Big news for UK travelers! From 2025, British citizens will be able to use e-gates at major airports across the EU. This means faster, smoother entry without long border control lines—something many have faced since Brexit. Plus, updated pet travel rules will make it easier to bring your furry friends along, so trips to Europe will be simpler and less stressful for all.
Easier Trips for UK Travelers
Great news for UK holidaymakers and business travelers! Soon, British passport holders will be able to use e-gates at many EU airports, speeding up border checks. This update is part of a new agreement between the UK and EU, aiming to make travel easier and strengthen border cooperation after Brexit.
In the past, UK travelers had to wait in long lines at EU airports, just like other non-EU visitors. But thanks to this new deal, they’ll now be able to use fast e-gates, helping them move through border checks much quicker and avoid the usual airport delays.
Why Did Trips Take Longer After Brexit?
Since Brexit, UK citizens have been treated as non-EU visitors, even though they don’t need a visa. This meant they could no longer use the fast-track lanes they once had access to at EU borders. Because of this:
- Brits had to wait in longer, non-EU lines at the border.
- Their passports had to be stamped by border staff.
- They looked to see if travelers followed the 90 days in 180 rule.
- Leaving checks took a long time and caused travelers to miss their flights.
E-Gates Will Make Travel Much Easier
Under the new deal, UK travelers will be able to use e-gates at lots of EU airports, helping them get through border control faster without long waits or manual passport checks. The UK government hasn’t shared exactly when or which airports will join first, but they plan to make e-gate access available in many places soon.
EU Relations Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said this change is meant to give British travelers “more time to enjoy their trips, without waiting in long lines.” Some airports, like Rome Fiumicino, Venice Marco Polo, Amsterdam Schiphol, and Lisbon, already use automated e-gates for non-EU visitors. These e-gates help to:
- Quick identity scans
- A quick check by a border guard
- Stamping your passport if needed
E-Gates Will Be Used More with New EU Border System
Starting in October, all UK travelers will be able to use e-gates when the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) begins. This new system will:
- Automatically record when non-EU travelers arrive and leave
- No more passport stamping needed
- Make it easier to track the 90 days in 180 rule
- Importantly, the UK government has confirmed that there’s nothing in the law stopping British travelers from using e-gates once the EES starts.
New Pet Travel Rules to Make Trips Simpler
Along with e-gates, the UK government has made new rules for pet passports. These new passports will make it easier to take cats and dogs into EU countries by getting rid of the need for extra health papers every time you travel. This will be a big help for families and pet owners who often visit Europe with their pets.
How This Affects Travelers:
The arrival of e-gates and updated pet passport rules means better travel for British people after Brexit. Here’s what travelers should know:
- Less chance of missing flights because of long lines
- Easier trips when traveling with pets
- A better and smoother trip for work or vacation
Final Thoughts:
This new update is great news for UK travelers after Brexit. With e-gate access and easier pet travel rules, getting through borders will be faster and less stressful. While we don’t know exactly when everything will start, British tourists can expect easier, quicker trips around the EU very soon.