Will UK-EU deal really result in British travellers using e-gates at EU airports?
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What we know about the UK-EU e-passport plan
- The UK government says a new deal with the EU will allow British travellers to use more e-gates at European airports, reducing wait times.
- Currently, UK passport holders face longer queues than EU citizens due to additional checks and stamping requirements.
- The proposed solution involves expanding the use of e-gates, either dedicated ones for third-country nationals or allowing UK citizens to use existing EU e-gates with subsequent checks by border guards.
- The expansion of e-gates was already underway, and it does not mean UK travellers will be rejoining the fast-track passport queues.
- The EU's new entry-exit system, set to launch in October, will initially increase processing times for non-EU citizens but may eventually lead to smoother travel once fully operational. The 90-day rule for UK travellers remains unchanged.