person checking in at the airport

Passport Control and Biometrics

person checking in at the airport

Passport Control and Biometrics

Have a smooth arrival at Manchester Airport

Get prepared

When you arrive at Manchester Airport, go to Passport Control. Use the correct lane for EU or non-EU passengers based on your nationality. Make sure your passport is valid for your entire stay in the UK.

To avoid delays, here are some helpful tips:

  • Use an eGate where possible by simply scanning your passport
  • Open your passport to the photo page and remove any covers
  • Remove hats and sunglasses
  • Stay together with your family so you don’t lose each other as you pass through

At the passport desk, Border Force officers use scanners to verify that passports, visas, and other official documents are genuine. For full details on UK entry requirements, visit the Border Force website.

If you require accessibility services, additional support is available in the passport control and immigration areas.

Speed up through our eGates

Use our eGates for a faster process. Using facial recognition technology, they make your journey faster and remove the need to speak with a Border Force Officer.

You can use the eGates if you:

  • Have a biometric symbol on the cover of your passport
  • Are aged 10 or older (10 - 17 year olds must be accompanied by an adult)
  • Meet at least one of the following criteria:
    • hold British citizenship
    • be a nationality from one of these countries: EU member state, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, or the USA
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After Passport Control

Customs and immigration

You'll need to pass through customs and immigration after passport control, as there are restrictions on what you can bring into the country.

You must declare any of the following:

  • Anything over your duty-free allowance
  • Any goods that are banned or restricted in the UK
  • Goods that you intend to sell in the UK
  • More than €10,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies or assets) in cash if you are arriving from outside the EU

From Saturday, 12 April 2025, you cannot bring meat or dairy products from EU countries into Great Britain for personal use.

This includes sandwiches, cheese, cured or raw meats, and milk, whether pre-packaged or bought from duty-free stores.

After Passport Control:
When you enter the Baggage Reclaim hall to 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.

Onward travel:

The Station is our transport hub, linking trains, trams, and buses in the North West. If you parked at the airport, check how to pay. For more details on parking, check our guide to transport options for getting to and from the airport.

Biometrics for T2 passengers:

All passengers arriving from Aberdeen, Belfast, Dublin, Guernsey, Inverness, Isle of Man, Jersey, London Heathrow, Londonderry, or Newquay will use biometrics at Manchester Airport for both arrival and departure. Biometrics quickly and securely verify your identity using unique features such as your face.

Outbound journey:
After checking in, scan your boarding pass at the e-gate, and your face will be photographed. Before boarding, another image will be captured to confirm your identity. The handling agent will check your travel documents, and you can board your flight.

Arrival:
After leaving the plane, scan your face at a biometric camera. Another scan is done as you exit the CTA (Common Travel Area) to confirm your identity. After verification, you can collect your bags and proceed.

Why Biometrics?

We use facial recognition technology to make your journey smoother and safer. It quickly compares your image to a stored photo while verifying all passengers, speeds up the boarding process and enhances security.

Accessibility 

Passengers in need of accessibility services can request support at passport control and immigration.

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