No passports needed in new UK biometric e-gates trial

Travellers to the UK will be able to pocket their passports under a new Border Force e-gate plan, according to The Times.

The publication reports that trials of facial biometric gates will begin this year. UK Border Force director-general Phil Douglas said the new system will reduce friction, compared with the previous system, which also uses facial recognition.

The new implementation follows facial biometric systems in countries like Dubai and Australia.

The goal is reportedly for 270 gates to be replaced at air and rail ports. Legacy passport desks are expected to mostly be replaced over the next two to three years.

Electronic Travel authorisation (ETA) expansion

The scheme ties in with the UK’s incoming Electronic Travel authorisation (ETA) scheme and provide faster passenger processing with enhanced security, officials say. Douglas also noted the system will be connected to immigration systems to prevent ineligible travellers from boarding.

The ETA scheme is also expanding in 2024 after Qatari visitors were the first to be able to apply for an ETA in October 2023. Nationals of the remaining Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates) and Jordan will need an ETA if they’re visiting the UK from February 22, 2024, and can apply for their ETA from February 1, 2024. It will be expanded worldwide throughout 2024.

The move to the ETA scheme means that the visa requirement will be removed for nationals from GCC states and Jordan.