US Citizens Can Now Jump Over the Incredibly Long Customs Line in London
American travelers heading to London can now cross the customs line at Heathrow and use the e-passport gate at the border, just like locals. Previously, the gate was intended exclusively for European citizens.
The privilege also applies to citizens of Canada, Australia, Japan and New Zealand and will take effect from mid-2019.
The change was announced this week by Treasury Chancellor Philip Hammond as part of the UK budget, Bloomberg reported . Previously, the citizens of these countries would have to go through the traditional line with passengers from all non-European countries, which if you ever did you can take loooooooong time .
The move was designed specifically to reduce waiting times at the border and is part of the UK’s plan to “open more widely outside of Europe” as Brexit approaches.
So the next time you are at Heathrow, don’t wait at the airport. You can use the time saved to queue up for the London Eye.