By Wendy Anders

In contrast to most European Union members who are tightening entry requirements for visitors, the United Kingdom just announced they are expanding their list of countries eligible for fast-track entry to include 12 Latin American countries, reported BBC Mundo.

Rolando Drago, Chile’s Ambassador to the UK, was one of the main protagonists of the recent move. After learning about the registered traveler program on a trip, he noted some Asian countries on the list, which prompted him to inquire whether the list might also include Chile, said BBC Mundo.

Sure enough, Chile is now on the list of countries whose travelers meeting specific requirements can apply as registered travelers, giving them access to fast-track lanes upon entering the UK. The Latin American countries just aded to the list of eligible countries include Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, México, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

Travelers must have visited the UK at least 4 times in the past 24 months to apply, and the cost for obtaining a Registered Traveler pass is about $85. The application and payment can be done online.

The British Ministry of Interior said the goal is to enhance commerce between the two regions, said BBC Mundo.

“Last year, visitors from these new countries spent about US$1.23 million here, and their business relations provide millions more to the UK economy,” said Amber Rudd, Interior Minister, to BBC Mundo.

The Interior Ministry said that once the registered traveler application is completed, it takes about 10 days to process and approve; and then visitors will have a smoother, hassle-free entry into the UK, reported BBC Mundo.