UK Lowers E-Gate Age Limit to 8 from July 8

Children aged eight and nine returning to the UK from abroad will be able to use e-gates at airports and other entry points starting July 8, the Home Office announced.

They must be at least 120cm (3ft 11in) tall to be detected by biometric scanners and need to be accompanied by an adult.

The government expects up to 1.5 million additional children to use e-gates after lowering the minimum age from 10.

More than 290 e-gates operate in the UK and at juxtaposed ports, where border checks occur on the continent.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp said more families would "experience a swifter and smoother journey home... this summer holiday season".

The e-gates serve Britons and citizens of EU states, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland and the US, as well as members of the Registered Traveller Service.

They are also available at juxtaposed ports in Brussels and Paris.

Border Force Director General Phil Douglas said the measure allows "highly skilled officers to focus on intercepting those who pose a threat to the UK".

"It will give more families the ability to take advantage of this technology, speeding up the border process and reducing waiting times for many," she said.

"Airports work very hard with border authorities to ensure the UK's front door is both secure and welcoming, with those coming home and visiting enjoying a smooth experience."

E-gates form part of the government's Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme, which launched in February to provide digital permission for arrivals in the UK.