What Are Biometric Lanes?
Biometric lanes, often called e-gates or Smart Gates, are automated self-service barriers at airport immigration. They use facial recognition technology to compare your face to the photograph stored in your biometric passport's microchip. The goal is
to verify your identity and get you through border control more quickly, reducing the long queues often seen at manned passport desks. For eligible travellers, it can be a matter of seconds. However, eligibility isn't universal, and the rules often differ for adults and children, which is where families need to pay close attention.
The Key Issue for Families
The primary challenge for families is that most biometric gates have strict age and height requirements. Children's facial features change rapidly, which can make it difficult for the technology to get a consistent match. Furthermore, the cameras are often positioned at a height that is unsuitable for smaller children. For security and practical reasons, this means that in many countries, children below a certain age are not permitted to use e-gates. This often requires the entire family to use the conventional manned passport lanes, even if the adults are eligible for the faster, automated route.
A Welcome Change in the UK
In a recent and significant update for families travelling to the United Kingdom, the rules have been relaxed. As of July 8, 2026, the minimum age for using e-gates has been lowered from ten to eight years old. This change applies to over 290 e-gates at 13 major UK airports and border points in Brussels and Paris. To be eligible, children must be travelling with an adult, have a biometric passport, and be at least 120cm (3ft 11in) tall so the scanners can read their faces correctly. This move is expected to make journeys much smoother for up to 1.5 million additional children each year.
Rules in the Schengen Area (Europe)
The European Union is implementing a new Entry/Exit System (EES). For non-EU nationals, this system will replace manual passport stamping with digital registration. When it comes to children, those under the age of 12 will not need to provide fingerprints but will still have their photograph taken. Because of these different requirements, families with young children will likely need to proceed to a manned booth to ensure their data is registered correctly, especially on their first entry under the new system. Children aged 12 and over will need to provide both fingerprints and a photo, similar to adults.
Dubai and the UAE
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is known for its high-tech Smart Gates. However, families travelling with children are generally directed away from them. Official guidelines state that passengers under 15 years old, those shorter than 1.2 meters, and families with large strollers cannot use the Smart Gates. Instead, Dubai has introduced dedicated passport control counters for children aged four to 12 at Terminal 3, making the process more engaging for young travellers by letting them stamp their own passports. While some sources suggest children over 1.2 meters tall can now register for e-gates, the most common experience for families is to use the dedicated or manned lanes.
Navigating the USA
The United States operates a different system. Even for families enrolled in the Global Entry program, which provides expedited clearance, every single member, regardless of age, must have their own individual membership. This means even infants need to go through the full application and interview process with a parent or guardian. While the kiosks are used for processing, families often complete the process together with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer after using the kiosk. For those without Global Entry, all family members must present themselves to an officer at a traditional immigration booth.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
To avoid stress at the border, a little preparation goes a long way. First, always check the official immigration website of your destination country before you travel for the latest rules. When you arrive, look for airport signage indicating 'Family Lanes' or 'All Passports'. Don't just follow the crowd to the e-gates. Have all your family’s passports and travel documents ready in one place. If your children are old enough, explain the process to them beforehand so they know what to expect. Finally, if you are ever in doubt, ask an airport staff member for guidance. They are there to help and can direct you to the correct lane, ensuring your family passes through immigration as smoothly as possible.
