UK to expand airport e-gate access to younger children from July

Access to UK airport e-gates will be extended to include younger children from next summer, in a move that the government says will speed up border processing for families and improve passenger flow at airports.

The UK Home Office has announced that children aged 8 and 9 years will be allowed to use electronic passport gates if they are at least 120 cm tall and travelling with an adult. The change will come into effect from July 8, 2026 and is expected to cover more than 290 e-gates across UK airports and select juxtaposed border control points in Europe.

Expansion of e-gate eligibility

According to the government, the expanded eligibility could allow up to 1.5 million additional children to use e-gates over the next year, based on 2025 arrival data. Officials said the move is aimed at making travel easier for families during peak holiday periods while maintaining border security.

Response from authorities and industry bodies

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 e-gates play a key role in maintaining security while also allowing officers to focus on higher-risk cases.

Karen Dee, chief executive of AirportsUK, welcomed the change, saying it would help reduce waiting times and improve the overall airport experience. VisitBritain chief executive Patricia Yates also said the move strengthens the UK’s tourism offering and encourages more family travel.

The government said the measure is part of wider border modernisation efforts, including the rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. Nearly 25 million ETAs have been issued since its introduction, which authorities say is moving the UK closer to a “contactless border” using facial recognition technology for identity checks.

Officials added that using e-gates typically takes only a few minutes and that wider adoption is expected to reduce queues for all passengers at immigration checkpoints.