Travellers are being reminded not to leave their passports at home.
This follows the introduction of new 'contactless border' technology at UK airports, including Manchester Airport.
This allows some passengers to pass through arrivals using facial recognition instead of scanning their documents.
The technology, which Border Force says could reduce border check times by 25 per cent, is currently being rolled out for British citizens and is expected to reach all UK airports by early 2027.
Amber Moon, travel expert at Holidaysafe, said: "Walking straight through the e-gates without digging around for your passport sounds like a breeze, and it’ll be a welcome change for those who have queued at UK arrivals before.
"But you certainly shouldn’t be leaving your passport at home.
"Every country has its own regulations, and as of October 2026 the new ‘contactless border’ e-gates will only apply when you arrive back in the UK, and only in Birmingham and East Midlands airports.
"You’ll still need your passport to check in, board the flight, and enter the country you’re travelling to, so it matters just as much.
"Ensure your passport is valid for the country you’re visiting, keep it somewhere secure during travel and your stay, and ensure your travel insurance policy covers a lost or stolen passport for extra security."
The system works by airlines sending passport photos of British passengers due to arrive that day to Border Force, which then matches the image to the traveller’s face at the gate.
Holidaysafe has shared five key tips for travellers in light of the changes.
First, check your passport’s validity before booking, taking note of both the issue and expiry dates, and compare them against your destination’s entry requirements on GOV.UK.
Second, keep your passport in your hand luggage, as you’ll need it for check-in, boarding, and border control at your destination.
Third, keep a secure copy of your passport’s photo page, either printed or stored on a password-protected device and separate from the original, to speed up replacement if it goes missing.
Fourth, know what to do if your passport is lost or stolen: cancel it immediately, report the loss to local police, and contact the nearest British embassy or consulate for help with an emergency travel document.
Finally, check that your travel insurance covers lost or stolen passports, as well as any extra travel or accommodation costs that may result.
The contactless e-gates are already in use at East Midlands Airport and are expected to be introduced at other locations in the coming weeks.
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