Is it possible to use UK/EU lanes as a Registered Traveller the first time you enter the UK after applying?

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Accepted answer

Your understanding is correct, the first entry after your online application is approved needs to be via the non-EU queue. The immigration officer you see on that entry will actually complete your registration. The end result of that should be that the IO gives you a blue plastic card with your name and a number written on it, after which you are free to use the UK/EU line or the passport machines for subsequent entries. The card is irrelevant if you use the passport machines but if you see a human you are apparently supposed to show the card when you hand over your passport so he doesn't give you crap for using the wrong line or not filling in the landing card. If you don't get the card on that first entry (this happened to me) the follow-up email telling you that you were successfully registered will include a link to a PDF copy of the front side of the card, which you should print and carry instead to avoid being yelled at; when you subsequently see an IO that actually has the plastic cards they'll give you one then.

I originally thought that Β£50/year was a fantasticly expensive price for this but the state of the immigration hall when I fly into Heathrow makes it seem like a bargain. The passport machines are generally queueless and quick.

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