British travellers could soon benefit from shorter wait times at European borders as the UK government negotiates with the EU to allow access to the bloc’s fast-track electronic passport gates.
According to News, the UK government has announced ongoing discussions with the European Union to reinstate British citizens' ability to use EU/EEA lanes at border crossings—a privilege lost after Brexit.
If an agreement is successfully reached, British passport holders will no longer need to queue at the slower “all other nations” lanes. Instead, they would be able to use e-gates that are typically reserved for EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals, significantly cutting down border wait times and enhancing travel efficiency across the continent.
UK Minister for EU Relations Nick Thomas-Symonds, who is leading the negotiations with Brussels, described the proposed arrangement as a practical solution that would benefit both British travellers and the broader European tourism industry. He highlighted that enabling access to e-gates would mean British tourists and business travellers could spend more time enjoying their trips rather than waiting in line at passport control.
“This is a sensible and constructive step,” said Thomas-Symonds, as reported by Euronews. “It will be good for jobs, reduce costs, and help improve the flow of people across our borders. British holidaymakers and professionals deserve a seamless travel experience within Europe.”
Current Border Control Restrictions for UK Nationals
Since the UK’s departure from the European Union, British citizens are considered nationals of a visa-exempt third country. While they are not required to obtain a visa for short-term travel, they must currently go through manual passport control in the “other nations” queue at EU border checkpoints.
This category includes travellers from numerous non-EU countries, often resulting in longer wait times. Additionally, UK passports are now subject to stamping, which further slows down processing times at busy entry points.
In response to growing delays, many EU airports have installed e-gates designed for use by third-country nationals. However, the use of these gates by British citizens still requires formal approval through a bilateral agreement.
UK Also Seeking Re-entry Into EU Pet Passport Scheme
In a parallel effort to simplify travel, the UK is also negotiating to rejoin the EU Pet Passport Scheme. Since leaving the EU in 2021, British pet owners must comply with stricter requirements—including obtaining animal health certificates and paying additional fees—to travel with their dogs, cats, or ferrets.
Rejoining the pet passport system would allow UK citizens to travel more freely with their pets throughout the EU, removing bureaucratic hurdles and reducing the cost of pet travel.
Looking Ahead
The outcome of these negotiations could have a significant impact on post-Brexit travel for millions of British citizens. If approved, the changes would streamline border procedures, enhance tourism, and foster closer cooperation between the UK and the European Union on mobility-related matters.
As discussions continue, both sides appear optimistic that a practical solution can be reached—one that benefits travellers, supports the tourism sector, and acknowledges the evolving nature of the UK-EU relationship.
