New rule introduced at UK airports tomorrow affecting 1.5 million Brits
A major change is coming into effect at UK airports from tomorrow (8 July), and it's expected to make travelling abroad a little easier for British families.
From this Wednesday, children aged eight and over will now be able to use ePassport gates (also known as eGates) when arriving in the UK.
Until now, children under the age of 10 have generally had to queue to see a Border Force officer, even if the adults they were travelling with could use the automated gates.
Advert
The change will allow for approximately 1.5 million more children to pass through eGates, according to Home Office figures, making for a swift return home from holidays.
Children aged 8 and 9 years must also be at least 120cm tall and accompanied by an adult to be eligible to use UK eGates.
Confirming the change, Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp said in a statement: “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.”
UK eGates use facial recognition technology to compare a traveller's face with the digital image stored in their biometric passport, allowing eligible passengers to pass through border control without speaking to an officer in most cases.
Officials hope that this updated age restriction will ease congestion in airports, particularly during the busy holiday season.
Border Force Director General Phil Douglas commented: “eGates are an essential part of keeping our border secure.
“Expanding access for families will deliver safe, smooth journeys whilst freeing up highly-skilled officers to focus on intercepting those who pose a threat to the UK.”
Karen Dee, Chief executive of AirportsUK, the trade body for UK airports, described the rule change as a “welcome development” that will speed up the border process and reduce waiting times for many.
“Airports work very hard with border authorities to ensure the UK’s front door is both secure and welcoming, with those coming home and visiting enjoying a smooth experience.”
This move will speed up transit time in airports across the UK that currently use eGates, as well as ports between the UK and Europe like the Eurostar and the Eurotunnel.
And it’s not just Brits who will notice the change.
The updated rules will also apply to children from countries whose citizens are already allowed to use UK eGates, including the US, Australia, Japan and Canada, as well as several European nations.
That means families travelling to the UK from overseas could also find their airport journey becomes a little smoother from tomorrow.
Ali Condon