classic passport has 32 pages, a “frequent traveler” passport has 48 pages.

Even if you change country very regularly, it allows you to see what’s coming!

How to obtain a “frequent traveller” passport?

The procedure is strictly the same as the application for a regular passport:

  • Make the pre-application for a passport on the ANTS website
  • Pay the tax stamp online
  • Make an appointment in a town hall (the one of your choice, it isn’t obligatory to choose the one of your residence)
  • Go to the appointment with your file number, a proof of address and a passport photo.

The only difference? You must also bring a letter justifying your request for a frequent traveler passport.

Example of a letter of application for a “frequent traveler” passport

Unfortunately, there is no standard template for the application letter.

As I have written one, I am sharing it with you. Try not to use it as it is, but try to personalize it according to your context.

Download the template (docx format)

Edit March 2019 : We got back our passport (which was ready 15 days after the submission of the file). Good news: our application for a frequent traveler passport has been accepted, so we have a 48-page passport 🙂

Related posts:

  • Free itinerary templates, budget tracking for the round-the-world trip to download
  • Sending a letter to France from abroad – Test and advice from Service Postal (servicepostal.com)
  • Test and review of the Traveller’s Mail Service
  • Around the World for 4 years: Our Ultimate Travel Guide 2021

what is frequent traveller passport

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

clock This article was published more than  2 years ago

Do you need a second copy of your passport — and how do you get one?

what is frequent traveller passport

When Marquita Wright recently applied for a long-term visa to visit China, she had a problem. The Chinese Embassy required her to hand over her U.S. passport, and it would be weeks before she got the visa and her materials were returned. In the meantime, Wright had to fly to Europe.

“I needed a second passport to travel,” says Wright, a business development manager for a conveyor belt manufacturer from New Orleans.

But can you get a duplicate passport? Little-known fact: Yes, you can. And as Americans start planning more international trips, maybe you should, say travel experts.

The U.S. State Department allows citizens to obtain a second passport under certain circumstances. You need a valid U.S. passport and have to meet a short list of additional requirements.

That’s what Wright did. She applied for a second passport using the State Department’s Form DS-82 passport renewal application . She had to send a separate written statement detailing the reasons for needing the passport and pay a $110 fee. A few weeks later, Wright received her second passport.

“If you travel frequently to countries that need your passport to get a visa, I would recommend getting a second passport,” she says.

What are the reasons? A prolonged processing delay in getting a visa or the need for multiple visas are the most common reasons for requesting duplicate passports. Restrictive entry policies in one of the countries you’re visiting, where a stamp from one country would get you barred from another, is also a valid reason. If you say you want a second passport only as a backup, your application will not be approved, according to the State Department.

“Our policy for issuing second passports aims to reduce barriers to international travel in extraordinary circumstances,” explains Jill Barwig, a State Department spokeswoman. “Second passports are an exception to our issuance policy, which requires that travelers maintain only one valid passport at a time, protecting not only the integrity of the U.S. passport, but also the identity of the passport bearer.”

Elizabeth Ricci, an immigration attorney based in Tallahassee, says those who apply for second passports are typically business travelers. But this option is becoming increasingly attractive to leisure travelers, too. Although she acknowledges that a second passport isn’t meant to be used as a backup, Ricci says it can offer a sense of safety for frequent travelers.

“It eliminates the need for an emergency visit to a U.S. Embassy in case of theft or loss,” she says.

A second passport costs $110, the same as a replacement passport. The State Department publishes a fee calculator on its site that will help you determine the exact price, based on passport type and processing method. Second passports are only valid for up to four years.

One common misconception is that you need a second passport to enter a Middle Eastern country if you’ve been to Israel. I checked with Israel’s Ministry of Tourism , and a representative told me that’s not an issue anymore. Israel now issues a stamped card that you can remove from your passport to show immigration officials.

Not all countries make it this easy, and a second passport can help with that.

“China does not prohibit entry for travelers with a stamp from Turkey, but they’ll likely pull the traveler aside and ask questions,” says Victoria Santiago, a supervisor in Corporate Travel Management’s passports and visas department. Likewise, she says, having a stamp from Afghanistan might make it “difficult” to enter many countries, so having a second passport without it would make the trip through the immigration line a little smoother.

Janice Lintz, a frequent traveler, swears by her second passport. It came in particularly handy when she needed a visa for Eritrea. Processing can take up to a month. She used a visa processing agency to move her second passport from one embassy to another, and because she had another one, she could still travel internationally.

“Having a second passport helps,” says Lintz, an accessibility consultant from New York.

Still, a second passport has its risks. That’s what Vicki Liston discovered when she tried to renew her passport — one of three U.S. passports that she had. Liston had two standard passports and an official passport for her work as a civilian employee of the government.

“Those three passports landed me a flag on my FBI file, which I didn’t know about until I went to renew one of them and it was taking longer than expected,” says Liston, a voice actor from St. Louis. “Since I was traveling for humanitarian assistance purposes and all of my travel was aboveboard, I wasn’t concerned about getting into trouble. It was just a little weird.”

When should you consider getting a second passport? It depends on how soon you’ll be traveling, says Warren Jaferian, dean of international education at Endicott College in Massachusetts.

According to the State Department, processing times are the same whether you’re applying for a first or second passport. (Regular is eight to 11 weeks, and expedited service is five to seven weeks.) You can find the latest times on the State Department’s “ Processing Times ” page. If you can prove you have an emergency — you’ll need to show proof of your travel plans — you may be able to get it in a matter of days.

“It depends on the situation, reason, urgency — and a bit of luck,” he says.

Elliott is a consumer advocate, journalist and co-founder of the advocacy group Travelers United. Email him at [email protected] .

Read more from Travel :

Read past Navigator columns here

what is frequent traveller passport

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.

Contact DavidsonMorris

Sign up to our award winning newsletters, we're trusted, trending services.

DavidsonMorris Ltd t/a DavidsonMorris Solicitors is a company Registered in England & Wales No. 6183275

Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority No. 542691

Registered Office: Level 30, The Leadenhall Building, 122 Leadenhall Street, London, EC3V 4AB

© Copyright 2024

Website design by Prof Services Limited . 

