The US government has announced, at this year’s World Travel Market, that its Global Entry programme has been extended to UK citizens.

Global Entry allows for quicker clearance of pre-approved, low-risk travellers. UK citizens can register to be eligible from December 3. To register travellers must apply through the UK Home Office website and pay a £42 processing fee.

Provided UK vetting is successfully passed, the applicant will receive a UK Access Code, which will be entered when applying for Global Entry through the Global Online Enrolment System.

The non-refundable application fee for a five-year membership is $100 and applications can only be made online. Once approved the travellers must then attend an interview with a US customs officer.

Travellers will then be able to use special gates at US airports. The US claims the process cuts down passport control waiting times by around 70 per cent.

Global Entry is currently in use at 46 US airports.