E-Gates Now Open for 8 and 9-Year-Olds: What You Need to Know

From today, millions more families will have the opportunity to utilise eGates as new age restrictions come into effect, simplifying travel during the busy summer holiday period. Children aged eight and above can now access these gates if accompanied by an adult and standing at least 120cm tall (3ft 11in).

This modification coincides with the onset of the summer holiday getaway, particularly with schools in Scotland and Northern Ireland having recently concluded their terms. It is projected that an additional 1.5 million children will be eligible to use eGates with their families over the next year, based on the arrival figures from 2025.

Enhancing Travel for Families

Alex Norris, the Minister for Border Security and Asylum, expressed his enthusiasm for the changes, stating, “Today’s change will make journeys easier for families with small children and reduce the hassle of travelling home after a holiday. It will also free up more time for tourists to enjoy our fantastic country this summer and in the years ahead.”

Currently, millions of passengers rely on UK eGates each year, with the process typically taking just a few minutes. The UK boasts over 290 eGates across its airports and ports, including juxtaposed ports where UK border checks are conducted in Europe.

In a bid to further enhance passenger experiences, work is progressing on the implementation of a contactless border system. This cutting-edge technology will utilise facial recognition to verify identities without the need for physical passport presentation, all while maintaining robust border security protocols.

Support for Families and Holidaymakers

In addition to the eGate changes, the Great British Summer Savings scheme is also in effect, aimed at reducing costs for families seeking enjoyable days out. By temporarily lowering VAT, the scheme makes meals for children in restaurants, theatre and cinema tickets, and entry fees for attractions such as soft play centres, adventure parks, and theme parks more affordable.

<pFamilies planning trips to Europe are advised to familiarise themselves with the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) and to check with their travel operators for the most current information. This new system replaces traditional passport stamping for non-EU nationals, recording each entry and exit from the Schengen Area, which includes all EU member states except Ireland and Cyprus, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

During their initial encounter with EES checks, travellers will need to register, which involves scanning their passport, capturing fingerprints, and taking a photograph. Subsequently, only one biometric form—either a photograph or fingerprint—will be required alongside a passport scan for future entries and exits. Additional information about the EES can be found on GOV.UK and the EU’s Travel to Europe website.