Millions of passengers arriving in the UK could soon be able to breeze through airport passport control without putting their passport into an eGate.
A new contactless system is being rolled out at UK airports from this week, with the technology designed to make arrivals quicker while maintaining existing border security checks.
The phased rollout began at East Midlands Airport on October 6, initially for British citizens, with the technology expected to be introduced at all UK airports by early 2027.
Testing has shown the contactless system can be up to 25% faster than using a passport on an eGate.
How the new contactless airport eGates work
Instead of placing a passport on the reader, passengers approach the eGate and have their photograph taken.
The system then compares the live image with verified immigration, travel and passport information.
If the checks are completed successfully, the gate opens automatically and the passenger can walk through without presenting their passport to the machine.
The Home Office says the facial technology verifies a passenger's identity before the UK's immigration and security checks are completed.
However, there is an important catch for holidaymakers: you must still carry your passport with you.
If further checks are needed, passengers may be asked to put their passport on the eGate reader or speak to a Border Force officer, just as they do under the current system.
Border Force officers will also continue to monitor the eGates and provide assistance where needed.
Which airports are getting contactless eGates?
The technology is being introduced gradually rather than all at once.
The airports included in the phased rollout are:
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Cardiff
- East Midlands
- Edinburgh
- Gatwick
- Glasgow
- Heathrow
- London City
- Luton
- Manchester
- Newcastle
- Stansted
The Home Office expects contactless eGates to be available at all UK airports by early 2027.
At present, British citizens are the first group able to use the contactless system, with other nationalities already eligible for eGates expected to be brought into the system during the rollout.
The existing eGate eligibility rules otherwise remain unchanged.
UK airports are starting to roll out new contactless eGates. Passengers at East Midlands Airport will be able to pass through securely using state-of-the-art facial technology to verify their identity. This is estimated to be up to 25% faster compared to using a passport at an eGate. All airport eGates are set to be contactless by early 2027.
— Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) October 7, 2026
Families could also benefit
The change follows another recent alteration to the UK's border system, which saw eGate access extended to children aged eight and over.
Children aged eight to 17 must be accompanied by an adult when using an eGate.
Border Force says the contactless technology is part of a wider push to modernise the UK's borders.
Phil Douglas, Director General of Border Force, said: "This is a win for travellers coming to our brilliant country.
"By using state-of-the-art technology, we are making journeys smoother and faster, all while fully maintaining the UK’s robust border security.
"Our digital transformation also builds on our work this summer to extend eGates to children aged eight and above, making life a little easier for families."
Karen Dee, chief executive of AirportsUK, said the changes would be positive for passengers and highlighted the need for fast and efficient borders.
East Midlands Airport is the first UK airport to introduce the contactless eGates, with Birmingham also among the first airports involved in the rollout.
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Don't put your passport away just yet
Despite the headline change, travellers cannot leave their passports at home. Government guidance specifically says passengers must continue to travel with a valid passport, even when using the new contactless eGates.
Dual nationals are also advised to travel using a valid British passport, or carry a Certificate of Entitlement, to minimise potential delays. The new system is being delivered through software updates to existing eGates rather than replacing the machines themselves.
There are currently more than 290 eGates across 15 air and rail ports, allowing eligible travellers to enter the UK more quickly.
The Home Office says the move is another step towards a more digital UK border, following measures including the Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme.
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