Understanding Permission to Travel Responses: What Each Status Means

Introduction

When you submit a General Aviation Report (GAR), Border Force processes the passenger information and returns a permission to travel response for each person on board. Understanding these responses is crucial for ensuring your passengers can legally enter the UK.

Response Types Explained

Valid Permission to Travel

What it means: The passenger has a valid digital permission to travel to the UK, such as an electronic visa (eVisa) or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Action required: None - the passenger is cleared to travel.

Authority to Carry Granted

What it means: This response is returned for:

British and Irish nationals (their passport is their permission)

Non-visa nationals who may or may not have an ETA

Action required:

For British/Irish nationals: No action needed

For other nationals: Verify they have a physical visa or ETA linked to their passport

No Record of Valid Permission to Travel

What it means: Border Force has no digital record of permission for this passenger. Action required:

Check for a physical visa vignette or stamp in their passport

Ask for a share code from their UKVI account

If neither exists, contact the Border Force Carrier Support Hub

Contact Information

Border Force Carrier Support Hub:

UK: 0300 369 0610

International: +44 204 619 6020

*Last updated: January 2026*