Children aged ten and eleven years can now use eGates at UK air and rail ports, following a change in the rules.
Previously travellers had to be at least 12 years old to use eGates, but effective today (Monday 24 July) the service has been extended to those aged ten and over.
It follows successful trials at airports including Gatwick, Heathrow and Stansted earlier this year.
There are currently a total of 293 eGates across 15 air and rail ports in the UK, and projections show that more than 400,000 children aged 10 and 11 years of age will use the service this year.
The government also said that passenger volumes are expected to return to 2019 level this summer, with more than 34 million air arrivals set to pass through passport control over the coming months.
Advice on the gov.uk website states that travellers “can normally use eGates” if they have a biometric symbol on the cover of their passport and are either a British citizen, a member of the Registered Traveller Service, or a national of:
- an EU country, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland or the USA
Those travelling with ID cards cannot use eGates.
Commenting on the news immigration minister Robert Jenrick, said:
“From next week, families with children over the age of ten will be able to benefit from quicker entry into the UK using eGates.
“This national rollout will make travelling easier for passengers and strengthens the security of the UK border.
“The UK processes more passengers through eGates than any other country – and today’s announcement ensures we remain at the forefront of technology.”
