UK Airports Announce New Rules For Arriving Passengers

UK Airports Announce New Rules For Arriving Passengers

A number of UK airports including Bristol, Heathrow and Manchester have announced new rules for ePassport gates.

A number of airports across the UK have updated their rules allowing families with young children to enjoy quicker journeys. Under the previous rules, passengers aged under 12 were banned from using ePassport gates, forcing families to queue for passport booths.

Now, after trials, children aged 10 and 11 can use the ePassport gates – but they must be accompanied by an adult. The trial was rolled out at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted last year.

E-gates use facial recognition technology to check passengers’ identities against the photo in their passport. A number of airports have now updated their rules following the trial. Listed are the airports that will change their rules.

A number of UK airports including Bristol, Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester Airports have announced new rules for ePassport gates.

Border Force director-general Phil Douglas has said last year that one of the reasons for the trial was to ensure it does not increase the risk of child smuggling. He said: “Part of the reason why we don’t allow children to use the e-gates is technological — because children’s faces change. But there’s a balance to be struck between helping families not to queue and making sure our safeguarding processes work.”

Announcing the new rules at Bristol Airport, a spokesperson tweeted: “Children aged 10 and 11 are now able to use the ePassport gates at Passport Control (10 – 17-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult). Please remember to: Remove your passport from any cover and have it ready on the photo page. Remove all hats and sunglasses in advance.”