UK Travellers Rejoice: Skip Airport Lines with Fast eGates at 49 European Hubs

Summer 2025 just got a whole lot smoother for British holidaymakers. In a major upgrade to post-Brexit travel, 49 airports and transport hubs across Europe now allow UK passport holders to use automated eGates, dramatically reducing wait times and easing border control stress.

New additions like Paris Charles de Gaulle, Lisbon, Sofia, Amsterdam, and Treviso join a growing list of eGate-enabled airports, giving UK citizens faster access to their favourite European destinations.

What Are eGates and How They Work

eGates are automated passport control gates that let you skip the long immigration queues. You scan your passport, look into a camera for a quick face check, and if everything matches, the gate opens. It’s fast, easy, and usually takes under 30 seconds to pass through.

What’s Behind the eGate Expansion?

Since Brexit, UK travellers have often faced slow, manual border checks at European airports, resulting in long queues, missed flights, and mounting frustration. However, with the current wave of eGate openings, Europe is sending a clear message: British tourists are welcome again.

From Lisbon and Ibiza to Brussels and Cagliari, the change is sweeping. These eGates utilise facial recognition and biometric technology to expedite immigration without compromising security, offering a win-win for travellers and border staff alike.

Where Can Brits Use eGates in 2025?

The new policy now covers 49 major hubs, including airports, ferry ports, and Eurostar/Eurotunnel terminals. Here are some key destinations where UK passport holders can now skip the long lines:

🇫🇷 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)

Cutting Queues & Boosting Confidence

Last summer, travellers across Europe experienced delays of up to 90 minutes at manual passport checks. Many missed flights, especially in Spain, France, and Italy.

This shift to automated eGates restores trust in European travel for Brits and supports the region’s booming tourism sector. Airlines and travel agencies already report a 17% increase in UK bookings to the EU compared to last year.

But Don’t Skip the Stamp—Yet

Even with eGates, UK travellers must still get their passports stamped if eGates aren’t available or fail to work. The 90-day limit in 180 days across the Schengen Zone remains in full effect.

But change is coming: the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) launches in October 2025, replacing manual stamps with facial scans and digital border records.

What Is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?

Set to roll out across the Schengen Area from October 2025 to March 2026, the EES is Europe’s new digital border control platform. It will:

• Replace passport stamps with biometric scans (face + fingerprints)
• Log exact entry/exit dates and locations
• Help enforce the 90-day visa-free rule
• Identify overstayers in real-time

This will apply to all non-EU nationals, including British, American, Canadian, and Australian travellers.

Europe Wants Brits Back

The expansion of eGate access is more than a technical change; it reflects improving UK-EU relations. Under new leadership, British diplomats have pushed for simpler travel rules, and EU officials have responded by easing restrictions where possible.

With smoother entry points, UK tourism is poised for a strong rebound, especially in hotspots like Spain’s Balearic Islands, Italy’s coastal cities, and Portugal’s Algarve.

Final Travel Tips for Brits Visiting Europe in 2025

• Use eGates where available to save time
• Still check if passport stamps are required
• Avoid overstays by tracking your 90/180-day allowance
• Stay updated on the October 2025 EES launch
• Check airport-specific rules before departure

Final Thoughts

The reopening of eGates to UK travellers marks a turning point in post-Brexit travel. With 49 airports and terminals now onboard, and the Entry/Exit System just months away, Europe is embracing a faster, more modern approach to tourism.

If you’re planning a summer escape to Europe, now’s the time to pack light, plan smart, and enjoy the fast lane.