Air Ambulance GAR Requirements: Emergency Flight Compliance

Introduction

Air ambulance operations present unique challenges for GAR compliance. While the fundamental requirement to notify Border Force remains, there are special provisions and procedures for emergency medical flights.

Standard Requirements Still Apply

Even for air ambulance flights, you must:

Submit a GAR for all international flights

Include all persons on board (crew, medical staff, patients)

Provide accurate flight and aircraft details

Emergency Provisions

Reduced Notice Period

For genuine medical emergencies, Border Force may accept GARs with less than the standard 2-hour notice. However, you should:

Submit the GAR as soon as operationally possible

Contact the Border Force Carrier Support Hub immediately

Explain the emergency nature of the flight

Border Force Carrier Support Hub:

UK: 0300 369 0610

International: +44 204 619 6020

Patient Documentation

Patients may not have their travel documents readily available. In these cases:

Provide as much information as possible on the GAR

Note in the "Additional Information" field that it's a medical emergency

Provide documentation as soon as it becomes available

Special Considerations

Unconscious Patients

If a patient is unconscious or unable to provide documentation:

Enter their details from medical records if available

Use "UNKNOWN" for fields that cannot be completed

Explain the situation in the Additional Information section

Organ Transport Flights

Flights transporting organs (without patients) may have different requirements:

Still require a GAR for crew

May qualify for expedited processing

Contact Border Force in advance if possible

Repatriation Flights

Flights repatriating UK nationals or residents:

Standard GAR requirements apply

Ensure patient's UK immigration status is noted

Medical staff from overseas still need appropriate permissions

Best Practices for Air Ambulance Operators

Pre-Register Your Operation

Contact Border Force to register as an air ambulance operator. This can help expedite processing during emergencies.

Maintain Template GARs

Keep pre-filled templates with your aircraft and regular crew details ready to speed up submission.

Establish Direct Contacts

Build relationships with Border Force contacts who understand air ambulance operations.

Document Everything

Keep records of all communications with Border Force, especially for flights where standard procedures couldn't be followed.

After the Flight

If you couldn't provide complete information before the flight:

Submit an amended GAR with complete details as soon as possible

Keep records of the emergency circumstances

Be prepared to explain the situation if queried

Conclusion

Air ambulance operations require balancing urgent medical needs with border security requirements. While Border Force understands the nature of emergency medical flights, maintaining communication and providing as much information as possible will help ensure smooth operations.

Key contacts:

Border Force Carrier Support Hub: 0300 369 0610 (UK) / +44 204 619 6020 (International)

Available 24/7 for genuine emergencies

*Last updated: January 2026*