UK eGates: Only 7 Non-European Countries Eligible

The UK government has released information regarding the use of automatic eGates at border control, specifying that only citizens from seven non-European countries are eligible to utilize these fast-track lanes upon arrival. Travelers from outside the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein can bypass standard passport queues if they hold a passport from one of the qualifying countries.

Eligible travelers must be at least eight years old, possess a passport with a biometric chip symbol, and have valid digital immigration status or a digital exemption record. Those who do not meet these criteria will be directed to standard border control, where their passport and any applicable visa will be checked by an officer.

They will also need to explain the purpose of their visit. This policy means that the majority of African travelers will continue to experience lengthy waits at manned border desks, as no African nation is included in the list of countries permitted to use the eGates.