The Government has struck a deal with the EU enabling British passport holders to use e-gates at various additional European airports, a move set to ease post-Brexit travel woes.
Post-Brexit changes have typically steered UK nationals towards manned desks for passport checks at EU airport arrivals, resulting in lengthy queues during busy times.
This bottleneck at border control has been highlighted as one of Brexit’s most visible impacts for Brits.
After the agreement with the EU, the Government said in a statement: “British holidaymakers will be able to use more e-gates in Europe, ending the dreaded queues at border control.”
Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, a network of independent travel agents, said the announcement was “a significant breakthrough for British travellers”.
She told the PA news agency: “The frustrating experience of lengthy border control queues upon arrival has been a persistent challenge for many, so the expanded access to e-gates across Europe comes as a tremendous relief.
“With this streamlined system in place, we anticipate both holidaymakers and business travellers will enjoy a much smoother, more efficient airport experience, allowing them to begin their journeys without unnecessary delays.”
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of trade body Airlines UK, said: “This is excellent news for British holidaymakers and will enable an even smoother passenger experience for families travelling to the EU.”
British passports can currently be used at e-gates in the EU at a limited number of airports in Spain and Portugal.
The Government also announced that UK cats and dogs will be able to travel “more easily” by “eliminating the need for animal health certificates for every trip”.
This is through the introduction of so-called pet passports.
