Children aged eight and nine can now use UK eGates at airports, a change that could cut the time families spend queuing at passport control. Heathrow issued the summer travel update, saying the move makes younger children eligible for the automated border gates, bringing them into line with older children.
The airport said: “Get ready for easier arrivals for families. Children aged 8 and 9 will now be able to use the eGates. They will need to have an eligible passport and be travelling with an adult”.
Key requirements for families
There is an important catch. The youngsters must have an eligible passport, be travelling with an adult and, under the Government’s rules, be at least 120cm (3ft 11in) tall. The change came into force on July 8, just as the summer holiday travel season was getting into full swing.
The Government estimates that up to 1.5 million more children could become eligible to use eGates over the next year. For parents facing the prospect of tired youngsters after a long flight, avoiding a lengthy passport-control queue could be particularly welcome. Heathrow has urged passengers travelling with younger children to check airport signage or speak to staff if they are unsure which lane they should use.
Wider border overhaul
The move was announced by the Home Office in May as part of a wider programme to transform the UK’s border system. Migration and Citizenship Minister Mike Tapp said: “Travel with young children can be stressful for parents.” He said expanding eGate access would allow more families to have a “swifter and smoother journey home” while keeping Britain’s borders secure.
Border Force Director General Phil Douglas said eGates were an “essential part” of keeping the border secure. He said the expansion would deliver safe and smooth journeys while freeing officers to concentrate on intercepting people who pose a threat to the UK. Karen Dee, chief executive of AirportsUK, welcomed the change, saying it would give more families the opportunity to use the technology and could reduce waiting times.
The change comes alongside the Government’s wider push to modernise Britain’s borders. The Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme has also been introduced for eligible travellers, with almost 25 million ETAs issued, according to Government figures. The longer-term ambition is for a more “contactless” border, with facial comparison technology being used to verify travellers’ identities.
