From next week, on July 8, a major security rule change at more than a dozen UK airports will allow children aged eight and nine to use eGates, provided they are at least 120cm (3ft 11in) tall and travelling with an adult. The change, announced by the UK Government in May, is expected to benefit up to 1.5 million more children, speeding up the border process for families during the summer holidays.
How the New Rule Works
Previously, eGates were generally available only to passengers aged 10 and above. Children under 17 must still be accompanied by an adult. The new measures lower the age threshold to eight, allowing younger children to use the automated gates, which typically process passengers in just a few minutes. Passengers are eligible if their passport has a biometric symbol and they are 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 Reactions
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, added: "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, commented: "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."
Background and List of Airports
The UK first introduced ePassport gates at airports in 2008, starting at Manchester Airport. Initially limited to UK, EU, and Swiss citizens, the gates now serve eligible travellers from dozens of countries. As of July 2026, the full list of UK airports with eGates includes: London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, London Luton, London City, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol, Newcastle, Cardiff, East Midlands, Southampton, and Southend.
