Passport Control and Biometrics
Make your journey arriving at Manchester Airport as smooth as possible
Passport Control
Passport Control at Manchester Airport is controlled by UK Border Force.
At Passport Control you will be faced with two options: EU or non-EU.
Please do not use mobile phones in this area.
Please have your passport open at the photo page ready for scanning.
Passport eGates
If your passport has the biometric symbol on the front cover, then you have a biometric passport and can use the eGates to help speed up your journey (you can use them instead of queuing up to go through Passport Control). Simply follow the instructions at the eGate.
The eGates service has recently been expanded and children aged 10 or over can now also use eGates, helping families to travel more easily.
Customs and Immigration
Please be aware that all passengers will be required to pass through Customs and Immigration. Border Force secures the border and promotes national prosperity by facilitating the legitimate movement of individuals and goods, whilst preventing those that would cause harm from entering the UK. After passing through Passport Control, you will enter the Baggage Reclaim hall, which is where you will collect your checked-in baggage. Check the information screens to see which carousel you need to go to. For lost and delayed luggage please view the Lost Luggage page.
From Saturday 12th April 2025, travellers will no longer be able to bring cattle, sheep, goat, and pig meat, as well as dairy products, from EU countries into Great Britain for personal use, to protect the health of British livestock, the security of farmers, and the UK’s food security.
This includes bringing items like sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats, or milk into Great Britain – regardless of whether it is packed or packaged or whether it has been bought at duty free.
Terminal 1 Arrivals Immigration access information
Terminal 2 Arrivals Immigration access information
Terminal 3 Arrivals Immigration access information
Onward travel
Our integrated public transport hub, The Station, is a state-of-the art interchange for rail, tram and bus services across the North West and beyond. If you’ve parked at the airport, check how you need to pay. Do you need to visit a pay station before you leave the car park? View further information on our parking page. Read our comprehensive guide to getting to and from the airport and view a range of useful transport options.
Biometrics
Information for T2 passengers using biometrics
All passengers arriving from Aberdeen, Belfast, Dublin, Guernsey, Inverness, Isle of Man, Jersey, London Heathrow, Londonderry, or Newquay, will use biometrics for both inbound and outbound journeys through Manchester Airport. Biometrics are a quick and secure way to verify your identity using your unique features, like your eyes.
To help speed things up, remember to remove any items that may be covering you face like hats, sunglasses or hair, and look directly at the camera.
Outbound journey through Manchester Airport
After checking in, just scan your boarding pass at the e-gate, and a photo of your face will be captured.
Before boarding, another image will be captured to confirm your identity. Once the handling agent checks your travel documents, you'll be all set to board your flight.
Arriving into Manchester Airport
After disembarking the plane, you will need to scan your face at one of the biometric cameras to capture an image. A second scan will be made as you exit the CTA (Common Travel Area) route to confirm your identity and ensure you have the right to enter the UK. Once your image is verified, you can proceed through the CTA route, collect your bags, and be on your way.
Helpful information
Why do you need to capture my image?
To make your journey with us smoother and more secure, we’ve introduced facial recognition technology, also known as biometrics. This is for all passengers travelling to and from from Aberdeen, Belfast, Dublin, Guernsey, Inverness, Isle of Man, Jersey, London Heathrow, Londonderry or Newquay. This means a quick photo of your face will be taken when you enter and exit the departure lounge to verify your identity. Facial recognition works by comparing your image to a photo already on record, helping ensure that everyone is who they say they are. This not only enhances security but also speeds up the boarding process, so you can get where you're going to with less hassle.
At the airport
Airport parking
A range of convenient options, just minutes away from the terminal
Escape Lounge
Relax before you fly. Available to all passengers.