Kuwait is one of 13 countries outside of the EU that will be able to bypass passport checks when travelling to the UK, through the use of biometric gates.  

As reported by Arab Times, the latest system is linked to the new British travel visa program, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), with the aim for British airports to replace 270 gates that include passport check offices over the next two years.  

Facial biometrics

According to Phil Douglas, the British Director General of Border Force at the Home Office, the facial biometrics system will reduce friction compared to the previously used facial recognition system.

The British Embassy in Kuwait will initiate ETA grants in February and link this to the immigration system, to prevent unqualified travellers from boarding planes, the outlet reports.