Younger Children Can Now Use E-gates

May 14, 2026, 10:38
EuropePolitics

Introduction

The UK government has a new rule for e-gates. It starts on 8 July.

Main Body

Children aged eight and nine can now use e-gates. They must be 120 centimeters tall. An adult must go with them. Before, children had to be ten years old. These gates use a camera to check faces. There are 290 gates in 13 UK airports. People from the UK, USA, Canada, and Europe can use them. Some people must pay £20 for a digital travel paper. This is called an ETA. It helps people enter the country. E-gates make the lines shorter. Now, border officers have more time to find dangerous people. This helps airports work faster.

Conclusion

Children can use these gates from 8 July at 13 airports and two ports.

Learning

The Power of "Can"

In this story, we see the word can used to talk about permission and ability.

  • Children can now use e-gates.
  • People... can use them.

How it works: It is a simple word. You do not need to change it for different people.

  • I can →\rightarrow ✅
  • You can →\rightarrow ✅
  • They can →\rightarrow ✅

Quick Numbers & Measurements

Look at how the text describes sizes and amounts:

  1. Age: "Children aged eight and nine"
  2. Height: "120 centimeters tall"
  3. Money: "£20"

A2 Tip: When talking about height, always use the word tall after the number.

Example: I am 170 centimeters tall.

Vocabulary Learning

children (n.)
Young people who are not adults.
Example:The children played happily in the garden.
gate (n.)
A door or barrier that can be opened or closed.
Example:The gate to the playground is locked.
airport (n.)
A place where airplanes take off and land.
Example:We arrived at the airport early.
camera (n.)
A device used to take photographs.
Example:She brought her camera to the concert.
check (v.)
To look at something to see if it is correct.
Example:Please check your homework before submitting.
face (n.)
The front part of a person's head.
Example:He cleaned his face after the swim.
pay (v.)
To give money for something.
Example:She will pay for the tickets.
travel (v.)
To go from one place to another.
Example:They love to travel to new cities.
country (n.)
A nation with its own government.
Example:France is a beautiful country.
lines (n.)
A row of people waiting.
Example:The lines at the store were long.
border (n.)
The edge where two countries meet.
Example:They crossed the border into Spain.
officer (n.)
A person who works in law enforcement.
Example:The officer helped us find the way.