We’ve hit the summer holidays at last – and given the weather, getting away will be high on people’s priorities – as well as getting back.
For those who are entering the United Kingdom, there’s good news with the eGates service being expanded to children aged 10 and 11 years old, and upwards.
The move follows a successful trial across major ports of entry including Gatwick, Stansted and Heathrow Airports this spring, with the new entry applicable from today (24th July 2023).
This will allow more families returning and eligible visitors to the UK over the school summer holiday will now benefit from the use of eGates as a faster way to travel through the UK border.
With passenger volumes expected to return to 2019 levels this summer – and some ports exceeding those volumes – Border Force expects to see over 34 million air arrivals coming through UK passport control over the coming months.
According to the Home Office, this new eGate change is expected to benefit thousands of families this summer, with over 400,000 children aged 10 and 11 years old projected to use eGates this year.
Alongside increasing eGate capacity The Home Office introducing an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme later this year and continuing to expand eVisas which will improve the customer experience at the border.
The national rollout of the expansion of eGates to this age group will come into effect across 15 air and rail ports that currently have 293 eGates.
In Quotes
Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said:
From next week, families with children over the age of 10 will be able to benefit from quicker entry into the UK using eGates.
This national rollout will make travelling easier for passengers and strengthens the security of the UK border.
The UK processes more passengers through eGates than any other country – and today’s announcement ensures we remain at the forefront of technology.
Miguel Leitmann, Vision Box CEO said:
Vision Box is very proud to have supplied the technology that has enabled the UK Home Office and Border Force to lead the market, in what is widely regarded as the global reference for Automated Border Control.
With more passengers using ePassport gates in the UK than in any country in the world, we have been delighted to see the passenger usage rise year-on-year over the last 10 years.
We have worked together with Border Force to facilitate the secure and seamless entry into the UK, reducing queues for more than 70 million passengers per year.
Which is all fine. Except when it isn’t
eGates are great when they work – they allow for fast transit through the UK Border with minimal wait time. And no doubt, it will help a lot of families who are prepared and organised enough to be ready when going through an eGate.
Alas, there can be issues – be it glasses, crumbled passport pages, and of course, when the chip decides to fail in your passport.
Additionally, by the time you’ve hit the border- you’re tired out – and that includes children who may not choose to stay in place for the camera and recognition to do their thing.
No doubt, the trial has proved that the eGate function is fit for purpose.
However, it might be worth spending a few minutes extra when going through the UK Border – or else, you’ll be joining your good author in the queue of shame to be manually cleared…
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