MyBritishpassport logo

  • How It Works
  • Renewals & Replacements
  • British Passport Renewal Requirements
  • First-time British Passport
  • Prices from South Africa
  • Prices from the USA/Mexico/South America/Caribbean
  • Prices from Australia
  • Prices from Canada
  • Prices from New Zealand
  • Prices from Europe
  • Prices from Asia
  • Renew UK passport from South Africa
  • Renew UK passport from Australia
  • Renew British Passport from the USA
  • UK Passport renewals from Canada
  • Renew British Passport from New Zealand
  • UK Passport renewal from Europe
  • Renew British Passport from Asia
  • APPLY ONLINE NOW

The British passport types explained

British passport types | There are several different types of British passports, and it can be confusing to understand the differences between them. In this blog post, we will explain each type of passport and what it is used for.

If you’re wondering about the different types of British passports, read on!

british passport types

British Passport Types

– Standard adult passport: The standard passport is the most common type of British passport. It is issued to British citizens and entitles the holder to travel to any country in the world, given they have the right visas. This passport is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. Find out more about your British Passport expiry date here.

– Official passport: An official passport is issued to British officials who need to travel on official business. This type of passport allows the holder to enter any country in the world, regardless of that country’s visa requirements.

– Diplomatic passport: A diplomatic passport is issued to British diplomats and other officials who have diplomatic immunity. This type of passport allows the holder to enter any country in the world, regardless of that country’s visa requirements.

– Emergency passport: An emergency passport (emergency travel document) is issued to British citizens who need to travel urgently and do not have time for a standard passport renewal.

– Child passport: A child passport is issued to British citizens under the age of 16. This type of passport is valid for five years, after which time the holder will need to apply for a new passport.

Biometric Passport

The biometric passport, also known as the ePassport, is a new type of British passport that was introduced in 2006. This passport contains an electronic chip which stores the holder’s personal data, such as their name, date of birth, and photograph. The biometric passport is more secure than the ordinary passport, as it is much harder to forge. Learn more about the biometric passport here.

Jumbo vs. Standard UK Passport

UK passports come in two sizes to accommodate frequent travellers, jumbo and regular. Jumbo passports contain 50 pages while regular passports contain 34 pages.

The benefits of a jumbo passport include:

– More visa pages for extended stays or multiple visits to a country

– More space for entry and exit stamps

– No need to apply for a new passport as often

If you travel frequently, it may be worth considering a jumbo UK passport .

british passport types

About MyBritishPassport

MyBritishPassport is a professional British Passport service. We specialise in assisting British citizens with their passport applications, replacements and renewals from overseas.

We have a team of experts who are on hand to offer support and advice every step of the way, ensuring that your application is as smooth and stress-free as possible!

For more information about our services, please contact us today.

Our services include:

  • Easy online applications.
  • Safe online payments powered by Stripe.
  • A dedicated British passport specialist to check your passport application and advise you of the supporting documents required for your unique case.
  • Safe & fast shipment of documents to the relevant government office in the UK .
  • Your new British passport will be delivered directly to your doorstep.
I have lived in Australia for many years and have renewed a UK passport during that time. A process back then was easy and seamless. I approached the task this time with a residual confidence that soon disappeared as I entered the online world of the UK Website. Initially it appeared to be sensible and manageable, but the process and the meaning contained in the fine print was less reassuring. Providing a digital photograph was a potential challenge and the chance that a minor error would cause you to have to begin again, and lose the application fee, a real possibility. I made the practical decision to use MyBritishPassport after finding their website. The consultant, Jade, was prompt and professional and the outcome brilliant. Despite concerns at the UK end with the quality of the digital photograph, taken by an accredited agency at this end. Jade walked me through to a successful completion of the process,, well within the expected time. Had I applied through UK Gov I would most certainly been out of pocket for additional fees despite using the correct mechanisms. MyBritishPassport was efficient and reassuring throughout and I calculate saved me money in the process. I recommend them without reservation.” – Chris Jones, via Google reviews. Read more verified reviews here.

british passport types

How to renew your British passport online with U.K.ABROAD

To begin your British passport application from abroad, simply click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is type p british passport.

P-type passports stands for “ Personal passports .” This is the common blue passport that is used for personal reasons like travel for work, holidays, or studying abroad.

Can British citizens have 2 passports?

Yes. Dual citizenship (also known as dual nationality) is allowed in the UK. This means you can be a British citizen and also a citizen of other countries.

How strong is a British passport?

Holders of British passports can visit a total of 186 countries without the need for a visa, placing the UK in sixth place in terms of world’s most powerful passports.

Conclusion: British Passport Types

We hope this article has been helpful in explaining the different types of British passports. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team of experts!

Thank you for reading.

The MyBritishPassport team

Sending

Want to find out more about UK passport place of issue? Read more here.

Need to check if your UK Passport is valid? Click here.

  • Renew British Passport from South Africa
  • Renew UK Passport from Australia
  • British Passports in the USA
  • UK Passport Renewals Canada
  • Renew UK Passport in NZ
  • Renew British Passport from Europe

ABOUT MYBRITISHPASSPORT

A member of the U.K.PASSPORTS™ group, MyBritishPassport is the leading international British Passport Service Provider catering to British citizens residing outside of the UK. Since its establishment in 2008, the company has been offering efficient and hassle-free online services for British Passport renewals, replacements, and applications from abroad.

The company has gained a reputation as a leading service provider in the industry, with countless verified five-star reviews from satisfied clients worldwide. This speaks volumes about their excellent service quality.

MyBritishPassport has a highly knowledgeable team of British Passport Consultants who are well-versed in all the requirements of the HM Passport Office. They are continuously updated with the latest rules and regulations governing passport issuance, ensuring that their clients receive the most up-to-date advice and guidance.

ukabroad group photo

Cookies on Registered Traveller

We use some essential cookies to make this service work.

We’d also like to use analytics cookies so we can understand how you use the service and make improvements.

Offering faster entry to the UK

Warning Passport holders from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and the United States (opens in a new tab) and also from Singapore and South Korea (opens in a new tab) no longer need to be Registered Traveller members to use e-Passport gates when entering the UK. Therefore we are no longer accepting new membership applications from those countries.

What is the Registered Traveller Service?

Registered Traveller is a membership service which offers faster and more convenient entry at passport control for frequent travellers.

What are the benefits of becoming a Registered Traveller?

Members enjoy faster entry at passport control and the choice of using the:

Biometric passport logo

Members will no longer need to:

  • Fill in a landing card
  • Undergo an interview
  • Have fingerprints taken as a visa holder

Who is eligible to become a Registered Traveller?

