What changes at border control under the new system?

The passport-free e-gate system will allow passengers arriving in the UK to pass through electronic gates without physically presenting their passports. The UK Home Office said the system went live on Tuesday at East Midlands Airport and is planned to roll out to all airports in the country by early 2027.

The system compares the face image taken as a traveller approaches the gate with immigration, travel and passport records. If the check is completed, the barrier opens automatically; if further screening is needed, the passenger is asked to place their passport in a reader or is directed to a border officer.

How could faster processing affect airport operations?

According to officials, tests showed the new model can work up to 25% faster than the standard passport-check process. That difference stands out for airports as a notable sign that queues could be reduced during busy arrival periods and passenger flow through terminals could be managed more efficiently.

Border Force staff will continue to monitor e-gate points and assist passengers when needed. The Home Office also stressed that travellers must still carry their passports under the new process.

Which airports are included, and what comes next?

East Midlands Airport, the first location to use contactless entry, is the first facility to adopt the system. Airports UK, which represents the airport sector, said the change would improve the passenger experience and added that it would work with members and public officials as the rollout expands.

Standard e-gate infrastructure in the UK is currently used at the following airports:

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

The government expanded e-gate access this summer to include children aged 8 and over. With the contactless system set to spread nationwide, the aim is to shorten processing times at border control and speed up movement in arrival halls.