Guidance

Getting through the UK border faster

Advice for avoiding delays at UK border control, including how to use ePassport gates.

From:
Border Force
Published
6 December 2016
Last updated
7 March 2024 — See all updates

Documents

Guide to faster travel through the UK border

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Reasons you may not get through ePassport gates (eGates)

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Details

This guide contains advice on faster travel through the UK border, including:

  • using ePassport gates (eGates)
  • travelling as a family
  • travelling by coach or minibus

You should check what you need to do to enter the UK.

Published 6 December 2016
Last updated 7 March 2024 + show all updates

  1. Updated the guide to faster travel through the UK border as visitors carrying out Permitted Paid Engagements no longer need to get their passport stamped by a Border Force officer.

  2. Updated age of eGate users from 12 to 10.

  3. Added a guide to reasons you may not get through ePassport gates.

  4. Updated information on use of ID cards to enter the UK if you're an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen.

  5. Updated section on 'Getting your passport stamped by a Border Force officer' to reflect the introduction of the new Temporary Work – Creative Worker route.

  6. Guidance updated in light of the end of the transition period.

  7. Updated to add eGates YouTube video

  8. Updated to add information for nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the USA about eGates

  9. Updated information on eGates

  10. New Brexit information.

  11. New information on restrictions or bans for bringing some food products in the UK.

  12. Updated guidance.

  13. Updated information.

  14. Information on using your passport, rather than an ID card, added.

  15. First published.

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