Citizens from seven countries – the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea – will join those already able to use e-gates at UK airports and Eurostar terminals from June, British chancellor Philip Hammond has confirmed.
Additionally, landing cards will begin to be abolished from June.
The Board of Airline Representatives in the UK (BAR UK) chief executive Dale Keller said landing cards were “outdated”. He welcomed the extension of ePassport gates to the seven additional countries in time for the summer peak.
“We will be working with airports and Border Force to monitor the much-needed improvement in queue times,” he said.
Airport Operators Association chief executive Karen Dee said she was pleased the government has acted on the concerns of airlines and airports about the deteriorating UK border experience in recent years.