While Britain is still having trouble leaving Europe, it’s made it easier for Americans to get into the UK; U.S. travelers with e-passports can now join Europeans and select others on the short line.
E-passports are identified by a gold circle and two lines on the front; they have imbedded chips with passport data on them. They allow holders to place the passport on a scanner, press fingertips on the glass, and keep on going without seeing an agent.
Other countries added to the list include Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea. All U.S. passports issued since 2007 have included the required chip; given a 10-year validity for passports, the last non-compliant U.S. passports expired in early 2017.