  • A passport holder of Andorra, Argentina, Bahamas, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Vatican City State, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Israel, Macao Special Administrative Region, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Monaco, Nauru, Nicaragua, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Samoa, Seychelles, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan (passport must have a personal identification number), Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay
  • 18 years of age or over (but you can also add your children to your membership after it's approved)
  • Hold a valid visa (exclusions are Marriage Visitor visa, Graduate visa, British national overseas - dependants - visa, Tier 5 Sporting and Creative Concessions, EEA family permits, discretionary leave and leave outside the rules)
  • Entertainment or Sports
  • Parents with a child in a UK school
  • A member of a diplomatic mission
  • A medical visitor

An ‘entry’ does not include passing through a UK airport while on the way to another country.

Where is the Registered Traveller Service available?

You can use Registered Traveller at:

  • Cardiff International
  • East Midlands
  • London City
  • Paris, Brussels and Lille (Rail Terminals)

How much does it cost to join the Registered Traveller Service?

It costs £70 to apply for the first 12 months membership.

This includes a non-refundable £20 administration fee. Unsuccessful applicants will receive a £50 refund.

The renewal fee for a subsequent year is currently £50.

How do I apply to become a Registered Traveller?

Apply using our online application form

It takes 5 to 10 minutes and you just need your passport details and a credit or debit card to pay.

We will make 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.

I’m a provisional member of Registered Traveller. How do I complete my membership?

Show your passport and evidence of leave to the Border Force officer at the airport (or Paris, Brussels or Lille international rail terminals if you're a visitor or diplomat).

When you arrive at:

  • Heathrow join the 'Other passports' lane (or 'Fast Track' if you have a 'Fast Track' ticket)
  • Birmingham, Manchester, Gatwick, Bristol, Cardiff International, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London City, Luton, Newcastle, Southend, or Stansted join the 'Other passports' lane

The officer will process your arrival and complete your Registered Traveller membership.

I’m a full member of Registered Traveller. Do I still need to carry my evidence of leave or Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) when I use Registered Traveller?

Yes, you’ll still need your evidence of leave or BRP as well as your passport.

My Registered Traveller membership is expiring soon. How do I renew my membership?

We will email you details on how to renew your membership 28 days before your membership expires.

Before you renew your membership, you’ll need to update your passport if any of your details have changed since you last used the service. It costs £20 to update your passport.

How can I contact someone about registered traveller?

Are you still there.

You've not submitted answers in the last 58 minutes. To protect your privacy, the answers you've provided will be cleared in 2 minutes.

U.S. Passport Service Guide logo

Trusted Traveler Programs for Faster Border Crossings

What are the difference between nexus, sentri, and fast, what are the benefits of such program, how do i apply for such program, international travel.

  • Entry Requirements
  • International Airfare
  • International Cruises
  • Travel Documents
  • Travel Insurance
  • Travel Tips
  • Travel Warnings

Travel Resources

  • Bestselling Luggage
  • Top Destinations
  • Travel Accessories
  • Travel Articles
  • Travel Business
  • Travel Deals
  • Travel Gifts
  • Travel Links
  • Travel Magazines
  • Travel Tools
  • Where to Stay
  • Passport Information
  • Expedited Passports
  • Registered Couriers
  • 24 Hour Passports

Travel Visas

  • Visa Services

24 to 48 Hour Passport Service

About Contact News Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Terms of Use Sitemap ©2023 U.S. Passport Service Guide, All Rights Reserved

what is frequent traveller passport

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

what is frequent traveller passport

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

CBP Seal, circular, Eagle with shield and Globe behind, Department of Homeland Security written below.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection written above.

  • For International Visitors

For Frequent Travelers

If you cross the U.S. border into a foreign country and reenter the United States more than once in a short time, you may not want to use your personal exemption until you have returned to the United States for the last time. This is due to the "once every 30 days rule"-you can only apply your personal exemption once every 30 days.

So as an example, you go to Canada, buy a liter of liquor, reenter the United States, then go back to Canada and buy $900 worth of merchandise and more liquor. You would probably want to save your $800 exemption for those final purchases and not use it for that first liter of liquor. In this case, on your first swing-back, simply tell the CBP officer that you want to pay duty on the liquor, even though you could bring it in duty free.

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!

Frequent Traveler Endorsement Singapore

There are many problems travelers face during the immigration clearance via automated clearance facilities at the Singapore checkpoints. But now, by joining the frequent traveler program, passengers can enjoy hassle immigration clearance, and the good news is that FTP is entirely free.

In order to get more details about the FTP, continue reading the article.

Who are eligible?

Only those travelers are eligible to apply for the frequent travel program who holds APEC business travel card (ABTC) or,

If they hold the passport provided by the eligible country or region and fulfill the required eligibility criteria.

  • The issued passport should be valid for six months or more.
  • You must have arrived in Singapore a minimum of two times or more in the last two years, and
  • You should be six years of age or above.

The mentioned requirement is not mandatory for the ABTC holder.

Get Fast & Accurate official notarization for ICA, MOM, MFA.

Eligible Countries/Regions/Group

Some of the eligible countries and their additional criteria (if any) for FTP are listed below:

If you are an ABTC cardholder, then SGP should be mentioned at the backside of your ABTC card. Also, these requirements are not for the ABTC holders arriving from the USA and Canada.

  • That application cannot be processed to the next step if the applicant’s fingerprint is dry or wet, scarred, and faint.
  • In order to apply, you should be having a machine-readable passport, i.e., International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) compliant.
  • All the application’s acceptance is subjected to ICA’s discretion.
  • The parents or guardians of those applicants aged below 18 years should be presented during the time of enrolment.
  • In order to confirm the identification, the original copy of the candidate’s birth certificate along with the valid passport of the parent or legal guardian should also be submitted. Furthermore, in case the applicant is accompanied by their legal guardian during the enrolment, in that situation, a valid copy of the legal authorization letter or court order should also be provided.

Documents Required

Some of the documents that the applicant needs to submit are listed below:

  • A passport with a validity of six months needs to be submitted.
  • You also need to submit the complaint application form. The application form consists of three parts. All the parts need to be completed by the applicant. It is recommended to read the form and fill the form correctly. While submitting the form, ensure that you signed the form and write the date.
  • APEC business travel card should also be submitted (if applicable)
  • It has been recommended for the applicants to download the forms from the immigration and checkpoints Authority (ICA) official website and complete the form prior to their visit to the nearest employment center.

Ensure that documents you submit should be in English language. If your document are not in English language, then you should go with hiring certified translators that offers you quality Singapore translation service ica .

In order to apply for a frequent travel program, the applicant will require applying in person by visiting any of the following enrolment centers:

ICA Building

10 Kallang Road, Level 4 (next to Lavender MRT station)

Singapore 208718

The operating hours for this center are 8 AM to 5 PM on Monday to Friday and Saturday from 8 AM to 1 PM. This center will remain closed on all the public holidays as well as on Sundays.

