Passport-free airport e-gates begin UK rollout
Passengers arriving in the UK can now pass through airport e-gates without showing a passport, as a new contactless system begins its rollout. East Midlands Airport is the first to offer the technology, the government announced on Tuesday. The Home Office said all UK airports will have it by early 2027.
How the contactless system works
The system uses facial technology. As a traveller approaches an e-gate, a photo is taken and checked against immigration, travel, and passport information. If verified, the barrier opens automatically. Officials say testing shows the new system is up to 25% faster than using a passport. But if further checks are needed, travellers put their passport on a reader or are directed to a Border Force officer. Officers continue to monitor all e-gates and offer assistance. The Home Office said passengers should keep their passport with them at all times.
Phil Douglas, director general of Border Force, called it “a win for travellers coming to our brilliant country.” He said the state-of-the-art technology makes journeys smoother and faster while maintaining the UK’s robust border security. Douglas added that the digital transformation builds on summer work extending eGates to children aged eight and above. Karen Dee, chief executive of Airports UK, said it was “excellent news for the passenger.” She noted that fast, efficient borders are now expected by arrivals into the UK. Steve Griffiths, managing director of East Midlands Airport, said: “We’re delighted to be the first UK airport to have contactless e-gates introduced by Border Force.” He added the airport is committed to an effortless travel experience and welcomes innovation that makes journeys smoother, swifter, and simpler. Standard e-gates are currently available at Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Glasgow, Heathrow, London City, Luton, Manchester, Newcastle, and Stansted.
