New contactless passport checks are being rolled out across UK airports, including Gatwick, Manchester and Heathrow, in a move designed to make border control faster for returning travellers.

The technology allows eligible passengers to pass through eGates without scanning their passports, using facial recognition to verify their identity instead. It is up and running at East Midlands Airport, the first in the country to introduce it, and the government expects it to reach all UK airports by early 2027. For now, it is open only to British citizens, with other nationalities to follow. Because the changes are being introduced gradually, travellers could be caught off guard if they assume they no longer need to keep their passports to hand.

Paul Stewart, travel expert and founder of international luggage shipping service My Baggage, explains what the new checks mean for British travellers and the precautions passengers should take to avoid unnecessary delays.

Paul says: “Contactless passport checks are a welcome change for travellers, but the biggest mistake people could make is assuming that contactless means passport-free. Passengers will still need a valid passport for international travel, and airlines will continue checking travel documents before boarding. With the new technology being rolled out gradually, travellers should keep their passports secure but easily accessible, as they may still be asked to present them at border control.”

Paul also shares four things British travellers should remember as the new checks are introduced:

  • Don’t assume you can travel without a passport. The new technology removes the need to scan your passport at participating eGates, but it doesn’t remove the requirement to carry valid travel documents.
  • Check whether your airport has introduced the new system. The technology is being rolled out gradually, so passengers travelling through Gatwick, Manchester and other major airports should be prepared to use the existing passport scanning process.
  • Keep your passport in your hand luggage, not your checked baggage. Even if you can pass through an eGate without scanning it, you may still need your passport for airline checks or additional identity verification.
  • Make sure your passport is valid before travelling. Contactless border checks do not change the passport validity requirements of your destination country. Travellers should check both their passport’s expiry date and the relevant entry requirements before departure.

Paul adds: “Technology can make travelling easier, but it doesn’t replace the need to prepare properly. Whether you’re heading abroad for a holiday, returning from a business trip or relocating internationally, having the right documents ready is still one of the simplest ways to avoid disruption.

“With more airports adopting contactless checks, travellers should welcome the convenience while remembering that the responsibility for having valid travel documents hasn’t changed.”