Tue, 20 May 2025

Tue, 20 May 2025 Doubts over whether Brits can use EU e-gates this summer

It is unclear whether UK travellers can avoid long queues this summer and use e-gates at European airports.
UK citizens may still face long queues at EU airports this summer due to uncertainty over e-gate access. The EU Commission has confirmed that UK passport holders will not be able to use e-gates until October, when the new European Entry/Exit Scheme (EES) comes into force. Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden stated that nothing can happen before the EES is implemented, and it's up to individual countries to decide if they allow e-gate access even then. The EES, which gathers biometric data on non-EU citizens arriving in the EU, has been delayed several times and is now due to launch in October 2025. The new scheme may open the possibility of using e-gates for UK citizens, but it's not a guarantee. Some EU countries already allow UK passport holders to use their e-gates, which may lead to more nations allowing access this summer. The UK government has agreed to work with member states to roll out e-gate access as quickly as possible after the EES is implemented. An EU Commission spokesperson stated that the introduction of the EES would enable faster processing at borders for all non-EU citizens, including UK passport holders. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed support for e-gates, saying they will help reduce long queues and make travel easier for British passengers. However, some in the travel industry have expressed disappointment that e-gate access is not guaranteed until October.
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