More children eligible for eGates in boost for families this summer

Current rules

From 8 July 2026, children aged 8 and 9 years are eligible to use UK eGates. To be eligible, these children must: * Be at least 120cm (3ft 11in) tall. * Be accompanied by an adult. This eligibility applies to eGates at UK airports and juxtaposed ports, covering over 290 locations.

Overview

The UK Home Office and UK Visas and Immigration announced an expansion of eGate access to children aged 8 and 9 years, provided they are at least 120cm tall and accompanied by an adult. This change is set to begin from Wednesday, 8 July 2026, across more than 290 eGates in the UK and juxtaposed ports. This update will make approximately 1.5 million additional children eligible to use eGates annually, aiming to speed up border processes for families.

What changed in the latest version

This change helps families travelling with young children. It will make border crossings quicker and smoother. If you travel with children aged 8 or 9, they can now use the faster eGates. They must meet the height and accompaniment rules. This makes your family's journey easier. It also aims to reduce waiting times for all passengers at passport control. This happens by sharing out the work. For the UK, this makes the country more appealing to tourists. It offers an easier entry experience.

Explained simply

Imagine you're at the airport, excited to get home after a trip. Usually, if you have kids under 10, you all have to go through the slower passport control lines. But soon, if your child is 8 or 9 years old and tall enough (at least 120cm, or about 3 feet 11 inches), they can join you at the faster eGates, just like older kids and adults! Think of it like this: Before, the eGates were a special express lane only for grown-ups and older kids. Now, they're opening up that express lane to slightly younger kids too, as long as they meet a few simple rules, like being tall enough and having an adult with them. This means less waiting for families and a quicker start to your holiday once you land. This change kicks off on 8 July 2026.

Version history

1. v2Effective 8 Jul 2026AnnouncementMedium impact
   More children eligible for eGates in boost for families this summer

   The UK will let children aged 8 and 9 use eGates. This starts from 8 July 2026. These children must be at least 120cm tall. An adult must be with them. This change should make border checks quicker for families. It means about 1.5 million more children can use eGates each year.