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СпутникиРНSpaceXРоскосмосNASATravel could be about to get faster for some families this summer at dozens of UK airports
15:30, 01 Jul 2026Updated 15:30, 01 Jul 2026
Families are being reminded that a major change to a key rule across more than a dozen UK airports will come into effect this summer. From next week, on July 8, a security rule will be eased for certain primary school-age children.
Back in May, the UK Government announced that up to 1.5 million more children would soon be able to use UK eGates, helping to speed up the process for them and their families during the summer holidays. Children aged eight and nine, who are at least 120cm (3ft 11in) tall and travelling with an adult, will become eligible under the new measures that come into force on Wednesday, July 8.
Officials say the change to the age threshold will be a welcome relief for families returning home from their holidays with young children in tow. The government claims that passing through an eGate typically takes just a matter of minutes.
With greater numbers of passengers making use of eGates, waiting times at passport control are also anticipated to fall. Prior to 8 July, eGates were generally available to those aged 10 and above, though children under 17 were required to (and must still be) accompanied by an adult, reports the Express.
Passengers are eligible to use an eGate if they have a biometric symbol on the front cover of their passport and are either:
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Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp said: "Travel with young children can be stressful for parents. By expanding eGate access, more families can experience a swifter and smoother journey home - freeing up precious time this summer holiday season. We are delivering continued improvement to the passenger experience, while keeping our borders safe and secure."
Border Force Director General, Phil Douglas said: "eGates are an essential part of keeping our border secure. Expanding access for families will deliver safe, smooth journeys whilst freeing up highly-skilled officers to focus on intercepting those who pose a threat to the UK."
Karen Dee, Chief executive of AirportsUK, the trade body for UK airports, said: "This is a welcome development as it will give more families the ability to take advantage of this technology, speeding up the border process and reducing waiting times for many. Airports work very hard with border authorities to ensure the UK's front door is both secure and welcoming, with those coming home and visiting enjoying a smooth experience."
The UK first introduced ePassport gates at airports in 2008, with the very first gate going live at Manchester Airport. Initially, the automated gates were limited to UK, EU, and Swiss citizens but have since expanded to include eligible travellers from dozens of countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Full list of UK airports with eGates (as of July 2026):| # | Наименование новости | Тональность | Информативность | Дата публикации |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Turkey 'no longer able to' warning to UK holidaymakers | 0 | 5 | 01-07-2026 |
| 2 | UK airport rule could see your holiday 'ruined' | -2 | 3 | 30-06-2026 |
| 3 | British Airways urges passengers to bring item to 'avoid delays' at security | 0 | 5 | 01-07-2026 |
| 4 | E-gate access to be expanded at UK airports to include younger children | 0 | 5 | 14-05-2026 |
| 5 | Simon Calder urges all Brits to make huge airport change this summer | 0 | 5 | 30-06-2026 |
| 6 | Parents warned over Spanish holidays in Foreign Office update | 0 | 5 | 29-06-2026 |
| 7 | Key details as UK travellers going to Europe 'have to pay new £17 fee' in 2026 | 0 | 5 | 03-07-2026 |
| 8 | 'Cancellations and delays possible' during July 5 EasyJet strike in country | -2 | 6 | 30-06-2026 |
| 9 | EasyJet update for UK travellers as 13 new routes to launch from 10 airports | 0 | 5 | 25-06-2026 |
| 10 | Heathrow on verge of being overtaken as Europe’s busiest airport | 0 | 5 | 10-07-2026 |