British holidaymakers will face shorter queues at passport control in EU airports this summer, the UK government announced.
As part of ongoing negotiations to finalize a ‘post-Brexit reset deal’ with the European Union, British passport holders will gain access to e-gates at more EU airports. This change means they will no longer need to queue at manned desks but can use the expedited e-gates usually reserved for EU and European Economic Area citizens.
EU Relations Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said this would give British travelers “more time to spend on holiday or work trips […] doing what you want, not being stuck in queues.” The UK government added that the move would end “the dreaded queues at border control.”
Since Brexit, UK citizens have lost their privileged travel status in the EU and are now classified as ‘visa-exempt third-country nationals,’ the same as travelers from countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Singapore.
As a result, British travelers have had to join the ‘other nations’ queue rather than the faster EU lanes. EU border control must verify that UK visitors comply with the 90-day stay limit within 180 days and have proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket. Passport stamping by officials is also required.
This process has led to extended waits, especially at busy hubs like Amsterdam Schiphol, Milan Malpensa, and Paris Charles de Gaulle. Delays over an hour are common, particularly after large international flights, and impact both entry and exit checks, sometimes causing missed flights.
A compromise has been introduced at many airports, where ‘third-country national’ e-gates allow quicker passage, followed by brief checks and passport stamping by border officials. This system is already operational in airports including Venice Marco Polo, Rome Fiumicino, Amsterdam Schiphol, and Lisbon.
Additionally, the UK government revealed that new pet passports will simplify travel for UK cats and dogs, “eliminating the need for animal health certificates for every trip” to the EU.
