Gatwick Airport to see new eGate rules from next week

Gatwick Airport is one of 13 UK airports that will welcome new eGate rule changes next week <i>(Image: Getty Images)</i>
Gatwick Airport is one of 13 UK airports that will welcome new eGate rule changes next week (Image: Getty Images)
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Families travelling from Gatwick will see new rules come into place next week.

The change to eGates will allow more children to use them, to speed up journeys for them and their families.

The change will help families returning from their holidays with young children.

Here is all you need to know and when the change takes effect.

eGate rules to change for children at Gatwick Airport

Under current rules, children need to be 10 to use the eGates, and before 2023, it was 12 years old.

However, the new rules will mean that children aged eight and nine, who are at least 120cm (3ft 11in) tall and accompanied by an adult, can use eGates in the UK.

Height restrictions are due to children needing to be able to see and be captured by biometric screens.

The change will speed up the process for children and their families, as they typically have to see a border force officer.

The expanded access is set to begin from next Wednesday (July 8).

Gatwick Airport is one of 13 UK airports using eGates that will see the updated rules come into effect.

The new rules will cover more than 290 eGates in the UK and accompanying ports where border checks take place in Europe.

There are also 48 EU airports that are allowing British holidaymakers to use eGates, including places in Spain, France, Italy and Portugal.

The rules will also impact other travel methods such as Eurostar and the Eurotunnel.

People travelling from non-Schengen countries in Europe, along with the US, Australia and Japan, can also use the eGates.



Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp, said: "Travel with young children can be stressful for parents.    

"By expanding eGate access, more families can experience a swifter and smoother journey home – freeing up precious time this summer holiday season. 

"We are delivering continued improvement to the passenger experience, while keeping our borders safe and secure."

What do you think about the new eGate change? Let us know in the comments.

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