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Update please when US citizens could use electronic passport control entering UK?

As I have read, travelers with passports from the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Japan will soon be able to "jump the queue" on arrival at London Heathrow, using electronic passport gates previously reserved for EU passport holders.

Per what I read, “It's big news for several reasons: Waits for passport processing at London Heathrow have recently been very long for visitors from outside the EU. The new measure is expected to speed up the process in a big way. (At an electronic passport gate, all you have to do is place your passport on a scanner and pause for a photo that's cross-referenced with your document. Once the system matches the scans, a gate will open and you're free to go.) It's also part of the U.K.’s bigger plan to appeal to other non-European countries—and their respective travelers—as it readies itself for Brexit.”

This perk isn't expected to start until mid-2019. Observations and comments, please.

Posted by
11569 posts

I received an email from Britain saying that if I travel four times each year to LHR and I assume other international airports in UK, I can buy their version of Global Entry. I have been at LHR a lot recently and do have US Global Entry so I think I received the offer because of both. It was expensive and I will not be at LHR as often so I passed on it. Is this what you mean or is kt another even better option?

Posted by
24 posts

Thank you for your response. No, this references the electronic entry “key” upon a US and I believe UK passport that allows you forgo your visit to the passport officer. Just slide you passport key insignia into the reader, match your face with that on record. If a match, off you go. I use it coming back at my local airport, DIA.

Posted by
24 posts

I found this ... so ... FYI ... Heathrow Airport has welcomed the news that from June citizens from countries including the US and Singapore will be allowed to use e-gates at UK borders.
In his Spring Statement, Chancellor Philip Hammond also confirmed that paper landing cards for those citizens would be dropped at the same time.
Last year, Heathrow Airport called for the government to allow "low-risk" passengers to use e-gates.
It said delays at UK border control were too long.
The chancellor first put forward proposals to open the use of e-passport gates at airports to travellers from the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Japan in his Budget last October.
Currently, the gates which scan e-passports are reserved for European Economic Area citizens. Dated as of 3/15/19. So some time “Juneish”.

Posted by
16276 posts

I have been using the egates for a few years now as I have Registered Traveler. (What Suki was referring to.) However, the egates can be sensitive. In the beginning, it read my passport with no problem. What you do is put your passport in the slot, it reads it, takes your photo which it compares to the one on the passport, and the gate opens. No questions or landing card.

However, lately, the gates have had trouble reading my passport. For that, there is another line you get in where an officer just confirms its you. No questions except the normal pleasantries. This has never taken more than 5 minutes. (In fact, at Gatwick last year, the officer checking my passport was upset not at me but at the machines because as he said: "You paid all that money and the thing doesn't work."

I can just imagine how long the lines at the egates will become especially if, after Brexit, a deal is made where EU citizens can still use them.

No exact date has been given, I believe so it will interesting to hear when this will actually be available. I'm also wondering what will happen to Registered Traveler.

Posted by
24 posts

Thanks to all. I’ve found it fast and convenient here. Just wondering if I’d be able to use the same system in the UK now. The article I finally found gives the best answer now it appears. Appreciated your kind responses.

Posted by
42 posts

I will be flying into LHR 6 June. Any updates on the official date US can start using the e gates?

Posted by
8056 posts

I would only caution that it is hardly "jumping the Queue", you will still get in line, just for the e-gates, which is a kiosk. Figure that if you land on a flight from North America, everyone else will be heading there as well, as will all the other flights from benefiting countries that land at that time.

Still, should be quicker, with the possible exception of being behind a bunch of first time users.

Posted by
108 posts

I just did it. I have been in shorter queues in the past and today was a lot faster. There was none of the stop and go of the queue, it proceeded at a steady walk. Staff were posted at the beginning of the queue, near the middle of the queue, and at the end of the queue. They only wanted to see one thing - your opened passport in your hand with the photo page showing.

The queue ended at one end of the 23 e-gates, all lined up in a row. Pick one of them and slide your passport in the scanner, get your photo taken, the gate opens and you are off to baggage/customs.

Posted by
16276 posts

If for some reason, the machines have trouble reading your passport, don't fret. There is a manned booth on the side where the border force agent will just verify it's you. No interviewing just matching you to your passport. It's not just Americans. British citizens sometimes have trouble as well.

I have had to use this line the past couple of years and never waited more than 5 minutes.

Posted by
1155 posts

I'm flying into Manchester for the first time in June. Is this in effect there, as well? Was hoping Manchester would be a much better alternative to the 2 + hours we waiting in line at Heathrow last summer. :(