From next week, July 8, security requirements will be eased for certain primary school-aged children born in 2017 at more than a dozen UK airports. Families travelling this summer will benefit from the change, which allows children aged eight and nine who are at least 120cm (3ft 11in) tall and accompanied by an adult to use eGates.
Expansion of eGate Eligibility
In May, the UK Government announced that up to 1.5 million more children will soon be permitted to use UK eGates, speeding up their journeys and those of their families. Prior to July 8, eGates were typically available to passengers aged 10 or above, though children under 17 had to be accompanied by an adult. That accompaniment requirement remains unchanged.
Officials suggest that the adjustment to the age threshold will help families returning from holiday with young children. The government maintains that using an eGate typically takes just minutes. With increased numbers using eGates, it is anticipated that waiting times for those passing through passport control will also decrease.
Eligibility and Requirements
Passengers are eligible to use an eGate if they have a biometric symbol on the front cover of their passport and are either: a British citizen; a national of an EU country, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland or the USA; or a member of the Registered Traveller Service.
Official Statements
Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp, said: "Travel with young children can be stressful for parents. By expanding eGate access, more families can experience a swifter and smoother journey home - freeing up precious time this summer holiday season. We are delivering continued improvement to the passenger experience, while keeping our borders safe and secure."
Border Force Director General, Phil Douglas, said: "eGates are an essential part of keeping our border secure. Expanding access for families will deliver safe, smooth journeys whilst freeing up highly-skilled officers to focus on intercepting those who pose a threat to the UK."
Karen Dee, Chief executive of AirportsUK, the trade body for UK airports, said: "This is a welcome development as it will give more families the ability to take advantage of this technology, speeding up the border process and reducing waiting times for many. Airports work very hard with border authorities to ensure the UK's front door is both secure and welcoming, with those coming home and visiting enjoying a smooth experience."
History and Full List of Airports
The UK first introduced ePassport gates at airports in 2008, with the very first gate going live at Manchester Airport. Initially, the automated gates were limited to UK, EU, and Swiss citizens but have since expanded to include eligible travellers from dozens of countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Full list of UK airports with eGates (as of July 2026): London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, London Luton, London City, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol, Newcastle, Cardiff, East Midlands, Southampton, and Southend.
