All non-UK air carriers that wish to undertake commercial services to, from or within the United Kingdom are required to hold a Foreign Carrier Permit before that flight is undertaken.  Currently, EEA and EFTA air carriers are permitted to undertake services to and from the United Kingdom without the need for a Permit, provided those flights originate from or are destined for territories within the European Common Aviation Area.  EEA carriers are also additionally able to undertake services within the United Kingdom (cabotage flights) without a Permit. 

The EAA comprises the Member States of the EU along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.  EFTA comprises the Member States of the EEA and Switzerland.

United Kingdom’s Departure from the European Union

The UK is due to leave the European Union on March 29, 2019. After this date, all non-UK carriers, including EEA and EFTA operators, will require a Foreign Carrier Permit before operating any commercial flight to, from or within UK territory.

Isle of Man

The CAA also administers Foreign Carrier Permits for services to and from the Isle of Man jointly with the Isle of Man Civil Aviation Administration. 

Channel Islands and UK Overseas Territories

If you require approval to operate to the Channel Islands or a UK Overseas Territory you should contact the Channel Islands Office of Civil Aviation or the Government of the Overseas Territory concerned directly.

More information on Scheduled & Charter flights

More information on Aerial Work

See contact details for DfT.

Where a permit is not required

Certain flights using non-UK registered aircraft do not require any additional approval namely:

• Private flights
• Overflights of the UK
• State flights undertaken on behalf of a foreign Government (for example flights carrying Heads of State/Government Ministers
• Flights by military-registered aircraft (‘State’ not ‘Civil’ flights)*
• Positioning flights, ferry flights or, delivery flights
• A flight for the purposes of undertaking repairs, alterations, maintenance, or salvage
• Test flights

*Note: Before undertaking a military registered or State flight you will need to contact the UK Ministry of Defence for approval:

Diplomatic Flight Clearance, Ministry of Defence 
Telephone: 00 44 (0) 207 218 2723 
E-mail: OIpsDir-Clerk4@mod.uk

Foreign Carrier Permits Contact

We recommend contacting the CAA before applying for a Foreign Carrier Permit. However, before contacting the CAA we familiarise yourself with relevant content on the website as the information provided may answer your queries.

Email: foreigncarrierpermits@caa.co.uk
Fax: 00 44 (0) 207 453 6622 
Telephone: 00 44 (0) 207 453 6333 (office hours only)

Opening Hours

The Foreign Registered Aircraft Permits Department is staffed weekdays between 09:00 and 17:00 Local (excluding public holidays).

Emergencies

Outside of office hours the CAA will only consider applications for urgent permission in emergency situations, for example air ambulance or humanitarian flights. Applications that need to be submitted outside of office hours should be made to the CAA Duty Office 00 44 (0) 330 022 1500.

Charges

An administration fee of £78 is payable in respect of each permit application made. 

How we use your information

The UK CAA’s Consumers and Markets Group collects and stores your name, date of birth, address, email, telephone number and Nationality (not routinely) for the purpose of processing the application for a Foreign Registered Aircraft Permit.

We may also share such information on an adhoc basis with DfT and UK Border Forces for Aviation Security purposes as part of the National Aviation Security Plan.