Contactless passport checks to roll out across UK airports

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 06:00 · Archive

UK airports including Heathrow and Gatwick will introduce contactless passport checks using facial recognition, though travellers must still carry valid passports.

Contactless passport checks using facial recognition are being introduced at UK airports, with the technology rolling out to Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and other airports including Newcastle by early 2027.

The new eGates will allow eligible passengers to pass through border control without physically scanning their passports, instead using facial recognition to verify identity. However, passengers will still be required to carry valid passports when travelling internationally, as airlines will continue checking travel documents before boarding.

British citizens are currently the first group able to use the contactless system. Other nationalities already eligible for eGates are expected to be brought into the system as the rollout progresses.

The technology is being introduced gradually across airports rather than becoming available everywhere at once. During this transition period, passengers should keep their passports secure but easily accessible in their hand luggage, as they may still be asked to present them at border control.

Travel expert Paul Stewart warned against a common misconception about the new system. He said: 'Contactless passport checks are a welcome change for travellers, but the biggest mistake people could make is assuming that contactless means passport-free.' He emphasised that passengers will still need a valid passport for international travel, and that travellers should keep their passports accessible rather than packing them in checked baggage.

How it is being reported

• New passport checks coming to airports such as NewcastleContactless passport checks are coming to Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester, but travellers still need valid passports and should keep them in hand luggage.Westmorland Gazette · 17 Oct, 05:00
• New passport checks coming to airports such as NewcastleContactless passport checks are coming to Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester, but travellers still need valid passports and should keep them in hand luggage.News & Star · 17 Oct, 05:00
• New passport checks coming to airports such as NewcastleContactless passport checks are coming to Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester, but travellers still need valid passports and should keep them in hand luggage.NW Evening Mail · 17 Oct, 05:00
• New passport checks coming to airports such as NewcastleContactless passport checks are coming to Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester, but travellers still need valid passports and should keep them in hand luggage.Whitehaven News · 17 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Heathrow · Gatwick · Manchester · Newcastle · Paul Stewart · My Baggage · United Kingdom

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