UK expands eGate eligibility for children aged 8 and 9
From 8 July 2026, children aged 8 and 9 who are at least 120cm tall and accompanied by an adult can use UK eGates, benefiting up to 1.5 million children per year and speeding up border crossings for families.
The UK government has announced that children aged 8 and 9 will be eligible to use electronic border gates (eGates) from 8 July 2026, provided they are at least 120cm tall and travel with an adult. The change is expected to benefit up to 1.5 million additional children per year, based on 2025 arrival figures. This move aims to reduce stress for families with young children during summer holidays.
There are currently over 290 eGates at UK and juxtaposed ports in Europe. Millions of passengers already use eGates annually. Immigration Minister Mike Tapp said that expanding access will allow more families to experience quicker and smoother journeys. Border Force Director General Phil Douglas emphasized that eGates help maintain border security while freeing up officers to focus on threats. Karen Dee of AirportsUK noted that the expansion will reduce waiting times at border control. Visit Britain's Patricia Yates stated that the change boosts the UK's tourism competitiveness.
Using an eGate typically takes just minutes, and increased usage is expected to shorten queues at passport control. This announcement is part of broader border transformation efforts, including the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, which has issued nearly 25 million permits. Future plans include a contactless border using facial recognition technology.
