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 September 2026
  • Employment

Employment Rights Act – October Changes

We are well and truly underway with implementation of the Employment Rights Act 2025 (“ERA 2025”) and October brings the next tranche of changes that employers will need to be ready for.

art
  • 02 September 2026
  • Immigration

Mandatory MFA for Sponsor Management System Users: What Sponsors Need to Know

The Home Office is introducing a significant security change to the Sponsor Management System (SMS). From 3 September 2026, the Home Office will begin a phased rollout of mandatory Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for SMS users.

art
  • 01 September 2026

Orwins continues growth with investment in Milners and Acquisition of Roe Lawyers

Clarkslegal is pleased to share the news that Orwins, the legal services group we joined earlier this year, has announced a significant investment in Yorkshire law firm Milners and the acquisition of London-based specialist practice Roe Lawyers.

Pub
  • 28 August 2026
  • Immigration

Right to Work and Sponsor Licence Changes 2026: Key dates for businesses

In this podcast, immigration solicitors Ruth Karimatsenga and Monica Mastropasqua discuss the key immigration compliance changes coming into force in September and October 2026 and what employers, HR teams, sponsors and individuals should do to prepare.

art
  • 28 August 2026
  • Commercial Real Estate

Modernising security of tenure: The Law Commission’s follow up consultation paper

On 16th June 2026, the Commission published its second consultation paper: Business Tenancies: the right to renew – modernising security of tenure.

Pub
  • 27 August 2026
  • Litigation and dispute resolution

The Highly Expedited Arbitration Provisions – ICC Rules 2026 – Factsheet

This factsheet provides an overview of the ICC’s Highly Expedited Arbitration Provisions (HEAP), outlining some of the key procedural features introduced by Appendix VI of the 2026 Rules and the potential benefits of this new expedited process.