A new rule affecting British tourists at European airports is set to take effect later this year.
The UK government and the European Union (EU) have struck a post-Brexit deal to allow British tourists at European airports to use e-gates. The change means it will be quicker and easier for passengers flying into and out of EU countries to get through airport security.
Since Brexit, British tourists arriving at EU airports have had to queue for manned desks to have their passports physically stamped, as opposed to using the automated gates with facial recognition technology. The process has led to many facing long queues on arrival at border control, particularly during peak holiday periods, but this is set to change under new rules.
According to the agreement, UK tourists will be able to access e-gates at EU airports after the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) has been rolled out.
The EES is due to start across countries in Europe from October 2025 and will require Brits to register their fingerprints and a facial photo on arrival, with the data to be stored for three years. The system will apply to all non-EU nationals when visiting 29 countries in the Schengen Area.
The EES is designed to improve border security within the EU and its neighbouring countries by stopping visitors overstaying, and to reduce illegal migration within the Schengen area.
The long-delayed system will replace the need for people arriving in the EU from non-member countries, like the UK, to have their passports stamped.
But as this system isn’t due to roll out until October this year, it is unlikely that Brits will have access to e-gates at European airports in time for the 2025 summer holidays. However, some countries in Europe are already introducing more e-gates at airports to help cut passenger waiting times, while others already allow UK passport holders to use e-gates.
Faro Airport in Portugal, for example, has now started the rollout of e-gate access to British tourists following the UK agreement with the EU last month, meaning Brits will be able to use the gates in time for this year’s summer holidays. British passports can also currently be used at e-gates in the EU at a limited number of airports in Spain as well as Portugal.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called for UK holidaymakers to be able to use e-gates in EU countries “as soon as possible”. Speaking as he unveiled the deal last month, Sir Keir said: “I urge EU member states now to do it and we will be pressing hard on that … there’s no inhibition on this so I want to see it done quickly.”
He added: “For holidaymakers wanting to get out this summer, they will want to know that they can do so easily and without delay and chaos.”
Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at travel trade organisation Abta, said: “Since Brexit, Abta has been calling for changes that will make travel easier, and we’re pleased to see the UK and EU agree these steps.
“The EU is home to the UK’s favourite overseas holiday destinations, and travel between our nations creates a huge boost for the UK economy and is a big driver of growth.”