News

UKBA have just disclosed the most up to date (2011) version of their Returns Group Documentation Unit ETD Country Reference Guide (Timescales and Requirements) which we requested in July 2011 following the release by UKBA of the 2010 version.

At the foot of the right hand column of this page you can find a download of the 2011 version, which is now in Excel and therefore quick and easy to download and e-mail.

The 2011 version of the guide, like the 2010 version, has been partially redacted.  UKBA have told us that "according to exemptions under Section 27 (1)(a) and Section 31 (1)(e) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Section 27 (1)(a) allows us to exempt information if its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice relations betwen the UK and any other state.  The UK Border Agency works closely with missions to obtain travel documents and by disclosing all the information in the RGDU ETD Country Reference Guide, the level of coorperation between the UK Border Agency and the missions for each country could be identified"

Please note that there are no entries for a number of countries listed on the documents.  In previous versions of the document readers were directed to contact RESCU (UKBA's Removals Support and Coordination Unit) for further information.  Telephone numbers for RESCU have been removed from this 2011 version.  We have the following numbers for RESCU (last checked 6 June 2011)  - 020-8604-1907 and 020-8604-1530.

UKBA's 2007 Travel Document Information Guide, which predated the ETD Country Reference Guide, is also available for download at the bottom of the right hand column.