Skip to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.Join todayAlready a member? Log inRosie SheadWednesday 07 October 2026 06:33 BSTFacial recognition will soon replace passport scans at major UK airportsUK airport eGates are introducing contactless technology allowing arriving passengers to enter the country without scanning a physical passport.East Midlands Airport launched the facial recognition system on Tuesday ahead of a planned nationwide rollout by early 2027.The technology matches a facial image taken at the gate against official travel, passport and immigration records to automatically clear passengers.Government testing indicates that the new contactless setup is up to 25 per cent faster than standard eGate passport scanners.Border Force officials emphasised that the new system will make journeys smoother and faster while fully maintaining robust border security.In fullNew technology will see UK passengers able to pass through airport gates without showing passportsMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in