British holidaymakers have just received a major travel upgrade, with the UK government securing e-gate access for passport holders in 10 more countries. This expansion means shorter queues and smoother airport experiences for millions of travellers.
Where Can Brits Now Use E-Gates?
The new agreement allows UK passport holders to use automated border control systems in:
- Australia
- Canada
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- South Korea
- United States
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Uruguay
What This Means for Travellers
Faster processing: E-gates typically process passengers in under 30 seconds compared to manual checks that can take several minutes.
Reduced queues: The automated systems help ease congestion at busy international airports.
Convenience: No need to fill out paper landing cards in many of these destinations.
Important Considerations
While e-gates offer significant time savings, travellers should note:
- Children under 12 may still need to go through manual processing
- Some countries require pre-registration for e-gate access
- Technical issues can occasionally require manual verification
The expansion comes as part of ongoing negotiations to improve travel convenience for UK citizens post-Brexit. With summer holiday season approaching, this development is particularly timely for families planning overseas trips.
