Contacttower
22nd Oct 2013, 12:24
I am somewhat confused about this, I was always under the impression that at airfields that are designated ports of entry into the UK a form is not an official requirement.
Yet I am reading anecdotal evidence that at some airfields such as Biggin Hill, during normal opening hours immigration officials are expressing surprise at pilots not submitting GAR forms in advance of arrival from outside the UK.
My own experience of this is that often at airfields that are ports of entry but that the GA parking is away from the passenger terminal it is 'standard practice' to send the handling agent/GA reception a GAR form so that they can liaise with immigration and prepare them for your arrival so that if they so desire they can meet with you. I did not think this was an official requirement.
Can people who perhaps fly into and out of ports of entry more regularly than me clarify what the situation on this is?
Yet I am reading anecdotal evidence that at some airfields such as Biggin Hill, during normal opening hours immigration officials are expressing surprise at pilots not submitting GAR forms in advance of arrival from outside the UK.
My own experience of this is that often at airfields that are ports of entry but that the GA parking is away from the passenger terminal it is 'standard practice' to send the handling agent/GA reception a GAR form so that they can liaise with immigration and prepare them for your arrival so that if they so desire they can meet with you. I did not think this was an official requirement.
Can people who perhaps fly into and out of ports of entry more regularly than me clarify what the situation on this is?