UKinbound welcomes government landing cards decision

Trade body UKinbound has welcomed a government decision to expand its plans to scrap landing cards for visitors to the UK.

Authorities had originally planned to scrap the cards for visitors from seven countries, but this has now been changed to include passengers arriving from all over the world.

All landing cards for international passengers arriving in the UK will be scrapped from Monday.

The cards are currently filled in by passengers arriving by air or sea from outside the European Economic Area.

Around 16 million landing cards are issued every year and they are used to record what is said to border staff on arrival, as well as the reasons for travel and conditions of entry.

The decision to scrap landing cards comes after the government announced it was extending the use of e-gates at UK borders to citizens of the US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Singapore and South Korea.

Currently the gates, which scan e-passports, are reserved for European Economic Area citizens.

Following the latest decision, Joss Croft, chief executive of UKinbound, said: “Any government policy that helps to make arriving in the UK easier and more welcoming for international passengers can only benefit the tourism industry and the wider economy.

“We are delighted that the Home Office has expanded its initial plan to scrap landing cards for visitors from seven countries to now include passengers arriving from all over the world.

“With the possible changes that Brexit will bring, particularly to our borders, this decision signals that the UK remains open and eager to do business.”