The government has announced that new contactless technology will be introduced at airports to deliver smoother and quicker journeys through eGates, while still maintaining border security.

With the new contactless system, passengers arriving in the UK will be able to pass through airport eGates without having to show their passport.

Starting from 6 October, eGates at UK airports will begin switching to the new tech, with every eGate due to be upgraded by early 2027.

Passengers will approach the eGate and have their photo taken. The system will then check this live image against verified immigration, travel and passport information. The eGate will open automatically once the checks are complete.

The new systems use state-of-the-art facial technology to verify a passenger’s identity before the UK’s robust border security checks are carried out in full.

Legitimate travellers will be able to walk through without having to show their passport.

If additional checks are needed, passengers will have to place their passport on the reader or may be directed to a Border Force officer. Border Force officers will continue to monitor all eGates and offer assistance where needed.

Passengers will still be required to carry their passports at all times.

In tests, the new system was 25 per cent faster than using a passport on an eGate.

The rollout will begin at East Midlands Airport. It will initially be available for British citizens and will expand to more airports and other nationalities that are already eligible to use eGates.

Phil Douglas, Director General of Border Force, said: "This is a win for travellers coming to our brilliant country.

"By using state-of-the-art technology, we are making journeys smoother and faster, all while fully maintaining the UK’s robust border security.

"Our digital transformation also builds on our work this summer to extend eGates to children aged eight and above, making life a little easier for families."

Karen Dee, chief executive of AirportsUK, the trade body for UK airports, said: "This will be excellent news for the passenger and demonstrates how UK airports continue to be at the forefront of new technologies to keep our borders safe, while improving the travelling experience.

"It is vital that we have the fast, efficient borders that arrivals into the UK now expect, and we will work closely with our members and government officials to ensure a smooth rollout."