All non-UK air carriers, including European Economic Area (EEA) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) operators, 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.
Types of permit
The type of permit required is dependent on the nature of operations that are requested can be categorised into:
- Ad-Hoc Permits for carriers operating for short-term, or one-off non-scheduled (charter) services.
- A Scheduled or Series Charter Permit for regular ongoing scheduled or charter services.
To apply for either permit, you will need to fill in an application form and be able to provide the information required and ready access to additional information as outlined below. Please note no permit will be issued unless an applicant holds a valid UK Third Country Operator Certificate (TCO)
Please refer to the Aerial Work licensing page for applications relating to aerial work.
How do I apply?
We recommend before applying for a Foreign Carrier Permit you familiarise yourself with the relevant guidance and regulations, including understanding in what circumstances a permit is required.
Ad Hoc Charter Permits
To apply for an Ad Hoc Charter Permit, use form CPG3200.
Before applying ensure that dates and times of flights are known and that the information required or required upon request are understood.
As part of our ongoing commitment to the secure management of card data, applicants will need to make payment via our online payment form. Once you have successfully completed payment you will receive by email a PDF document (FOP-XXXX) which is your receipt. To complete the ad hoc charter application you will need to submit this receipt and the competed CPG3200 application form to Foreigncarrierpermits@caa.co.uk.
On instruction only you may be asked to complete a Payment authorisation form when a higher administrative fee is applicable.
Scheduled Service Permits
If you plan to undertake a new scheduled service, or increase frequency on an existing service, you should first contact Foreigncarrierpermits@caa.co.uk to establish whether there are traffic rights available. The team will discuss with you the authorisation process.
Series Charter Permits
To apply for a Series Charter Permits, use form CPG3201.
Before applying ensure that routes and number of services per week are known and that the information required or required upon request are understood
As part of our ongoing commitment to the secure management of card data, applicants will need to make payment via our online payment form. Once you have successfully completed payment you will receive by email a PDF document (FOP-XXXX) which is your receipt. To complete the series charter application you will need to submit this receipt and the competed CPG3201 application form to Foreigncarrierpermits@caa.co.uk.
For an application for a Third Country Operator Certificate, please email TCO@caa.co.uk for an application form.
How much does it cost?
An administration fee of £96 is payable in respect of each permit application made. This is outlined in the CAA Scheme of Charges.
Once granted an Ad Hoc Charter Permit may be amended twice following which a new application will need to be made. To amend an existing Foreign Carrier Permit, use form CPG3200A.
What do I need to send with my application?
Information Required
You will need to provide the following information:
Confirmation of a UK Third Country Operator Certificate.
Aircraft details.
Certificate of Liability Insurance for passenger, third party and war risks for aircraft to be used. The level of insurance must meet the minimum requirements of insurance for passenger and third-party liability set out in Regulation 785/2004.
Which Advanced Passenger Information System you will use to inform the UK Border Force of passenger, cabin, and flight crew information. More information on Advanced Passenger Information systems can be found in the visas and immigration section of the UK Government’s website.
We will however, require all the above documents in regard to any foreign registered aircraft leased from another carrier, either with or without crew, which the applicant carrier proposes to use on services to the UK.
Information on Request
We may also require the following information on request (and reserves the right to require such information at any stage):
Certificate of competency and/or Air Operators Certificate and /or an Operating Licence issued by the aeronautical authority of the State of Operator.
Certificate of Incorporation or Business Registration.
Certificates of Airworthiness and Registration issued by the aeronautical authority of the State of Registry for all aircraft to be used on services to the UK.
Confirmation that no dangerous goods or munitions of war will be carried. For a Dangerous Goods (DG) exemption, evidence of exemption / approval from State of origin or UK CAA is required, the appropriate completed form should be attached.
What else do I need to know?
Traffic rights
Before granting a Foreign Carrier Permit for scheduled flights, we ensure that the services are undertaken in accordance with the traffic rights and conditions provided under the air service arrangements the UK has negotiated with the state where the airline is registered. The setting of policy and negotiation of traffic rights is undertaken by the Department for Transport.
In the case of non-scheduled (charter) flights the UK seeks reciprocity to ensure that UK airlines would be allowed similar opportunities from the territories of foreign authorities for the flights sought.
Security Direction
If you are operating an aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of 10,000kg or more, you must also have a security direction served on you. For further information, please contact AviationSecurityEnquiries@caa.gsi.gov.uk.
How long will it take for my application to be processed?
All applications are considered as soon as possible although the need to consult with others, such as the Department for Transport, UK Border Force and Aviation Security partners, and varying entitlement to traffic rights means that scheduled applications are treated on a case-by-case basis and a timeline indicated only on application.
Ad-hoc charter and series applications are also considered as soon as possible, where we aim to give a decision, which may be to refuse, at least two working days before a flight is due to depart. Where an application is submitted less than the two working days prior to departure a decision will be given on a best endeavours basis dependent upon the complexity of the request and the volume of other applications.
What happens next?
We will be in touch to advise of the outcome of your application.
How long is it valid for?
This depends on the nature of the permit and will be communicated alongside the decision on your application.
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