Originally Posted by
Majuki
Also, I don't want to do the perennial FlyerTalk thing and immediately cite a counterexample after someone makes an absolute claim, but countries that come to mind with automated passport control gates available for arriving visitors that do not require registration as long as you have an eligible passport are the UK, Australia, and Singapore.
Singapore is the most recent. Before 2020, you had to have a certain number of entries and register, similar to Hong Kong. Australia used to require US passport holders to be Global Entry members, but it was opened to all perhaps a decade ago. The UK used to require a certain number of visits and enrollment in the registered traveler program, but, again, opened up to all since May 2019.
The automated border control is performing the same (and perhaps a more thorough) check on travelers as the manual lanes. It is comparing against the photo in the biometric passport, and when you scan your passport it will check for eligibility to enter. If there are any issues, such as a flag against you as a traveler or not getting a good match between the passport photo and you, you'll be referred to an immigration booth.
Good to know - I was not aware these countries had E gates without registration, especially SG. Last time I was there I had an argument with the robot immigration inspector when she saw my second passport in the pouch and argued with me that having two citizenships was impossible
. The less I need to interact with SIN airport staff, I've found over the years, the better.
I will update the thread in a few hours after arriving in TSA.