How Americans Can Use eGates to Avoid Lengthy Lines at UK Airports This Summer
The UK is expanding its eGate program to allow more travelers to bypass lengthy passport control lines. Starting July 8, the minimum age for eGate eligibility will drop from 10 to 8, enabling more families to use the automated lanes. This change is expected to significantly speed up arrivals during the busy summer travel season.
- ▪The eGates use facial recognition technology and biometric passport data for quick identity verification.
- ▪The program expansion will allow approximately 1.5 million more children to use eGates with their families.
- ▪eGates are available at major UK airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester.
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News & AdviceHow Americans Can Use eGates to Avoid Lengthy Lines at UK Airports This SummerThe quickest way to get through passport control in the UK is by using automated eGate lanes—here's who is eligible under the recent expansion.By Bailey BergMay 20, 2026UnsplashSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this storyFor travelers arriving in the UK, the fastest line at passport control is often the one with no border officer at all.Instead, eligible passengers at airports like Heathrow and Gatwick can head straight for the UK’s eGates: automated passport control lanes that use facial recognition technology and biometric passport data to verify identities in a matter of seconds.
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