Search

How can we help?

Icon

Use of e-gates at the UK border increases by 1 million

The Government has revealed that more than one million passengers from seven additional countries have used e-gates to enter the country. This follows the expansion of e-gates on 20 May 2019 to nationals from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the United States.

The use of e-gates reduces the time a passenger spends on the border. E-gates use latest technology to recognise the facial features of a passenger and compare this with the digital image recorded on their passport. Any discrepancy or a flag on the database can result in the e-gates re-directing the passenger to an Immigration Officer.

The use of e-gates reduces the time a passenger spends on the border

The use of e-gates requires an e-passport which contains a biometric chip. It is expected that European nationals will continue to have access to e-gates after the UK leaves the EU.

Disclaimer
This information is for guidance purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice. Please refer to the full General Notices on our website.

Author profile

Monica Atwal

Managing Partner

View profile

+44 118 960 4605

About this article

Read, listen and watch our latest insights

art
  • 03 June 2026
  • Employment

Holiday Pay Record Keeping – What this new duty means for employers

The Employment Rights Act 2025 made certain changes to the rules around holiday records, which came into effect on 6th April 2026.

art
  • 03 June 2026
  • Corporate and M&A

Is your Company’s Register of Members accurate? The hidden risks of getting it wrong

Ensure your company’s Register of Members is accurate and compliant. Learn the legal risks, common mistakes, and how to protect your business from penalties.

art
  • 02 June 2026
  • Corporate and M&A

Clarkslegal welcomes leading Corporate Law expert Mark Ridley as Partner

Clarkslegal is delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Ridley as a new Partner in the Corporate and Commercial team.

art
  • 28 May 2026

Newly rebranded legal services group Orwins makes investment in Clarkslegal

Orwins, the law firm for ambitious businesses and high net worth individuals, has today, 27 May 2026, announced a significant investment in Reading-based commercial law firm Clarkslegal.

art
  • 20 May 2026
  • Immigration

AI vs Home Office approved Translations – why migrants are paying the price

AI is transforming almost every professional sector. Law firms now use AI-assisted drafting, businesses rely on automated translation software, and governments increasingly use digital systems for decision-making.

art
  • 20 May 2026
  • Employment

Trade Unions Right of Access from October – What you need to know

Under the Employment Rights Act 2025, independent Trade Unions (i.e. those with a certificate of independence) will have a right to access workplaces (physically and digitally) from October 2026.