-
Nationals from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand,
Singapore, South Korea and the United States can now use
automated ePassport gates
-
51.9 million passengers used ePassport gates in the
year ending September 2018
-
The gates use facial recognition technology to check
passenger identity and maintain the UK’s border
security
Eligible travellers from seven non-EU countries can now use
ePassport gates to enter the UK quickly and securely in changes
being made to the border from today (Monday 20 May).
Visitors from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand,
Singapore, South Korea and the United States will be able to use
ePassport gates at ports across the UK and juxtaposed controls in
a move designed to speed up border controls for low-risk
countries.
There were over 10 million arrivals in the UK by nationals
from these countries in 2017.
Home Secretary said:
“Our new global immigration and border system will improve
security and fluidity for passengers coming to visit or work in
the UK.
“Expanding the use of ePassport gates is a key part of this
and allows us to improve the passenger experience of those
arriving in the UK while keeping our border secure.
“The new system will help to drive our economy, cement our
reputation as a global leader and send a clear message to the
world – the UK is open for business.”
The change means the Government has delivered early on the
commitment made in the Spring Statement, where the Chancellor
announced that nationals from these seven countries would be able
to use ePassport gates from June.
ePassport gates have been available to British and EU
nationals since 2008. EU nationals will remain eligible to use
them once the UK leaves the EU.
Chief Executive of the Airport Operators
Association Karen Dee said:
“As airports prepare for the busy summer months, we know
that no one likes to wait long in a queue for passport control.
That is why airports work closely with Border Force to ensure the
border is welcoming, while maintaining the UK’s
security.
“Enabling more passengers to use ePassport gates is an
important next step in our joint efforts to enhance the welcome
at the border. It will demonstrate the UK is open for business,
tourism and visiting friends and relatives. It will also free up
Border Force officers for other duties, improving the experience
of all passengers.”
Additionally, the Government is removing the need for all
non-EEA travellers to fill in landing cards upon arrival in the
UK, making for a smoother entry to the country.
The move will reduce the burden on passengers while
maintaining the UK’s border security, as exactly the same
security checks will be in place.
The UK is already a world leader in automated passenger
clearance, allowing more nationalities to use ePassport gates
than anywhere else. In the year ending September 2018, 51.9
million passengers used them across the UK and juxtaposed
controls.
The gates use facial recognition technology to compare the
passenger’s face to the digital image recorded in their passport.
They are monitored by Border Force officers and anyone rejected
at the gates will be sent to a manned passport check to have
their identity and passport checked.
The gates can be used by those aged 18 and over, and who
are travelling using a biometric or ‘chipped’ passport. Those
aged 12 to 17, and who are accompanied by an adult, are also able
to use them.
There are currently 264 ePassport
gates in operation at 15 air and rail
terminals in the UK and juxtaposed
controls.
NOTES TO EDITORS
-
The majority of travellers from these seven countries are
eligible to use ePassport gates.
-
Some categories of travellers will still need to see an
immigration officer rather than use an ePassport gate. These
include:
-
children aged 11 and under and their accompanying
adults
-
those without chipped passports
-
limited numbers of individuals coming for distinct
migration purposes where they require specific grants of
leave from an immigration officer
