Air travellers proceed along the UK/EU arrivals lane to passport control at the airport.Brexit Travel Changes: Brits May Soon Use EU E-Gates – But It’s Not That Simple.Credit: 1000 Words, Shutterstock.
British travellers may soon get the green light to glide through EU e-gates like it’s 2015 again. Yes, really. Read on to find out the latest details from behind the scenes.
The UK is reportedly on the brink of a breakthrough deal with Brussels. The aim? To allow Brits to use the fast-track passport e-gates across European airports, ferry ports and train terminals.
Sound familiar? That’s because some countries – Spain, Portugal, and a few others – have already been quietly letting UK passport holders use e-gates on the low-low. But this new deal could finally give it EU-wide teeth.
Why Now?
It’s all part of a bigger push to thaw the frostbitten relationship between Britain and Europe, with the first UK-EU summit in years kicking off this week. Topics on the table: defence, student exchanges, fishing, and – yep – getting people moving more freely across borders again.
The e-gates issue is low-hanging fruit: it’s relatively uncontroversial, won’t cost too much political capital, and it just makes sense. EU leaders know that delaying a plane because half the passengers are Brits or EU nationals queuing for stamps isn’t a good look.
But there’s the Catch…
Before you start practising your smug face for the short queue, a word of caution: this isn’t a done deal. It’s close – but “close” in politics is often miles away from your boarding gate. And even if the agreement goes through, implementation could be patchy. EU countries control their own borders, and not every airport has the same rules – or tech.
Even if Brussels says yes, border guards in Bologna or Biarritz might still say “non.”
Meanwhile: ETIAS Is Still Coming for You
Let’s not forget the other acronym looming over British travellers – ETIAS. This is the EU’s new travel authorisation scheme, a bit like the US ESTA visa waiver. You’ll need to apply online, pay a €7 fee, and get approved before you travel to Europe. Originally due this year, it’s been bumped to mid-2026.
The good news? There’s a six-month grace period when it launches. That means if you forget to apply, you probably won’t get turned away – unless you also forget your passport, your manners, and your luggage.
Is This the Start of a Brexit Reset?
Maybe. Maybe not.
It’s a small gesture that acknowledges the deep economic, social, and cultural ties that haven’t vanished just because the treaties did.
But let’s be honest – this is not some grand return to freedom of movement. You still won’t be able to work or live freely across the EU without jumping through hoops. This is about shaving 30 minutes off your airport stress. Useful? Yes. Historic? Hardly. But it’s a start.
Stay tuned for more UK news.
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