Birmingham adds contactless eGates, but travellers still need passports

British citizens arriving at Birmingham Airport can now encounter contactless eGates that check identity without requiring a passport to be placed on the reader. Border Force confirmed Birmingham availability in its 20 October update.

Keep your passport ready

The service uses facial comparison technology. Immigration and security checks continue, and every passenger must still travel with a valid passport.

Only a small number of contactless gates are currently available at Birmingham and East Midlands. Access is initially limited to British citizens.

If the gate needs another check

Passengers who cannot complete the contactless process may be instructed to place their passport on the reader or directed to a Border Force officer.

Other eligible travellers should continue using ordinary eGates. The change does not make every nationality eligible for contactless entry.

Wider rollout planned

Border Force expects the technology at all UK airports by early 2027. That is a rollout expectation, rather than confirmation that every airport already offers it.