Passengers arriving at Gatwick Airport can now use eGates without showing their physical passport, as new facial recognition technology begins rolling out across UK airports.
How the New Gatwick eGates Work
Under the updated system, passengers approaching an eGate will have their photograph taken. The live image is then compared with information held in official records. If the checks are completed successfully, the passenger can proceed without physically showing or scanning their passport.
A traveller may still be asked to present their passport or speak to a Border Force officer if additional checks are required. Passengers are therefore advised to keep their passport with them when travelling.
New System Could Be Up to 25% Faster
Early testing suggests that the upgraded process could be up to 25% faster than the existing eGate procedure. Phil Douglas, director general of Border Force, said the technology should make journeys smoother while preserving border security.
The changes form part of a wider programme to digitise UK border controls.
Rollout Will Continue Across UK Airports
The initial testing began at East Midlands Airport for British citizens. The technology is now being introduced at Gatwick and will gradually extend to other airports and eligible nationalities.
The airports included in the rollout are Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Heathrow, London City, Luton, Manchester, Newcastle and Stansted, alongside Gatwick.
The government expects the contactless system to cover UK airport eGates by early 2027.
Children Can Also Use eGates
The new system follows changes introduced earlier in 2026 that extended eGate access to children aged eight and over. The move is intended to make border checks easier for families travelling with children.
Eligibility can still depend on nationality and the traveller’s circumstances.
Physical Passports Are Still Important
Although passengers may no longer need to show their passport at the eGate itself, they should carry a valid passport throughout their journey. If the facial recognition check cannot be completed or another issue arises, Border Force may request the physical document.
Travellers with dual nationality should also take particular care when entering the UK. People with British citizenship should enter using a valid British passport or, where applicable, hold a Certificate of Entitlement.
Using the correct documentation can help avoid delays at the border.
Contactless Border Technology Is Part of a Wider Reform
The eGate changes form part of the government’s broader plans to modernise the UK’s border system. Other recent changes include the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, which requires eligible visitors to obtain permission before travelling to the UK.
The government says digital systems can help identify potential security concerns before travellers reach the border while making arrival procedures faster.
AirportsUK chief executive Karen Dee said the technology could make journeys easier while helping airports support secure and faster border processing.
What Gatwick Passengers Need to Know
Travellers arriving at Gatwick can now encounter the new contactless eGate process as part of the rollout. Passengers should approach the eGate, follow the instructions and allow their photograph to be taken. If the automated check is successful, there should be no need to present the physical passport at that stage.
If further checks are required, Border Force staff can request additional documentation. The rollout is expected to continue across the UK over the coming months, with the wider network scheduled to be in place by early 2027.
