General Aviation Report (GAR) - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a General Aviation Report (GAR)?

A General Aviation Report (GAR) is a mandatory notification that pilots, operators, and aircraft owners must submit to Border Force before international flights to or from the UK. It includes details about the aircraft, flight route, and all persons on board. The GAR helps Border Force and Police assess flights before arrival for security and immigration purposes.

Q: When do I need to submit a GAR?

You must submit a GAR for all international flights to or from the UK, including flights within the Common Travel Area (CTA) between the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands. You do NOT need to submit a GAR for domestic flights within the UK.

Q: What are the time requirements for submitting a GAR?

You must submit your GAR no earlier than 48 hours and no later than 2 hours before your expected departure time. Submitting outside this window may result in non-compliance with the General Aviation (Persons on Board, Flight Information and Civil Penalties) Regulations 2024.

Q: What happens if I don't submit a GAR?

Failing to comply with GAR requirements may result in a civil penalty of up to £10,000 per breach under the General Aviation (Persons on Board, Flight Information and Civil Penalties) Regulations 2024. General Aviation Reports emailed directly to Border Force are not compliant and will not be accepted.

Q: Can I amend a GAR after submission?

Yes, you can amend a GAR up to 2 hours before the expected departure time. If you need to make changes within 2 hours of departure, the flight would need to be delayed. Note that you do NOT need to amend or create a new report if a passenger or crew member is no longer travelling.

Q: How do I remove a passenger from my GAR?

You do not need to amend your GAR or create a new report if a passenger or crew member is no longer travelling. Border Force only requires notification of who IS on board, not who was originally planned to travel.

Q: What travel documents are accepted for GAR submissions?

Accepted travel documents include: Passports, National Identity Cards (types A, C, and I), Passport Cards, Military Identification, Diplomatic Passports, Re-entry Permits, Refugee Travel Documents, Seafarer Passports, and other approved identity documents such as Emergency Travel Documents and EU Laissez-passer.

Q: Do British and Irish citizens need to provide travel documents for CTA flights?

For UK or Irish citizens travelling within the Common Travel Area (CTA), travel document details are not required. However, all other mandatory fields must still be completed. Their valid passport serves as their permission to travel.

Q: What should I check on passengers' travel documents?

Pilots, operators, and agents must ensure: every individual on board has a valid, genuine passport or travel document acceptable in the UK, and that the individual is the rightful holder of the document. For detailed guidance, refer to the GOV.UK guidance on examining identity documents.

Q: What does 'Valid permission to travel' mean?

A 'Valid permission to travel' result means the person has a digital permission (such as an electronic visa or eVisa) and can travel to the UK. This is the clearance you want to see for all passengers.

Question 1

What is a General Aviation Report (GAR)?

Question 2

When do I need to submit a GAR?

Question 3

What are the time requirements for submitting a GAR?

Question 4

What happens if I don't submit a GAR?

Question 5

Can I amend a GAR after submission?

Question 6

How do I remove a passenger from my GAR?

Question 7

What travel documents are accepted for GAR submissions?

Question 8

Do British and Irish citizens need to provide travel documents for CTA flights?

Question 9

What should I check on passengers' travel documents?

Question 10

What does 'Valid permission to travel' mean?

Question 11

What does 'No record of valid permission to travel' mean?

Question 12

What does 'Authority to carry granted' mean?

Question 13

What is an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

Question 14

What are the GAR requirements for air ambulance flights?

Question 15

What if I need to divert due to bad weather or technical issues?

Question 16

What supporting documents can I upload with my GAR?

Question 17

Are supporting documents required for GAR submission?

Question 18

How do I contact Border Force for GAR support?