UK Expands eGate Eligibility for Children Aged 8 and 9 from July 2026
From July 2026, children aged 8 and 9 who meet height requirements and travel with an adult will gain access to UK eGates. This change is expected to benefit around 1.5 million additional children annually based on recent arrival figures. The update forms part of ongoing border improvements including the ETA scheme.
The UK government has announced plans to expand access to eGates at borders for more children travelling with families. According to gov.uk, this adjustment aims to streamline journeys for passengers returning from holidays.
Overview of the eGate Expansion
Children aged 8 and 9 years old who are at least 120cm tall and accompanied by an adult will become eligible to use UK eGates. The change is scheduled to take effect from Wednesday 8 July 2026 and applies across more than 290 eGates at UK and juxtaposed ports.
Important Date Note
Access begins from 8 July 2026. Families should check current requirements closer to travel as rules can be updated on gov.uk.
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 8 or 9 years old |
| Height | At least 120cm (3ft 11in) |
| Accompaniment | Must travel with an adult |
| Travel Type | Applies to arrivals at covered ports |
These criteria are set out in the announcement and are based on publicly available gov.uk information. The expansion is projected to allow an estimated 1.5 million more children to use eGates over the following year according to 2025 arrival data.
How eGates Work for Eligible Passengers
- eGate usage typically takes just a few minutes per passenger.
- More users may help reduce overall queue times at passport control.
- The system supports secure and efficient processing while maintaining border controls.
Border Security Context
eGates remain an essential tool for secure border management, allowing officers to focus on higher-risk cases according to statements from Border Force.
Related Border Developments
The eGate update aligns with the rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, which has issued nearly 25 million authorisations since introduction. The ETA provides additional information on travellers entering the UK.
Future plans include moving towards a contactless border using facial comparison technology, reducing the need to present passports in some cases while preserving security standards.
Stakeholder Perspectives
- AirportsUK noted the change should speed up processes and reduce waiting times.
- VisitBritain highlighted potential benefits for tourism and visitor experience.
- Officials emphasised improvements to passenger journeys alongside security.
When does the new eGate access start?
The expanded eligibility for children aged 8 and 9 begins on 8 July 2026 at participating UK and juxtaposed ports.
What height requirement applies?
Children must be at least 120cm tall to use eGates under the updated rules.
Does this change affect all ports?
It covers more than 290 eGates across UK and juxtaposed locations where border checks occur.
How does this relate to the ETA scheme?
The ETA scheme operates separately but contributes to a fuller picture of arrivals, supporting overall border transformation efforts.