Can I use the UK eGates and who is allowed to use them?

The short answer

You can use UK eGates if you have a biometric passport, are 8 or over and are at least 120cm tall. British citizens and people from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein can use them with extra conditions. Visitors from seven listed countries can also use them, and children aged 8 to 17 need an adult with them.

What are the basic rules?

• Your passport must have a biometric symbol on the cover.
• You must be 8 years old or over.
• You must be 120cm (3ft 11in) or taller.
• If you are between 8 and 17, you must have an adult with you.
• Enter the eGates one at a time. They use facial recognition to check you against your passport photo.

Can British citizens use them?

Yes. GOV.UK says British citizens can use the UK/EEA channel, which is usually faster than the other channels, and can use the automatic eGates if the passport has a biometric symbol on the cover and they are 8 or over. Under-18s must have an adult with them, and the 120cm height minimum applies.

What about EU, Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic and Liechtenstein citizens?

They can use the UK/EEA channel, and the automatic eGates if all of the following apply: a biometric symbol on the passport cover, aged 8 or over, and a valid digital immigration status or record of a digital exemption. Where you hold settled or pre-settled status, used the UK Immigration: ID Check app, or have a certificate of application, your passport or national identity card should be linked to your UK Visas and Immigration account or you may be delayed.

Which other countries can use the eGates?

If you are from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, your passport and any visa are checked and you are usually asked why you are visiting. You can use the UK/EEA lanes and eGates if you have a biometric passport, are 8 or over, have a valid digital immigration status or record of a digital exemption, and your passport is from an eligible country. The eligible countries are Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the United States.

You may also be able to use them as a member of the Registered Traveller Service.

When should I not use an eGate?

If you are entering with a Temporary Work, Creative Worker certificate of sponsorship for up to 3 months and want to enter without a visa, you must see a Border Force officer and get a stamp. You cannot get a stamp from an eGate, and without it you will not be allowed to carry out the activities you came to do. If you travel with an eVisa, your fingerprints may be checked at border control.

Sources: GOV.UK: Entering the UK, at border control. Read 5 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you travel.

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