EU E-Gates Use by Brits
Ever since Brexit ceased free movement rights, British travelers have endured long queues at EU borders. Soon, they may be able to access EU passport e-gates once again, easing these frustrations.
Recently, the EU has lifted the legal hurdles that disallowed British passport holders from utilizing fast-track lanes. As such, this marks a dramatic shift in post-Brexit travel.
EU E-Gates Opening, But Not Everywhere
The UK government hailed the breakthrough as a win for holidaymakers. However, each EU country can still decide whether to allow British use of their e-gates.
Some nations, such as Spain and Portugal, already allow partial access. Even so, most still funnel Brits through manual checks.
Currently, British travelers can only spend a total of 90 days at a time in any 180-day period.
Currently, there are two arrangements under consideration. In one arrangement, there will be special gates for third-country nationals. This setup is already in place in Rome, where Brits can use EU e-gates.
In another, British travelers get to use EU gates. Meanwhile, for this setup, it is already existing in Amsterdam and in Lisbon.
E-Gates Summer Access Uncertain
Overall, the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) plays a crucial role in the update. With a tentative launch in October 2025, the EES will track non-EU arrivals and departures. It is likely that British travelers will get access to EU passport e-gates following the EES launch in October.
Once it is operational, it will register fingerprints and facial scans on first entry. Consequently, this data enables seamless future border crossings through gates.
Although the EES begins in October, its full rollout will take months. As such, travelers can expect gradual access changes as each EU country implements the new system.
However, not all destinations will offer use of e-gates at once. Hence, British travelers should check local rules before flying.
UK ministers praised the agreement as a practical Brexit benefit. In contrast, opposition figures labeled the move “too little, too late.” They argue delays were avoidable and the EU acted faster for other countries. Nevertheless, the update provides hope for smoother travel.
Public Expectations Grow
British holidaymakers are eager for faster border crossings with the EU e-gates access. Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA (formerly the Association of British Travel Agents Limited), notes that such a move will “make it easier for travelers, cutting down on queues and pre-holiday admin.”
Still, they remain wary after years of travel disruption.
With biometric e-gates on the horizon, optimism is returning—slowly but surely.
Looking Ahead
The real test comes during the busy 2025 holiday season. If e-gates open widely, queues could shorten dramatically for millions of UK citizens.
Until then, travelers must stay informed and patient. Ultimately, smoother EU travel may soon be a reality again.
Surprisingly, even British travelers’ dogs and cats will also benefit from the easing of travel rules. The UK government confirmed that health certificates for every trip will no longer be necessary, with the introduction of pet passports.
HB200, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
