Arrivals at Stansted Airport will soon be able to clear border control without presenting their passport at the gate.
A new contactless eGate system, designed to speed up entry into the UK for British travellers, is being rolled out across the country and is expected to reach Stansted by early 2027.
The phased rollout began on October 6 at East Midlands Airport.
A Home Office spokesperson said: "The Home Office expects contactless eGates to be available at all UK airports by early 2027."
The technology uses facial recognition to compare a live image of the traveller with immigration, travel and passport records.
If the system successfully verifies the traveller’s identity and completes security checks, the gate opens automatically without the need to scan a passport.
Despite the new system, passengers are still required to carry their passports.
If additional checks are needed, travellers may be asked to present their passport at the eGate or speak with a Border Force officer.
The Home Office said: "Border Force officers will also continue to monitor the eGates and provide assistance where needed."
The contactless eGates are being introduced gradually at airports including Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Glasgow, Heathrow, London City, Luton, Manchester, Newcastle and Stansted.
The current eligibility rules for using eGates remain unchanged.
The technology aims to improve the passenger experience by reducing wait times without compromising security.
It forms part of the UK Government’s wider efforts to modernise border controls and streamline airport arrivals.
The Home Office has emphasised that while the system is designed to be more efficient, border security checks remain in place.
Passengers who are unable to use the eGates or who require further checks will continue to be assisted by Border Force officers as under the existing system.
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