Enrolment for the automated clearance facility in the ICA Building can be done through e-Appointment.

This facility is currently not provided to the ABTC holders. Therefore, to get enrolment for ABTC holders, they must walk in person for automatic clearance enrolment at the ICA building. Also, there are some of the additional enrolment centers given below for the automated clearance.

Changi Airport Terminal 3

Departure Immigration Hall, Level 2

Only for passengers residing in transit area only

The operating hours for these enrolment centers are between 8 AM to 5 PM on Monday to Friday and 1.00 pm on Saturdays.

The enrolment center will be closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Woodlands Checkpoint

Departure Bus Hall, Level 5

If you are willing to visit this enrolment center, then it’s better to visit within their operating hours, i.e., between 8 AM to 5 PM on Monday to Friday. On Saturday, it’s better to visit between 8.00 am to 1.00 pm. The center will be closed on Sundays and for all public holidays.

  • Tuas Checkpoint
  • Departure Bus Duty Office, Level 1

This Centre is mainly for those applicants departing for Malaysia by bus.

Its operating hours are 8 AM to 5 PM on Monday to Friday and 8 AM to 1 PM on Saturdays; the center will be closed on all the public holidays and Sundays.

Hire a Language translator for converting your legal & Other Documents.

Processing time.

The processing time of the form is 10 minutes, only if you are not asked to stay in the waiting area.

Hire our certified translators

We believe all the above-given details related to the Frequent traveler program is sufficient enough to help you understand how qualified passenger can get hassle-free immigration clearance.

We have a team of certified translators at Singapore translators that can offer you hassle-free official documents translation Singapore at a low cost. No matter you are looking for a work visa translation service or looking to translate LTVP documents we will always serve you the best.

No 1 Online Translation Services for Document & Legal Translations in Singapore.

Get fast & accurate official notarization for ica, mom, mfa..

Get Your Document Translated At Lower Prices

Recent Reviews

Meeting Transcription – Smooth Experience

Smooth experience with your meeting transcription. You transcribed my meetings accurately and delivered the transcripts promptly. The quality of the transcripts was excellent. Will definitely use all services again.

Business Translation – Highly Professional

I availed business translation services from Singapore Translators, and I must say, they exceeded my expectations. The translations were precise, and the team was highly professional. Truly impressed!

Spm Certificate Translation – Impressive Service

Outstanding service received from this website for the translation of my SPM certificate. They completed the translation promptly and with great accuracy. The quality of the translations was impeccable, and the team displayed utmost professionalism throughout the process. I will certainly be returning to utilise their services again in the future.

Payslip Translation – Exceptional Quality

Exceptional quality of payslip translation provided by Singapore Translators. They translated my payslips accurately, ensuring that all details were captured correctly. The team was highly professional and efficient. Highly recommended!

Marriage Certificate Translation – Smooth Process

I had a fantastic experience with you when I needed my marriage certificate translated. You were incredibly efficient, providing an accurate translation and delivering it promptly. The entire process was hassle-free, and the team ensured everything went smoothly. I’m extremely pleased with the services.

Insurance Claim Document – Thoroughly Impressed

Thoroughly impressed with the insurance claim document translation provided by this platform. They translated the documents accurately, and the team ensured that all specifications were met. Will definitely use their services again.

Reliable Medical Manual Translation Service

SingaporeTranslators offers a dependable medical manual translation service. They accurately translated my manual, ensuring precise rendering of all medical terminology. I highly recommend their services!

Dissertation Translation Services – Top-Notch Quality

Singapore Translators delivered exceptional quality in translating my dissertation. Their precision ensured every academic term was accurately translated, leaving me thoroughly satisfied with their service.

Quick and Efficient Email Translation Services

Quick and efficient email translation services offered by Singapore Translators. They translated my emails accurately and delivered them promptly. The team ensured that all nuances were captured correctly. Great job!

Excellent Work on Birth Certificates Translation

I’m extremely pleased with the translation of my birth certificates by this website. They provided an impeccable service, ensuring every detail was accurately translated. I highly recommend their services!

UP TO 15 % DISCOUNT

Call Us Now +65-31294104 [email protected] Quick Connect

Hire A Translator For Quality Translation Services

Trusted document translation, notarisation & legalisation services in Singapore

[email protected]

2024 singapore translators. all rights reserved..

what is frequent traveller passport

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

USAGov Logo

U.S. passports

Find out how to apply for or renew a passport and what to do if your passport is lost or stolen.

Apply for a new adult passport

You need a passport to travel to most countries outside the U.S. Learn how to apply in person.

Renew an adult passport

Find out if you can renew your passport or have to get a new one. Learn how to renew your passport by mail or in person in an emergency.

Get a passport for a minor under 18

Find out how to get a child's passport, depending on their age.

Lost or stolen passports

If your passport is lost or stolen you must report it to the State Department right away. How you replace it depends on if you are inside or outside the U.S.

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

I forgot my Known Traveler Number (KTN). How do I find it?

If you are a member of the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, look up your Known Traveler Number (KTN) here .

 If you are a member of another trusted traveler program, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, log on to the Trusted Traveler Program website to obtain your PASSID, which is your KTN.

If your TSA PreCheck® benefits come through HME, TWIC®, or DoD, please visit these respective links for additional information: HME ,  TWIC® ,  DoD .

If your TSA PreCheck® benefit comes through TSA PreCheck® for DHS employees, please visit TSA PreCheck® for DHS Employees | TSA PreCheck® for additional information.

  • Sustainability
  • Latest News
  • News Reports
  • Documentaries & Shows
  • TV Schedule
  • CNA938 Live
  • Radio Schedule
  • Singapore Parliament
  • Mental Health
  • Interactives
  • Entertainment
  • Style & Beauty
  • Experiences
  • Remarkable Living
  • Send us a news tip
  • Events & Partnerships
  • Business Blueprint
  • Health Matters
  • The Asian Traveller

Trending Topics

Follow our news, recent searches, qr code immigration clearance: what you need to know about ica's new initiative, advertisement.

Looking to use QR code immigration clearance on your next trip? From generating a code to the clearance process, here's what you should know before setting out.

This audio is AI-generated.

what is frequent traveller passport

Gabrielle Andres

SINGAPORE: Travellers arriving in and departing Singapore by car will no longer need to present their physical passports at the country's two land checkpoints starting Mar 19, with QR codes being rolled out to allow for faster immigration clearance.

