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 ‘@’)