Updated eGate travel rules coming to 13 UK airports

It will mean that up to 1.5 million more children will be able to use eGates, therefore speeding up journeys for them and their families.

The change will help families returning from their holidays with young children.

Here is all you need to know and when the change takes effect.

eGates are used at airports across the UK and Europe for border control (Image: Getty Images)

eGate rules to change for children next week

Children aged eight and nine, who are at least 120cm (3ft 11in) tall and accompanied by an adult, will become eligible to use eGates in the UK.

Under current rules, children need to be 10 to use the eGates, and before 2023, it was 12 years old.

Height restrictions are due to children needing to be able to see and be captured by biometric screens.

The change will speed up the process for children and their families, as they typically have to see a border force officer.

Based on 2025 UK arrival figures, an estimated 1.5 million more children will be eligible to pass through eGates with their families over the next year as a result of the age change.

The expanded access is set to begin from next Wednesday (July 8).

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.”

The 13 UK airports that will have updated eGate rules

There are 13 airports that use eGates across the UK that will see the updated rules come into effect.

These are:

• London Heathrow
• London Gatwick
• London City
• London Luton
• London Stansted
• Manchester
• Birmingham
• Bristol
• East Midlands
• Newcastle
• Cardiff
• Edinburgh
• Glasgow

It will cover more than 290 eGates in the UK and accompanying ports where border checks take place in Europe.

There are also 48 EU airports that are allowing British holidaymakers to use eGates.

These include places in Spain, France, Italy and Portugal.

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The rules will also impact other travel methods such as Eurostar and the Eurotunnel.

People travelling from non-Schengen countries in Europe, along with the US, Australia and Japan, can also use the eGates.

What do you think about the new eGate change? Let us know in the comments.