However, this initiative will only apply to Singapore's Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints for now. Travellers will still need to present their physical passports at Malaysia's checkpoints.

Here's what you need to know about using the QR code initiative to clear immigration at the two checkpoints:

WHAT DO YOU NEED?

Travellers will need to first download the MyICA mobile application to generate the QR codes. All travellers in the same car can either share a single QR code or generate them individually.

Up to 10 travellers' passport details can be included in one group QR code. Each group code can be stored and named in the app.

Those travelling with different groups of people will also have the option to create multiple QR codes.

what is frequent traveller passport

Travelling in and out of Singapore by car? QR code immigration clearance begins Mar 19

what is frequent traveller passport

Singapore to replace passport scanning with QR codes for travellers in cars from early 2024

How do you generate a qr code.

Downloaded the MyICA app? Now you can use it to generate a QR code.

To do so, you will need to enter your passport details into the app. Singapore residents – including citizens, permanent residents and long-term pass holders – can opt to auto-populate their passport details via Singpass when they access the MyICA app.

Alternatively, you can use the app's built-in camera function to scan the machine-readable zone of your passport biodata page – that is, the two or three rows of characters at the bottom of the page.

Foreign visitors who have visited Singapore before can also use the built-in camera function to scan their passport biodata pages to auto-populate their passport information.

If you're a first-time visitor, or re-entering Singapore using a different passport from your last visit, you will need to present your physical passport to clear immigration. You will be able to use a QR code on your subsequent trips.

You can also choose to skip the QR code and present your physical passport to clear immigration.

An individual QR code is valid for a year after it has been generated, or until the corresponding passport's expiry date, whichever comes first.

Similarly, a group QR code will expire one year after it has been generated or on the earliest passport expiry date of those within the group, whichever comes first.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS LIKE?

Travellers can scan QR codes stored in the MyICA app using the QR code scanners at the arrival and departure car counters at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints.

Once a code is scanned, ICA officers will conduct face-to-face checks of the traveller or travellers using the data retrieved through the QR code.

If you're travelling with a group, you have to ensure that you are using a group QR code containing the passport details of those travelling in the same vehicle.

If your QR code does not tally with the details and number of travellers in the vehicle, it will be rejected.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF QR CODE IMMIGRATION CLEARANCE?

According to ICA, the initiative allows travellers to enjoy a faster and more convenient experience at immigration, with estimated time savings of around 20 seconds for cars with four travellers and about one minute for cars with 10 travellers.

Overall waiting times can be reduced by more than 30 per cent if most car travellers use QR codes for clearance, it added.

The initiative also offers travellers contactless and more hygienic immigration clearance.

Separately on Tuesday, ICA said that traffic at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints is expected to remain very heavy for the rest of the ongoing March school holidays.

In an update on the traffic situation at the checkpoints, it advised travellers to expect longer waiting times and factor in more time for immigration clearance.

ICA said it will continue to review its checkpoint operations, introduce innovative initiatives and streamline and automate existing processes to make immigration clearance faster and more seamless.

Related Topics

Also worth reading, this browser is no longer supported.

We know it's a hassle to switch browsers but we want your experience with CNA to be fast, secure and the best it can possibly be.

To continue, upgrade to a supported browser or, for the finest experience, download the mobile app.

Upgraded but still having issues? Contact us

What's Happening with Frequent Fliers in 2024?

Bargain airfares are back, but use your frequent-flier miles before they lose value.

  • Newsletter sign up Newsletter

A plane flies low over two tourists, waving from a beach and holding luggage.

Programs for frequent fliers in 2024 differ from past years. Bargain hunters will be happy to see a return to low-cost flight deals, but watch out for fees that might take a bite right back out of your travel budget.

To understand what the year will bring for frequent fliers, Sandra Block, senior editor for Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine, sat down with Katy Nastro .  Ms. Nasto is a travel expert for Going.com (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), a subscription service that alerts travelers to deals on airfares.

Frequent fliers in 2024: the summer travel season

What’s the outlook for the 2024 summer travel season?

Subscribe to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters

Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.

Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.

We’re not anticipating any major increases in airfares in 2024. Airfares won’t go back to pandemic lows, when you could get a round-trip ticket to Europe for around $200. But we anticipate deals that we haven’t seen for quite some time will come back. For example, Going.com recently found a $399 round-tripfare from Phoenix to Madrid, which we hadn’t seen in over a year. However, a deal that might have been available for five days in the past may disappear within one or two days. 

If you see a really good deal and it fits your budget, go ahead and book it, and remember: If you book directly with the airline, you have 24 hours to ask for a refund, so you’re not locked in.

What about fees?

To encourage nervous travelers to fly, many airlines scrapped flight-change fees during the pandemic. Do you expect airlines to reinstate them? And do you anticipate increases in baggage fees?

Analysts assumed that once the industry recovered from the pandemic, change fees would come back. But so far, they haven’t. We don’t expect any airlines to bring back change fees for standard economy tickets in 2024. But if you buy a basic economy ticket, nine times out of 10 it will have a change fee.

When it comes to bag fees, most U.S. airlines charge about $30 for the first checked bag on domestic flights. We expect at least two carriers to increase that price to $35 this year. Data shows that airlines can generate quite a bit of money by raising baggage fees by just a small amount, and the last time major carriers increased fees was in 2018.

How to beat the crowds

You’re predicting that there will be a record number of air travelers this year. What advice do you have for travelers who will likely face big crowds at the airport?

If you don’t have TSA PreCheck , which provides expedited security screening, this is the year to get it. It’s good for five years, so it’s worth the cost [a $78 fee for first-time enrollees] even if you fly only once a year. Not having to wait an hour or more in security lines reduces the stress of traveling.

If you’re looking for cheap flights and you can be flexible, go in the spring or after Labor Day. September is a fantastic month to go to Europe. For those who need to travel in the summer, try heading out the first two weeks in June or the last two in August, when airfares can cost up to 30% less than in the peak of summer.

Use those points and miles

Last year, Delta Air Lines changed the way its frequent-flier miles are structured, reducing the value for many longtime customers. Do you expect other airlines to follow suit this year? 

In the past decade or so, airlines have been moving toward rewarding fliers who spend more versus those who fly more. Delta rolled back some of its changes in response to the backlash it experienced, but you still need to spend more money to get the benefits . While it’s unclear whether another big airline will follow suit, if you’re sitting on points and miles, try to use them this year instead of hoarding them, because there’s a good chance they’ll lose some of their value moving forward.

