Millions more families can now useeGatesas age limit changes
kick in today (8 July 2026), making journeys easier this summer
holiday season.
Children aged 8 and over can now use the
gates if they are travelling with an adult and are at
least 120cm tall (3ft 11in).
Today's change comes as the summer getaway season ramps
up, with schools in Scotland and Northern Ireland having recently
broken up for the holidays.
It is estimated 1.5 million more children will be
eligible to use eGates with their families over
the next year, based on 2025 UK arrival figures.
MinisterAlex Norris, Minister for Border Securityand
Asylumsaid:
Today'schange willmakejourneyseasier forfamilieswithsmallchildren
andreduce thehassleoftravellinghomeafter aholiday.
It will also free up more time for tourists to enjoy our
fantastic country this summer and in the years ahead.
Millions of passengers already use UKeGateseach year, typically
taking just minutes each time.
There are more than 290eGatesat UK airports and ports, plus
juxtaposed ports (where UK border checks take place in
Europe).
To improve passenger journeys even more, workcontinues onthe
contactless border.
This will seestate-of-the-artfacialcomparison technologyverify
someone's identity without needing to present a passport, all
whilemaintainingstrong border security.
Meanwhile, in another boost for families, the Great British
Summer Savings scheme is underway, helping people enjoy days out
for less.
By temporarily cutting VAT, the scheme reduces the cost of
children's meals in restaurants, tickets for theatres and
cinemas, and entry to attractions such as soft play centres,
adventureparksand theme parks.
Families heading to Europe are also reminded tobe aware ofthe
EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) and check with their travel operator
for the latest information.
EES replaces passport stamping for non-EU nationals, recording
each entry and exit from the Schengen area (all EU member states
except Ireland and Cyprus;plusIceland, Liechtenstein,Norwayand
Switzerland).
Thefirst timetravellers complete EES checks, they will need to
register, meaning their passport and fingerprints are scanned and
their photo is taken.
After this, only 1 biometric (either a photograph or fingerprint)
will be needed alongside a passport scan on entry and exit.
More information on EES is on
GOV.UK and the EU's Travel to Europe website.
