Stansted to get contactless facial recognition border eGates by 2027

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 12:00 · Archive

Stansted Airport will introduce contactless facial recognition eGates for border control by early 2027, allowing British passengers to clear arrivals without presenting their passport.

Stansted Airport will introduce contactless facial recognition eGates by early 2027, as part of a phased rollout across UK airports. The system uses facial recognition technology to compare a live image of a traveller with their immigration, travel and passport records. If the system successfully verifies the traveller's identity and completes security checks, the gate opens automatically without the need to scan a passport.

The phased rollout began on 6 October at East Midlands Airport. The eGates are being introduced gradually at airports including Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Glasgow, Heathrow, London City, Luton, Manchester and Newcastle. The Home Office said the contactless eGates are expected to be available at all UK airports by early 2027.

Despite the new system, passengers are still required to carry their passports. If additional checks are needed, travellers may be asked to present their passport at the eGate or speak with a Border Force officer. Border Force officers will continue to monitor the eGates and provide assistance where needed. The current eligibility rules for using eGates remain unchanged, and passengers who require further checks will continue to be assisted by Border Force officers as under the existing system.

Stansted to get contactless facial recognition border eGates by 2027 — Image: East Anglian Daily Times

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How it is being reported

Big change coming to major airport could speed up experience for Suffolk passengersStansted Airport will introduce contactless facial recognition eGates by early 2027, speeding up UK arrivals. Passengers must still carry passports.East Anglian Daily Times · 12 Oct, 11:27
Big change coming to major airport could speed up experience for Suffolk passengersStansted Airport will introduce contactless facial recognition eGates by early 2027, speeding up UK arrivals. Passengers must still carry passports.Ipswich Star · 12 Oct, 11:27

In this story: Stansted Airport · Home Office · East Midlands Airport · Border Force · UK

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