Contactless passport checks to roll out at UK airports by 2027

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

Contactless passport checks using facial recognition are being introduced at major UK airports including Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester. The new technology will allow eligible passengers to pass through airport eGates without physically scanning their passports. The rollout will happen gradually across various UK airports by early 2027.

Travellers will still need valid passports even where contactless checks are available. Paul Stewart, travel expert and founder of luggage shipping service My Baggage, cautioned that 'the biggest mistake people could make is assuming that contactless means passport-free'. Airlines will continue checking travel documents before boarding, and passengers may still be asked to present their passports at border control.

Passengers are advised to keep their passports secure but easily accessible in hand luggage during the transition period. British citizens are currently the first group able to use the contactless system, with other nationalities already eligible for eGates expected to be brought into the system during the gradual rollout.

How it is being reported

• New passport checks coming to UK airports - everything travellers need to knowContactless passport checks are coming to Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester, but travellers still need valid passports and should keep them in hand luggage.Malvern Gazette · 18 Oct, 05:00
• New passport checks coming to UK airports - everything travellers need to knowContactless passport checks are coming to Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester, but travellers still need valid passports and should keep them in hand luggage.Worcester News · 18 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Heathrow · Gatwick · Manchester · Paul Stewart · My Baggage · UK

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