Quicker entry into the UK for more families is being pledged by the government with the expansion of the use of eGates to 10 and 11-year-olds this summer.
Returning families eligible visitors to the UK over the school summer holiday be able to use eGates from today (Monday) following trials at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted.
With passenger volumes expected to return to pre-pandemic 2019 levels this summer – and some airports exceeding those volumes – Border Force expects to see more than 34 million arrivals by air through UK passport control over the coming months.
This new eGate change is expected to benefit thousands of families this summer, with more than 400,000 children aged 10 and 11 projected by the Home Office to use eGates this year.
The national expansion to this age group will come into effect across 15 airports and railway stations that currently have 293 eGates.
Alongside increasing eGate capacity, the UK is introducing an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme later this year and continuing to expand eVisas.
Border Force continues to work closely with port operators and airlines to make sure all passengers can have a safe and hassle-free journey this summer, according to the Home Office.
Immigration minister Robert Jenrick said: “This national rollout will make travelling easier for passengers and strengthens the security of the UK border.
“The UK processes more passengers through eGates than any other country – and today’s announcement ensures we remain at the forefront of technology.”