Israelis now eligible for expedited entry into UK

The British Embassy in Israel announced Sunday that Israelis will now be able to register for the United Kingdom’s Registered Traveler Service, which allows members of the program to enter Britain faster than before.

In a press release, the embassy said that Israelis will be eligible to sign up for the program from November 21. The service is designed for those who do business in the UK or visit it regularly, and will allow members an expedited entry into the country, after an advance security screening.

The service will be available at 10 British airports, as well at Eurostar terminals in Paris, Brussels, and Lille. Israelis registered for the program will be able to enter the UK using the UK/EU passport line, and will not have to fill out an entry form.

David Quarrey, the British ambassador to Israel, said in the press release that “this is great news for UK-Israel relations, and in particular for Israelis doing business in the UK. The new service will be a further boost to UK/Israel trade, which is already at record levels.”

“The UK is open for business, and the UK is open for Israelis,” he said.

Britain’s ambassador to Israel, David Quarrey. (British Embassy Israel)

The announcement of Israel’s eligibility for the Registered Traveler Service follows the UK’s decision to leave the European Union in a June referendum. Since then, the UK has been working to maintain its reputation as “open for business,” stressing that its separation from the EU will not usher in an era of protectionism and anti-trade sentiments.

British International Trade Secretary Liam Fox arrives for the weekly cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in London, October 25, 2016. (AFP/Daniel Leal-Olivas)

In a press release on the British government’s website, International Trade Secretary Liam Fox described the expansion of the service as an excellent opportunity “for UK companies looking to build a global brand, as well as international businesses keen to invest in the UK’s thriving marketplace,” adding that “it’s vital we make business travel into the UK as smooth as possible.”