News story

Use ePassport gates for fast entry into the UK

Advice for travellers on using ePassport gates to get through the UK border quickly.

From:
Home Office and Border Force
Published
15 July 2015

This news article was withdrawn on

This news article has been withdrawn because the guidance it includes is out of date.

ePassport symbols

Who can use ePassport gates

Most people arriving in the UK can use ePassport gates to get through border control.

You can use ePassport gates if all of the following are true:

  • you’ve got the biometric symbol on the cover of your passport
  • you’re 18 or over
  • you’re a UK or EU citizen
UK Passport

To use ePassport gates your passport needs to have this symbol on the cover.

How to use ePassport gates

  1. Open your passport to the photo page. Don’t forget to remove the passport from its cover.
  2. Hold the photo page down on the reader and try to keep it still.
  3. Look at the screen in front until it turns green, then walk through the gate.

Remember:

  • Remove sunglasses, hats and scarves. You might need to take your glasses off too.
  • Go through the gates one at a time.

Find out more about entering the UK.

Published 15 July 2015