What about Alaska Airlines?

Alaska Airlines plans to buy Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 billion, pending approval from the U.S. Department of Justice. How would the merger affect fares to destinations served by those airlines? 

Going.com founder Scott Keyes correctly predicted last year that the Justice Department would block JetBlue ’s proposed acquisition of Spirit. Even though this administration isn’t super merger-friendly, we suspect this merger will get the green light from regulators. But the process takes a long time, so even if this merger goes through, we’re unlikely to see its effects on airfares within the next year.

  • Best Airline Credit Card Bonuses with a Free Ticket
  • What You Need to Travel to Europe in 2024
  • Credit Cards That Cover Rental Car Insurance
  • Marriott Bonvoy Bonus Offer: Five Nights Free

Block joined Kiplinger in June 2012 from USA Today,  where she was a reporter and personal finance columnist for more than 15 years. Prior to that, she worked for the Akron Beacon-Journal and Dow Jones Newswires. In 1993, she was a Knight-Bagehot fellow in economics and business journalism at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She has a BA in communications from Bethany College in Bethany, W.Va.

The Medicare Part C plans now account for at least 50% of Medicare enrollment in 26 states.

By Keerthi Vedantam Published 13 March 24

Long Term Care Washington is the first state in the U.S. to use payroll deductions to help fund long-term care. Will other states, like California and New York, follow?

By Kelley R. Taylor Published 13 March 24

For millions of older parents, the nest is as crowded as ever.

By Ella Vincent Published 11 March 24

Should you consider identity theft protection? Monitoring services can help you spot red flags quickly, but they won’t stop criminals from targeting you.

By Sarah Brady Published 11 March 24

The Securities Investor Protection Corp. will help get your cash and securities back if your broker-dealer fails. Here's a look at how SIPC works.

By Kim Clark Published 7 March 24

Give your child a head start by opening a bank savings or investment account.

By Ashlyn Brooks Published 6 March 24

Increasingly, states are stepping in to offer family leave options for caregivers.

By Sandra Block Published 26 February 24

If you have employer stock in your 401(k), net unrealized appreciation is a strategy to minimize your taxes.

By Joy Taylor Published 26 February 24

A look at how women need to prepare differently than men for retirement due to factors like longevity and earnings.

By Jennifer Waters Published 24 February 24

Going on an extended getaway can deepen the benefits of traveling. Here’s how to plan a long vacation — without busting your budget.

By Laura Petrecca Published 24 February 24

  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Advertise with us

Kiplinger is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

what is frequent traveller passport

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

what is frequent traveller passport

  • Visas and immigration
  • Travelling to the UK

Registered Traveller: faster entry through the UK border

The Registered Traveller service can help you get through the UK border faster.

Registered Travellers can use UK channels at some airports and train stations . You can use:

  • UK passport entry lanes
  • ePassport gates - if your passport has a ‘chip’

You’ll need to carry your visa or biometric residence permit, if you have one.

You can no longer use the Registered Traveller service if you’re from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea or the United States. You may be able to use the ePassport gates instead .

Related content

Is this page useful.

  • Yes this page is useful
  • No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

Update January 10, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

  • Travel Advisories |
  • Contact Us |
  • MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Need a Passport

Already Have a Passport

Get My Passport Fast

How to Apply

Passport Help

Legal Matters

How to Apply for A Passport

Share this page:

Passport Forms

What Form Should I use?

Citizenship Evidence

Photo Identification

Passport Photos

Passport Fees

Get Your Processing Time

Where to Apply

Learn about the steps for how to apply for or renew your U.S. passport. 

Fill out or Download your Form

Cost of your passport, how to submit a good photo, tips for your u.s. citizenship documents, show us your photo id, find passport service locations, processing times.

Routine:  6-8 weeks*

Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60*

*Mailing times are not included in processing times . Processing times only include the time your application is at one of our passport agencies or centers. The total time to get your passport includes both processing and mailing times. It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive by mail at a passport agency or center, and up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport in the mail after we print it. Consider the total time it will take to receive your passport when you are booking travel . 

Urgent Travel:  See our Get my Passport Fast page. 

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

I'm a Frequent Traveler With Crohn's Disease—Here Are My Packing List Non-Negotiables

By Katie Jackson

Image may contain Indoors Bed Bedroom Furniture Room and Person

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

When I was a kid, I took lots of trips—to the bathroom. I couldn’t put on weight, and everything I ate upset my stomach. In high school, I was finally diagnosed with Crohn’s disease , an incurable irritable bowel disease like ulcerative colitis , which my mother and brother also suffer from. Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, resulting in diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain, among other symptoms, is debilitating at worst and embarrassing at best. Still, thanks to an amazing gastroenterologist, a major surgery, and a cocktail of prescription medications including Infliximab infusions every eight weeks, I haven’t let it stop me from seeing the world . In fact, in the past 18 months I’ve touched down on all seven continents in my career as a travel writer. The best part: I’m far from the only “Crohnie” out there collecting passport stamps; I’ve even met travelers with stoma bags.

“With proactive measures and preventative approaches tailored to their specific needs, my patients can embrace life's adventures without limitations,” says Dr. Kenneth Brown, a Texas gastroenterologist and host of the Gut Check Project podcast . Of course, he doesn’t recommend leaving home if you’re in the middle of a flare-up. “If a patient is experiencing issues related to their Crohn's disease, our priority is to ensure that they are in a state of remission before embarking on their journey. In some cases, we have had to delay travel plans until their health has sufficiently improved.”

For that reason, Brown is a big proponent of travel insurance , specifically a policy that covers pre-existing conditions. Pro tip: Even though it can be inconvenient, the best way to make sure you’re completely covered is to speak with a live agent on the phone before committing to a policy.

In addition to making sure I have the right coverage, I also do my homework on the destination. In April I’m headed to Brisbane, Australia, where I know I’ll have access to excellent healthcare. That said, my Crohn’s doesn’t stop me from traveling to remote places either. In May, I’m headed to Loapi Tented Camp in South Africa’s Kalahari Desert. I’ve let the property know of my dietary needs ahead of time, so I won’t get sick from any unwanted culinary surprises, and every booking comes with a private safari guide and vehicle, so I don’t need to worry about upsetting fellow travelers if I have to head back early on a game drive because I’m tired or need a toilet. Finally, should I need to be transported to a hospital, I can get a lift in the property’s private planes (make sure to get an insurance policy that covers medical evacuations).

