Jun 4, 2019, 6:52 am
Last edit by: stut
ePassport gates, new countries, passport requirements, experience and wait times. Any volunteers?
ePassport Gates Master Thread [was: Opening up the e-Gates to new countries]
May 7, 2019, 10:35 am
#76
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London
Posts: 6,265
Don't bother trying to renew. I tried to renew at the end of March (and would gladly have paid the 50 pounds as I had a trip in April and another trip in May coming up). Fortunately I got to use Fastrack in April and suspect I will in May. Anyway this is the email I eventually got:
That said, I can't test as I now am dual citizen and don't require the rts any more.
May 8, 2019, 2:08 am
#77
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Newton Centre, MA, USA
Programs: DL 2MM Gold, AA Plat Pro; Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium (via SPG), IHG Plat
Posts: 2,192
May 16, 2019, 10:34 am
#78
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: UK
Programs: BAEC GGL, HHonors Diamond, IHG Uninspired, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium, UK AMEX Plat
Posts: 2,152
Based on https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-48297695 it's going live this coming Monday (20th May)
All landing cards for international passengers will be scrapped from Monday, the Home Office has announced.
International passengers will also be able to enter the UK through e-gates, which are currently only accessible by people from the EU.
International passengers will also be able to enter the UK through e-gates, which are currently only accessible by people from the EU.
Last edited by Gagravarr; May 16, 2019 at 10:35 am Reason: Add key text from article
May 16, 2019, 8:47 pm
#81
Moderator: Hyatt Gold Passport & Star Alliance
Join Date: May 1998
Location: London, UK
Programs: UA-1K 3MM/HY- LT Globalist/BA-GGL/GfL
Posts: 12,090
I fear this is going to be a disaster with huge queues at the gates as a whole new group of people try to work out how they function.
May 17, 2019, 1:14 am
#82
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
May 17, 2019, 5:40 am
#84
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Yes, but those aren't generally international travelers. When we all return to the US these days, we have to scan our passports, right? Unless it's a first timer, they ought to be able to place their passport correctly on the scanner. I'm sure there will be a few confused people, but not too many.
And as discussed above, families with kids won't be using the E-Gates.
And as discussed above, families with kids won't be using the E-Gates.
May 17, 2019, 8:02 pm
#85
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Newton Centre, MA, USA
Programs: DL 2MM Gold, AA Plat Pro; Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium (via SPG), IHG Plat
Posts: 2,192
May 18, 2019, 4:47 am
#86
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Ontario, Canada
Programs: Aeroplan, IHG, Enterprise, Avios, Nexus
Posts: 8,355
The technology is not new to Canadians. When e-gates were introduced at YYZ immigration processing immediately became faster even as people to learned the technology. The many NEXUS and GE holders will easily adapt to the UK system. Meanwhile, millions of people seem to manage checking in at airport kiosks which are not radically different than e-gates. Having had the delight of a 90 minute immigration queue at LHR the introduction of e-gates will be a welcome improvement.
Last edited by Badenoch; May 18, 2019 at 6:46 am
May 18, 2019, 6:26 am
#87
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Brighton. UK
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Posts: 14,200
May 20, 2019, 12:43 am
#88
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London
Posts: 6,265
Apparently this has now been opened up for Australians, possibly the other passport countries too.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/australian-nationals-can-now-use-epassport-gates-to-enter-the-uk
'Eligible travellers from Australia can now use ePassport gates to enter the UK quickly and securely.
Australia nationals aged 18 and over, and who are travelling using a biometric or ‘chipped’ passport, will be able to use the automated e-passport gates. Visitors aged 12 to 17-years-old, and who are accompanied by an adult, are also able to use them.'
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/australian-nationals-can-now-use-epassport-gates-to-enter-the-uk
'Eligible travellers from Australia can now use ePassport gates to enter the UK quickly and securely.
Australia nationals aged 18 and over, and who are travelling using a biometric or ‘chipped’ passport, will be able to use the automated e-passport gates. Visitors aged 12 to 17-years-old, and who are accompanied by an adult, are also able to use them.'
May 20, 2019, 5:52 am
#89
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London
Posts: 6,265
Now confirmed for the magic 7 countries!
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-expands-use-of-epassport-gates-to-7-more-countries
'From today (Monday 20 May), visitors from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the United States will be able to use ePassport gates at ports across the UK and juxtaposed controls in a move designed to speed up border controls for low-risk countries.'
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-expands-use-of-epassport-gates-to-7-more-countries
'From today (Monday 20 May), visitors from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the United States will be able to use ePassport gates at ports across the UK and juxtaposed controls in a move designed to speed up border controls for low-risk countries.'
May 20, 2019, 6:53 am
#90
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: BA Gold, Delta Plat
Posts: 186
I'm an Australian with a residence permit in the UK, I have had registered traveler for 2.5 years. I've heard rumors we now can't use the e-gates as I will be registered onto a tourist visa. I am guessing this is not true?