Passengers arriving in the UK will soon be able to pass through airport eGates without showing their physical passport under a new contactless system, the government announced.
East Midlands Airport in Leicestershire became the first location to introduce the technology on Tuesday, prior to a nationwide rollout across all UK airport eGates by early 2027, the Home Office said.
The contactless setup uses facial technology to take a passenger’s image upon approach, verifying it against official travel, passport, and immigration records.Once cleared, the gate opens automatically, eliminating the need to place passports on the reader.
Should extra checks be necessary, travellers must scan their document or see a Border Force officer.
Border staff will continue monitoring eGates to assist, while the Home Office reminded passengers to keep their passports with them at all times.
Testing showed the new contactless system is up to 25% faster than using a passport on an eGate, according to the government.
Steve Griffiths, East Midlands Airport’s managing director, said: “We’re delighted to be the first UK airport to have contactless eGates introduced by Border Force.
“As an airport committed to providing an effortless travel experience, we welcome any technological innovation that can help to safely make our customers’ journeys smoother, swifter and simpler.
