Good news for British travellers: under a new post-Brexit travel reset deal, UK passport holders will soon be able to use e-gates at EU airports, drastically cutting down waiting times at border control.
The Return of Speedy Border Crossings
Since Brexit, British nationals have been treated as third-country nationals when entering the Schengen Area, resulting in long queues and manual passport checks. But following fresh negotiations between the UK and EU, a mutual agreement is now in place that will allow UK travellers to access e-gates at major European airports once again.
This is a significant shift and comes as part of broader efforts to improve mobility and ease travel friction between the UK and the EU.
Where Can Brits Use E-Gates in Europe?
From 2025 onwards, UK passport holders will be able to use e-gates in several key European countries, including:
- Spain
- France
- Portugal
- Germany
- Italy
- The Netherlands
These are major hubs for tourism, and the reintroduction of e-gate access will benefit millions of British holidaymakers and business travellers each year.
Why Is This Change Happening Now?
The decision is part of a post-Brexit reset deal aimed at rebuilding smoother cooperation in key areas, including tourism, business travel, and security. It reflects a growing recognition that close travel ties benefit both sides.
While full Schengen access isn’t on the table, this practical measure is designed to help normalise border experiences and reduce delays for UK citizens entering the EU.
How Will It Work?
To use e-gates, travellers must hold a biometric UK passport (issued after October 2010) and be at least 18 years old. Just like before, passengers will scan their passports and have their face verified via facial recognition technology – typically taking under a minute.
Note: the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will still apply once it launches, meaning UK citizens must obtain pre-authorisation for travel to the Schengen Zone (expected to begin in 2025).
Final Word
This post-Brexit e-gate access deal is a welcome change for UK travellers weary of long immigration lines at European airports. While Brexit may have changed the landscape of travel, this new agreement signals a more streamlined and traveller-friendly future.
Keep your passport handy – and make sure it’s biometric – because getting through European airports just got a whole lot easier.
