**Major European Holiday Spots Streamline UK Passport Entry With Expanded eGate Access**
British holidaymakers are set to experience smoother journeys through Europe as several popular destinations introduce wider access to electronic passport gates—or eGates—at their airports. The move aims to cut down lengthy queue times and make entry for UK travellers faster and more convenient, sparking optimism among frequent visitors and tourism operators alike.
The UK Government has confirmed that, as of this month, British passport holders have the option to use eGates at 48 international locations. This is part of a growing scheme to embrace technology at borders and foster a frictionless travel experience in the post-Brexit era. Among the latest additions to this list are Sofia Airport’s Terminal 2 in Bulgaria—opened to Brits this week—along with Faro Airport in Portugal, and Tallinn Airport in Estonia, which will join the scheme in late 2026.
eGates, which use facial recognition, automated passport scanning, and biometrics to verify travellers’ identities, are already familiar to many passengers passing through UK airports. Their rollout across the continent follows assurances made at a recent summit between UK and EU officials, underlining efforts to redefine positive travel relations post-Brexit.
Nick Thomas-Symonds, the UK’s minister for EU relations, described the progress as “a clear sign of the government’s pragmatic reset of our relationship with Brussels and European capitals”. He further emphasised that these advances reflect mutual cooperation and are designed to promote easier movement for British citizens visiting EU countries.
The impact is already being felt at major tourist hotspots. Faro Airport, gateway to Portugal’s Algarve, began welcoming British citizens through its eGates earlier this month, reducing delays at arrival halls. Tallinn’s eGates, once operational next year, are also expected to alleviate congestion for visitors to Estonia. Public feedback has thus far been encouraging, with travellers praising the speed and simplicity of the eGate experience.
The full roster of international hubs now accommodating UK eGate access is extensive. In France, passengers can breeze through checks at Paris’s Charles de Gaulle, Orly, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Nice airports. Eurostar terminals at both Paris Gare du Nord and London St Pancras, as well as the Eurotunnel between Folkestone and Calais, also provide eGate options. Other popular Mediterranean and island destinations—such as Rome, Naples, Tenerife, Mallorca, Lisbon, and Ibiza—have joined the scheme, offering added reassurance for holidaymakers planning summer escapes.
Amid this positive news, the UK Government has hinted that more partners are expected to come on board in the coming months. While this expansion is universally welcomed, authorities have advised British travellers that eGate availability may fluctuate depending on operational requirements. At times, airports may temporarily close eGates for maintenance or trials, potentially reverting to manual passport inspection during peak periods or technical outages.
For families and regular visitors, eGates represent a significant improvement, yet it’s important to understand that traditional checks remain in place for under-18 travellers and non-biometric passports. Those unable to use eGates are still accommodated through standard border processes.
This development is particularly timely as global travel rebounds in the aftermath of pandemic-era restrictions. Smooth border crossings are not only vital for individual leisure travellers but also play a key role in supporting the international tourism industry’s recovery.
In summary, British citizens can now enjoy swifter processing at 48 locations across Europe and beyond, from Paris and Rome to Lanzarote, Dublin, and Amsterdam. With further expansions anticipated, the landscape for UK travellers looks increasingly hassle-free, though ongoing vigilance around operational notices is advisable. This positive shift, shaped by growing UK-EU cooperation, is set to make international travel ever more accessible and efficient for British passport holders in the years ahead.