ePassport gates eligibility expansion confirmed for June
From June, millions more people will be able to use ePassport gates as they arrive in the UK, the Chancellor confirmed in yesterday’s Spring Statement.
Eligible passengers from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the USA will be able to use the ePassport gates at UK airports and Brussels and Paris Eurostar terminals.
The Chancellor also announced that, to coincide with the ePassport gates expansion, the government will begin to abolish landing cards for non-EEA travellers.
Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes said:
The expanded access to ePassport gates and the withdrawal of landing cards is part of our work to transform the UK’s border, providing a quicker, seamless experience for passengers that is built around digital systems.
These changes will deliver an improved arrival experience and is further encouragement for people who boost our economy through tourism and business to travel to the UK.
In line with the ePassport gate expansion, citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the USA will be exempt from the landing card requirement from June. The government’s ambition is to go further and more details will be provided in due course.
All passengers arriving at UK ports and airports will continue to be subject to full identity and security checks.