- Widespread eGate Access: UK passport holders can now use automated eGates at 49 airports and transport hubs across 18 European countries, including France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.
- Improved Travel Relations: The change reflects a significant softening of post-Brexit travel friction and a broader effort to reset and improve cooperation between the UK and the EU.
- Continued Need for Passport Stamps: Until the new biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) launches in October 2025, British travelers will still need to have their passports stamped to track their 90-day stay limit in the Schengen Zone.
- Major Boost for Summer Travel: The timing of this update is crucial, as it will help alleviate pressure at border control during what is expected to be one of the busiest travel seasons in a decade.
In a wonderful development for international travel, Europe is rolling out the welcome mat for British holidaymakers with the reopening of fast-track eGates at dozens of key airports. This move marks a significant and positive step forward in UK-EU travel cooperation, making journeys smoother, faster, and more enjoyable just in time for the bustling summer season. Travelers from the UK can now look forward to a more seamless airport experience, bypassing long queues and gaining quicker access to their favorite destinations.
This fantastic update is now active at 49 airports and transport hubs across 18 European countries, including top spots in France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. The reintroduction of eGate access is a clear signal of Europe’s enthusiasm to welcome back British tourists, who are a vital part of the continent’s tourism economy.
The change not only enhances convenience but also boosts traveler confidence, encouraging more bookings and strengthening the cherished relationship between the UK and its European neighbors. As airports from Paris to Rome and Lisbon to Brussels open their automated gates, a new, more efficient chapter in European travel begins. This enhancement sets a positive tone for the future, promising an even better travel experience for millions of people ready to explore the continent.