Good news for UK travellers planning a trip to Europe! Starting this summer, you can now breeze through immigration at 49 European airports and transport hubs using automated eGates. This is a significant step forward in post-Brexit travel, making your journey smoother and more efficient.
What Are eGates?
eGates are automated passport control gates designed to speed up the immigration process. Instead of waiting in long queues, you simply scan your passport and undergo a quick facial recognition check. If everything matches, the gate opens, and you’re on your way in under 30 seconds. It’s a fast, secure, and hassle-free way to enter the country.
Why the Expansion?
Since Brexit, UK travellers have faced lengthy manual border checks, leading to frustrating delays and missed flights. The introduction of eGates at these major hubs is a welcome change, signaling that Europe is ready to welcome British tourists with open arms once again.
Where Can You Use eGates?
The new policy covers 49 major hubs across Europe, including airports, ferry ports, and Eurostar/Eurotunnel terminals. Here are some of the key destinations where UK passport holders can now use eGates:
🇫🇷 France
- Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
- Paris Orly
- Bordeaux–Mérignac
- Lyon–Saint‑Exupéry
- Marseille Provence
- Nice Côte d’Azur
🇮🇹 Italy
- Rome Fiumicino & Ciampino
- Milan Malpensa & Linate
- Venice Marco Polo
- Florence
- Naples
- Cagliari
- Palermo
- Pisa
- Verona Villafranca
- Turin
- Bari
- Brindisi
- Bergamo
- Treviso
- Olbia Costa Smeralda
- Catania
- Lamezia Terme
🇪🇸 Spain
- Tenerife
- Mallorca
- Lanzarote
- Ibiza
- Alicante
- Gran Canaria
🇵🇹 Portugal
- Lisbon (Terminal 1)
- Faro
🌍 Other EU Countries
- Amsterdam Schiphol (exit only) – Netherlands
- Brussels – Belgium
- Sofia – Bulgaria
- Dublin – Ireland
- Larnaca – Cyprus
- Paphos – Cyprus
- Prague – Czech Republic
- Budapest – Hungary
- Helsinki – Finland
- Tallinn – Estonia (from 2026)
🚄 Eurostar & Eurotunnel Terminals
- Calais (Eurotunnel & Port)
- London St Pancras (Eurostar)
- Paris Gare du Nord (Eurostar)
- Folkestone (Eurotunnel)
For a comprehensive list and more details, visit our Travel Tips section.
What This Means for Travellers
Last summer, many travellers experienced delays of up to 90 minutes at manual passport checks, leading to missed flights and a lot of frustration. The introduction of eGates is a game-changer, restoring confidence in European travel for UK citizens. Airlines and travel agencies have already reported a 17% increase in UK bookings to the EU compared to last year.
Important Reminders
While eGates offer a faster entry, UK travellers must still get their passports stamped if eGates are unavailable or fail to work. The 90-day limit in 180 days across the Schengen Zone remains in effect. For more information on travel regulations, check out our Travel Advisory section.
Looking Ahead: The EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
Starting in October 2025, the EU will introduce the Entry/Exit System (EES), a new digital border control platform. This system will replace passport stamps with biometric scans, log exact entry and exit dates, and help enforce the 90-day visa-free rule. It will apply to all non-EU nationals, including British, American, Canadian, and Australian travellers. For more details, visit our Travel Tips section.
Europe Welcomes UK Travellers
The expansion of eGate access is not just a technical upgrade; it’s a sign of improving UK-EU relations. British diplomats have been pushing for simpler travel rules, and EU officials have responded positively. This means smoother entry points and a stronger rebound for UK tourism, especially in popular destinations like Spain’s Balearic Islands, Italy’s coastal cities, and Portugal’s Algarve.
Tips for a Seamless Journey
- Use eGates where available to save time.
- Ensure you still get your passport stamped if eGates are not an option.
- Keep track of your 90/180-day allowance to avoid overstays.
- Stay updated on the October 2025 EES launch.
- Check airport-specific rules before your trip.
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Final Thoughts
The introduction of eGates for UK travellers is a significant step towards more efficient and enjoyable travel in Europe. With 49 airports and terminals now offering this service, and the upcoming EES, Europe is embracing a modern approach to tourism. Whether you’re planning a summer getaway or a winter escape, now is the perfect time to pack your bags and enjoy the fast lane to Europe.