I’m not going to sugarcoat it: Traveling with Crohn’s is costlier than traveling without it. If it means I have to take fewer trips, so I can spend the money needed to make each trip more comfortable, it’s 100 percent worth it. Last month I took United’s new nonstop flight from Manila to San Francisco. It wasn’t cheap, but I flew Polaris business class , which has a lower passenger-to-porcelain throne ratio (my biggest plane nightmare isn’t turbulence, it’s having an accident while waiting for the lavatory) and lie-flat seats so I can elevate my legs. Forty-six percent of “Crohnies”—how we refer to ourselves in our support groups—suffer from joint problems like swelling. I’m one of the unlucky ones, so extra space is a priority.

Even if you can’t afford to fly first class , there are plenty of things you can do to take some of the pain out of traveling with IBD. Below are seven essentials, starting at just $17, that I always bring with me, whether I’m going away for two days or two weeks. They’re a far cry from a cure for Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, but they provide serious peace of mind and are almost as valuable as my passport when it comes to exploring this wild and wonderful planet.

My packing essentials for traveling with Crohn's:

Image may contain: Clothing, Hosiery, Sock, and Smoke Pipe

Like many people with Crohn’s, my joints often swell during a flare-up. Of course, long-haul flights , where I’m sitting long enough to watch four feature films including Titanic , are the worst. Before I discovered these game-changers, my feet and ankles would sometimes balloon up to the point where they would barely fit in my shoes upon landing. These socks offer enough compression that the swelling is kept at bay, but not so much that I have red marks on my legs when I take them off.

Image may contain: Clothing, Underwear, Lingerie, Adult, Person, and Panties

Although they’re designed for postpartum, these disposable panties are worth stocking up on if you’re worried about accidents. I had one in the Denver Airport when I was prepping for a colonoscopy—and it was mortifying. Had I been wearing these, I could have easily disposed of them (they’re just 66 cents each) and put on a fresh pair. Unlike the disposable underwear you get at a spa before a massage or spray tan, these neutralize odors and have built-in leak-guard technology. They’re not exactly sexy, but they’re far better than the alternative of ruining a pair of pants and having to tie your jacket around your waist. So many women love them that they have nearly 30,000 five-star ratings and more than 10,000 boxes were sold last month alone.

Image may contain: Adult, Person, Clothing, Hosiery, and Tights

Obviously, I don’t want to wear adult diapers 24/7, so I also pack these moisture-wicking panties. I love them because they dry super fast, which is handy when I do laundry in the hotel sink. And since they’re a mid-rise bikini fit with four-way stretch, they provide plenty of coverage which is greatly appreciated when I’m bloated. But perhaps the best part about these panties is the fact they’re practically invisible—I can wear them with my favorite travel leggings without worrying about camel toe or panty lines.

Image may contain: Accessories, and Strap

This super-soft, USB-powered heating pad is a must for anyone who suffers from cramps, whether they are Crohn’s-induced or menstrual cycle–related. A foldable 24" x 9", it easily fits in my carry-on , and boasts a pocket I can slip my power bank into, which is great because it does have to be plugged in to work. You can also plug it into USB ports on planes, and even your computer; however, power banks or wall outlets charge it the fastest. I mostly wear this pad around my waist, but thanks to the adjustable strap, you can wear it over your shoulder, neck, back—pretty much anywhere you have discomfort. It has three different heat settings and automatically shuts off after two hours.

Image may contain: Clothing, Pants, Home Decor, Linen, and Person

I'm not one for yo-yo diets, but my weight fluctuates like gas prices. For that reason, I love these looser-fitting joggers that have an adjustable drawstring. When I’m going through a flare-up and losing weight, I can tighten them, and if my symptoms are bloating and gas, I can let them out to give me more breathing room. I don’t know how Vuori does it, but the scientists behind its DreamKnit fabric deserve the Nobel Peace Prize for fashion—the brushed jersey fabric makes them feel buttery soft.

what is frequent traveller passport

I first discovered shower steamers while staying at a five-star hotel in Paris that had them as an amenity. They’re a total game-changer on travel days when I’m feeling overwhelmed. Since stress can trigger Crohn’s flare-ups, I do everything I can to minimize it. As with bath bombs, these tablets rely on aromatherapy to relax you. But unlike their chemical-laden competitors, they are made with peppermint, eucalyptus, and menthol essential oils. I love that they’re individually wrapped, so I can pack the exact number I’ll need, and that they work instantly, transforming any shower into a spa-like environment.

Image may contain: Business Card, Paper, Text, Electronics, and Box

Not only can fresh fruits and vegetables be hard to find when you’re traveling, but they’re also hard to digest if you have Crohn’s disease. To ensure I get all of my vitamins and minerals, I travel with these packs of Athletic Greens that I simply mix with cold water. At nearly $5 a pop, they’re pricey, but they still cost less than a smoothie in most places, and have way more nutrients (that because they’re in powder form, are easily absorbed). I also appreciate that there are probiotics in the mix. According to The University of California, Berkeley’s University Health Services , “There is good evidence that probiotics help in the treatment of most causes of diarrhea as well as the prevention of antibiotic associated diarrhea and traveler’s diarrhea.”

Condé Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

We've detected unusual activity from your computer network

To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.

Why did this happen?

Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy .

For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below.

IMAGES

  1. Passport for frequent travellers

    what is frequent traveller passport

  2. 10 Reasons Why Frequent Travelers Should Always Be Hired

    what is frequent traveller passport

  3. Know the Difference Between Passport and Visa for First Time Traveler

    what is frequent traveller passport

  4. Are You a Frequent Traveler? Here’s Why You Need a Second Passport

    what is frequent traveller passport

  5. Passport 36 Pages Vs 60 Pages Passport Difference ? Price of Online

    what is frequent traveller passport

  6. 5 tips on how to get a first time passport

    what is frequent traveller passport

COMMENTS

  1. Additional passports (accessible)

    are frequent travellers. An additional passport holder is a customer who holds (or is applying to hold) more than one passport of the same type. It does not apply to customers who are eligible to ...

  2. How do I get a \"Frequent Traveller\" passport? (+ sample letter)

    How to obtain a "frequent traveller" passport? The procedure is strictly the same as the application for a regular passport: Make the pre-application for a passport on the ANTS website. Pay the tax stamp online. Make an appointment in a town hall (the one of your choice, it isn't obligatory to choose the one of your residence)

  3. Types of British passports (accessible)

    The British passport is now a non-EU passport with a blue (soft cover) and a gold Royal crest. British passports are: available in 2 sizes - standard (34 pages) or Frequent Traveller passport ...

