UK travel update · Verified 19 October 2026
The United Kingdom has begun a phased rollout of contactless airport eGates designed to identify eligible arriving passengers through a live facial image matched against verified passport and travel records. The change may make border processing faster, but it does not remove the passport requirement, change immigration eligibility or guarantee that every traveller can use an eGate.
| Rollout begins | East Midlands Airport, followed by Birmingham and more UK airports |
|---|---|
| Claimed speed gain | Up to 25% faster in government testing |
| Passport required | Yes — carry it at all times |
| Full upgrade target | Every UK airport eGate by early 2027 |
| First users | British citizens, expanding later to other eligible nationalities |
What “contactless” actually means
Passengers approach the eGate and a live photograph is checked against verified immigration, travel and passport information already held by Border Force. If the automated checks are successful, the gate opens without the traveller placing the passport on the reader. The passport remains the underlying travel document; contactless describes the gate interaction, not passport-free travel.
Do not pack your passport away
The Home Office says passengers must keep their passport with them at all times. A traveller may still be asked to place it on the reader or speak to a Border Force officer if the system requires further checks. Airlines, departure airports and other border authorities will continue to request travel documents during the journey.
Where and when the system is appearing
The phased launch starts at East Midlands Airport for British citizens. Birmingham is among the first airports introducing the technology, with expansion planned over the coming months to more airports and to other nationalities that are already eligible for eGates. The government’s target is to upgrade every eGate by early 2027.
Who can use an eGate
The upgrade does not create new eligibility. Travellers should follow the signs and Border Force instructions at the airport. Children, families, dual nationals and passengers with immigration documentation should check the current UK entry rules that apply to them. British dual nationals are advised to travel on a valid British passport or hold a Certificate of Entitlement to reduce possible delay.
What arriving passengers should do
Have the passport in hand before reaching the immigration hall, remove hats or sunglasses when asked, and keep children and documents organised. Do not choose a queue solely because the gate looks contactless: staff may redirect passengers according to eligibility and capacity. Allow normal border time until the rollout is complete and operational experience settles.
Quick questions
Can I enter the UK without carrying my passport?
No. The passport remains essential and may still need to be scanned or inspected.
Is the new system available at every airport now?
No. It is a phased rollout beginning at East Midlands and Birmingham, with wider deployment over the coming months.
Does it change UK visa or ETA rules?
No. It changes the eGate process, not the traveller’s permission or documentation requirements.
Will it always be faster?
Government testing found gains of up to 25%, but queues and individual checks can still affect journey time.
Image credit: Birmingham Airport arrivals hall. Adrian Pingstone / Wikimedia Commons, public domain. Archive image used to illustrate UK airport arrivals.
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