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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:
3 November 2026 — See all updates

Documents

Guide to faster travel through the UK border

HTML

Problems with ePassport gates (eGates)

HTML

Contactless travel using eGates

HTML

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.

Updates to this page

Last updated:
3 November 2026
Show all updates

  1. Updated content to explain contactless travel is available for eGate eligible nationals at participating airports.

  2. Contactless eGates are now available at Birmingham Airport.

  3. Added a new factsheet on contactless travel using eGates.

  4. Added a link to new guidance on how to confirm your immigration status before travelling to the UK.

  5. Updated information to highlight that from 8 July, children aged 8 and over can use eGates.

  6. Information added about rejection at eGates due to lack of digital permission.

  7. Updated guide to faster travel through the UK border. Added section "Reasons why you may be asked to wait by Border Force".

  8. Updated the reasons passengers might not get through eGates.

  9. Added Heathrow airport to the 'Pay to FastTrack passport control at UK airports' list.

  10. Removed Edinburgh and East Midlands from the list of pay to FastTrack passport control at UK airports and added Glasgow.

  11. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

  17. Updated to add eGates YouTube video

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

  19. Updated information on eGates

  20. New Brexit information.

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

  22. Updated guidance.

  23. Updated information.

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

  25. First published.

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