New changes to acceptance at UK eGates will see up to 1.5 million more additional children able to make use of the technology this Summer.
Plans announced by the Government will now allow children aged either 8 or 9 years old, at least 120cm (3ft 11in) tall, and accompanied by an adult to use eGates at airports across the country.
Expanded access is set to begin on Wednesday 9 July 2026, and will cover more than 290 eGates in the UK and juxtaposed ports (where border checks take place in Europe).
Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp said:Travel with young children can be stressful for parents.
By expanding eGate access, more families can experience a swifter and smoother journey home – freeing up precious time this summer holiday season.
We are delivering continued improvement to the passenger experience, while keeping our borders safe and secure.
With eGate use typically taking a few minutes per person, the Government has stated that the rule change should reduce queue times for those going through passport control, as well as those choosing to use the gates.
The announcement comes as the latest step in the UK’s border transformation, which aims to provide ‘smooth journeys for passengers and protect[…] border security’. In February, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) was officially enforced, with almost 25 million (24.8 million) ETAs issued since their introduction this far.
