Bristol Airport, Gatwick and Heathrow bring in new rules for arriving passengers
Arriving back at UK airports can be a stressful time for families with children. Potentially long flights and delays can make it a fraught time. But families with young children can enjoy quicker journeys through airports as the age limit for electronic passport gates has been lowered.
A number of UK airports have now updated their rules following a trial last year. Under the previous rules, passengers aged under 12 were banned from using the gates, forcing families to queue for passport booths. Now, children aged 10 and 11 can use the ePassport gates, but they must be accompanied by an adult.
A trial was rolled out at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted last year. E-gates use facial recognition technology to check passengers’ identities against the photo in their passport. Speaking last year, Border Force director-general Phil Douglas said one of the reasons for the trial was to ensure it does not increase the risk of child smuggling.
He said: “Part of the reason why we don’t allow children to use the e-gates is technological — because children’s faces change. “But there’s a balance to be struck between helping families not to queue and making sure our safeguarding processes work.” Announcing the new rules at Bristol Airport, a spokesperson tweeted: “Children aged 10 and 11 are now able to use the ePassport gates at Passport Control (10 – 17-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult)
“Please remember to: Remove your passport from any cover and have it ready on the photo page. Remove all hats and sunglasses in advance.” Heathrow’s advice to travellers now states that 10 to 17 year olds can use the eGate, but they must be accompanied by an adult.
However, the advice to families is still to ‘go through passport control together’.
Arrivals in the UK need their passport if a eGate facial recognition trial is successful (Image: DANIEL LEAL / AFP via Getty Images)
The website states: “If you’re travelling with a child who may not have the same last name as you or who isn’t your own, you may be asked some questions to confirm your relationship. To help make the process smoother and faster, it’s a good idea to bring along documents that show your relationship with the child and the reason for your trip. This can include birth or adoption, marriage or divorce certificates, or even a letter from the child’s parent(s) giving you permission to travel and providing their contact information..”
Gatwick and Manchester also 10 and 11 year olds to use the faster gates.
References
- ^ CCTV caught moment HGV smashed through barrier in motorway crash (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Woman grabbed by police while trying to return M&S gifts to shopping centre off M5 (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)