  4. Check out Top 4 Passport Tips for Frequent Travelers

    Tip 4: Get a second passport. Not everyone knows that frequent travelers can get a second valid passport issued to them. With a second passport, you can apply for visas for future trips at the same time that you are traveling internationally. Second passports are fully valid for travel to any nation, but they are issued for a limited two-year ...

  5. Applying for a passport from outside the UK: guidance notes (accessible)

    A standard passport is 34 pages. If you are a frequent traveller and need extra space for visas, select '50-page passport' on the application form. 50-page frequent traveller passports cost ...

  6. Do you need a second copy of your passport

    Experts advise getting a second passport if you travel frequently to countries that require your passport to get a visa. (iStock) When Marquita Wright recently applied for a long-term visa to ...

  7. UK Jumbo passport

    A jumbo passport is a larger, 50-page passport that offers frequent travellers the extra space they need to document their travels. These passports are valid for ten years and cost slightly more than a standard 34-page UK passport. If you are a UK citizen and frequently travel outside of the UK, a jumbo passport is definitely worth considering!

  8. Frequently Asked Questions about Passport Services

    Bulk quantities of passport forms are now available from the U.S. Government Publishing Office. Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport (for all first-time applicants, children under 16, and applicants not eligible to use the DS-82 form) Stock Number: 044-000-02510-8; Form DS-82: U.S. Passport Renewal Application. Stock Number: 044-000-02511-6

  9. Registered Traveller Service FAQs

    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 ...

  10. U.S. Passports

    Processing Times. Routine: 6-8 weeks*. Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60*. *Mailing times are not included in processing times. Processing times only include the time your application is at one of our passport agencies or centers. The total time to get your passport includes both processing and mailing times.

  11. The British passport types explained

    The biometric passport is more secure than the ordinary passport, as it is much harder to forge. Learn more about the biometric passport here. Jumbo vs. Standard UK Passport. UK passports come in two sizes to accommodate frequent travellers, jumbo and regular. Jumbo passports contain 50 pages while regular passports contain 34 pages.

  12. About

    Registered Traveller is a membership service which offers faster and more convenient entry at passport control for frequent travellers. What are the benefits of becoming a Registered Traveller? Members enjoy faster entry at passport control and the choice of using the: e-Passport gates (if they have a biometric/chipped passport) UK lanes

  13. Trusted Traveler Programs

    A Trusted Traveler Program allows approved members to easily cross borders between either US & Canada or US & Mexico. This is a U.S. Custom and Border Protection (CBP) approved program. It means that holders of pre-approved ID card under the three trusted traveler programs - NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST and the Global Entry Trusted Traveler Network ...

  14. Jumbo passport: What is it and do you need one to travel?

    "The Identity and Passport Service is now offering frequent travellers the new 'jumbo' 48 page ePassport. "We are a nation of seasoned travellers, and issue more passports than any other country ...

  15. For Frequent Travelers

    For Frequent Travelers. If you cross the U.S. border into a foreign country and reenter the United States more than once in a short time, you may not want to use your personal exemption until you have returned to the United States for the last time. This is due to the "once every 30 days rule"-you can only apply your personal exemption once ...

  16. What Is The UK's Registered Traveller Program?

    Published Mar 23, 2022. UK Registered Traveller program allows foreign passengers to breeze through passport control similar to UK, EU, and other citizens. Photo: Getty Images. 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 ...

  17. Frequent Traveler Endorsement Singapore

    Documents Required. Some of the documents that the applicant needs to submit are listed below: A passport with a validity of six months needs to be submitted. You also need to submit the complaint application form. The application form consists of three parts. All the parts need to be completed by the applicant.

  18. How to Get my U.S. Passport Fast

    You must have an appointment to go to a passport agency or center. We cannot guarantee an appointment will be available. Call 1-877-487-2778. We will notify the agency processing your application of your date of travel. Processing times for routine applications are 6-8 weeks, and expedited applications are 2-3 weeks.

  19. Registered Traveller: faster entry through the UK border

    Eligibility. To apply for Registered Traveller membership, you must be 18 or older and have an eligible passport. You must also either: have a UK visa or entry clearance. have visited the UK at ...

  20. U.S. passports

    Lost or stolen passports. If your passport is lost or stolen you must report it to the State Department right away. How you replace it depends on if you are inside or outside the U.S. Find out how to apply for or renew a passport for an adult or a minor under 18. Know what to do if a passport is lost or stolen.

  21. I forgot my Known Traveler Number (KTN). How do I find it?

    If you are a member of the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, look up your Known Traveler Number (KTN) here. If you are a member of another trusted traveler program, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, log on to the Trusted Traveler Program website to obtain your PASSID, which is your KTN.. If your TSA PreCheck® benefits come through HME, TWIC®, or DoD, please visit these respective ...

  22. QR code immigration clearance: What you need to know about ICA's ...

    Travellers will need to first download the MyICA mobile application to generate the QR codes. All travellers in the same car can either share a single QR code or generate them individually. Up to ...

  23. What's Happening with Frequent Fliers in 2024?

    published 2 minutes ago. Programs for frequent fliers in 2024 differ from past years. Bargain hunters will be happy to see a return to low-cost flight deals, but watch out for fees that might take ...

  24. U.S Passport Is The 44th Most Powerful In The World, Per New Index

    Visa-free travel is just part of the equation. This ranking of the world's most powerful passports also considers taxation, perception, dual citizenship and freedom.

  25. Registered Traveller: faster entry through the UK border

    The Registered Traveller service can help you get through the UK border faster. Registered Travellers can use UK channels at some airports and train stations. You can use: UK passport entry lanes ...

  26. How to Apply for A Passport

    Processing Times. Routine: 6-8 weeks*. Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60*. *Mailing times are not included in processing times. Processing times only include the time your application is at one of our passport agencies or centers. The total time to get your passport includes both processing and mailing times. It may take up to 2 weeks for ...

  27. I'm a Frequent Traveler With Crohn's Disease ...

    The packing essentials that make traveling with Crohn's Disease as comfortable as possible for me, from disposable panties to loose-fitting joggers.

  28. Best passports in the world? See the 2024 Nomad Passport Index

    Here are the most powerful passports for 2024 — Switzerland tops the list. Many passport rankings focus on one factor: visa-free travel. But passport strength is more complex than this ...

  29. Passport-Free QR Code Travel to Singapore by Car to Start on March 19

    1:44. Singapore is making it even easier for people to come and go from the tropical city-state, allowing drivers crossing into the country through two land checkpoints to use a QR code instead of ...