UK to Introduce Contactless eGates at Airports – Starting October 6, 2026

Since October 6, 2026, the British Border Force has been rolling out a new generation of automated border controls at airports throughout the United Kingdom. The so-called contactless eGates allow authorized travelers to pass through passport control without having to place their passport on the scanner. The rollout began at East Midlands Airport, where several gates have already been retrofitted. In the coming months, the technology is set to be gradually expanded to other airports across the country, with the full conversion of all affected eGates expected to be completed by early 2027.

The way the new gates work is straightforward: When a traveler approaches the eGate, a live photo of their face is automatically taken. This image is then compared with the verified data on identity, passport, travel history, and residency status already on file with British authorities. If the verification is successful, the gate opens automatically—without any physical scanning of the travel document. This is intended to make border crossing noticeably faster and smoother than with the previous eGates, where the passport still had to be placed manually on the reader.

Important for anyone planning to enter the United Kingdom in the coming months: The new technology will initially be available exclusively to British nationals. Contactless access is scheduled to be expanded at a later stage to include other nationalities that are already eligible to use regular eGates—including travelers from European countries. Until the expansion is complete, the current passport control procedure at the eGates will remain the standard for these groups of travelers.

For visitors from countries that require an electronic entry document to enter the United Kingdom, the new gate technology will not initially change the basic entry requirements. For example, anyone who needs an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for the United Kingdom must still apply for it before traveling—regardless of whether they later use a contactless or traditional eGate at the airport. The technical innovation therefore primarily affects the physical border control process on-site, not the travel authorization required in advance.

Travelers preparing to enter the United Kingdom should therefore continue to ensure that all required documents are available in a timely manner. Our overview of the various visa types makes it easy to determine which document is required for your planned trip. Those interested can conveniently submit their application using our application form, without having to navigate complicated forms or government portals themselves.

Even though the transition to contactless eGates initially affects only British citizens, the measure signals a clear trend toward faster, biometrically supported border controls. Travelers from other countries should keep an eye on further developments, as an expansion to include additional nationalities is expected in the coming years. Until then, a valid passport, combined with the required entry permit, remains the basis for a smooth border crossing into the United Kingdom.