Archive · 9 Oct 2026
UK Contactless eGates Begin Rollout, but Exclude Indian Passport Holders
The UK is introducing new airport gates that use a photo to check who a traveller is.
Eligible passengers may not need to scan their passports at the gate.
The government says these gates could be up to 25% faster.
East Midlands and Birmingham airports are among the first to use them.
More UK airport gates are expected to get the system by early 2027.
For now, the new gates are only for British citizens travelling with valid British passports.
Indian passport holders are not currently eligible to use them.
They should bring their passport and visa documents and follow the usual immigration checks.
Officials may still ask eligible passengers to show a passport or speak with a border officer.
The UK began introducing contactless eGates on October 6, using facial recognition to verify eligible travellers.
Passengers can pass through without scanning their passports, though officials may request a passport or further checks.
Government testing indicates the new system could be up to 25% faster than existing eGates.
East Midlands and Birmingham airports are among the first to introduce the technology; rollout across UK airport eGates is expected by early 2027.
The system initially serves British citizens with valid British passports; Indian passport holders must use the usual immigration process.
- Who
- The UK government is introducing the system; initially, it is for British citizens travelling on valid British passports. Indian passport holders are not eligible.
- What
- Contactless eGates use facial recognition to verify travellers without requiring a passport scan at the gate.
- When
- The rollout began on October 6 and is expected to cover all UK airport eGates by early 2027.
- Where
- UK airports, with East Midlands and Birmingham among the first to introduce the gates.
- Why
- The system is intended to speed up immigration checks while maintaining border security.
- Rollout began
- October 6
- Expected speed improvement
- Up to 25% faster than existing eGates, according to government testing
- First airports named
- East Midlands Airport and Birmingham Airport
- Expected rollout completion
- All UK airport eGates by early 2027
- Initial eligibility
- British citizens travelling on valid British passports
- Indian passport holders
- Not currently eligible; should use the usual immigration process and have passport and visa documents ready
- Possible further checks
- Travellers may be asked to scan their passport or speak to a Border Force officer