More children eligible for eGates in UK

Families travelling with young children will face shorter queues at UK airports this summer, under new plans announced by the government.

Up to 1.5 million more children will soon be eligible to use automated eGates when returning from holidays.

What are the new rules?

Starting from Wednesday 8 July 2026, the age limit for using the gates will drop. Children aged eight and nine will be permitted to use the biometric screens, provided they are:

•    Accompanied by an adult
•    At least 120cm (3ft 11in) tall

The rollout will cover more than 290 eGates across the UK and at juxtaposed passport controls in mainland Europe.

Why is the change happening?

Border officials hope the expansion will significantly ease congestion during the peak summer holiday season.

The Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp, said travelling with young children "can be stressful for parents" and that the move would free up "precious time".

Border Force Director General, Phil Douglas, added that expanding access would allow highly skilled officers to focus their attention on intercepting security threats.

Tourism boost

The aviation and tourism sectors have widely welcomed the decision.

AirportsUK chief executive Karen Dee stated the technology would speed up the border process and reduce waiting times for everyone. Meanwhile, VisitBritain chief executive Patricia Yates said the move boosts the UK's "competitive tourism offer" ahead of the summer rush.

The change comes as part of a wider push toward a "contactless border". The Home Office confirmed that 24.8 million Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) have now been issued, paving the way for future facial recognition technology that could eliminate the need to present a physical passport.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/more-children-eligible-for-egates-in-boost-for-families-this-summer#:~:text=Children%20aged%208%20and%209%20years%2C%20who%20are%20at%20least,use%20UK%20eGates%20each%20year.