A new deal between the UK and Switzerland should allow British passport holders to use e-gates when travelling into Switzerland, restoring some of the smoother airport experience many lost after Brexit ended automatic freedom-of-movement rights for UK nationals in Europe.
Government officials say the new agreement should be rolled out at Zurich Airport, gateway to ski resorts including Engelberg, Davos and St Moritz, by the start of the ski season in December. Geneva, the busiest airport for many British skiers heading to western Swiss resorts and leading French ski areas, is expected to follow in 2027. Swiss nationals already have access to UK e-gates.
The new agreement is separate from the rollout of the EU’s Entry/Exit System, known as EES, which is also eventually expected to allow British passport holders who have completed EES registration to use automated border gates in some EU and Schengen countries.
So far, however, EES has been widely reported to have caused long queues at a number of airports, with no clear date yet for when British travellers who have completed registration, in some cases on multiple trips, will be able to use e-gates more routinely.
It is therefore currently unclear whether British passport holders will regain easier e-gate access sooner in Switzerland or in EU countries, with both systems moving forward. The Swiss deal, however, appears to have the clearer timetable.
The agreement with Switzerland also abolishes mobile phone roaming charges between the two countries, again bringing British travellers closer to the pre-Brexit travel experience.
Can British passport holders use e-gates in Switzerland?
British passport holders are expected to be able to use Swiss e-gates under the new UK-Switzerland agreement, with Zurich expected to be among the first airports to introduce access.
When will UK travellers be able to use Swiss e-gates?
Zurich Airport is expected to begin allowing British travellers to use e-gates by the start of the ski season in December, with Geneva expected to follow in 2027.
Will this help British skiers travelling to Switzerland?
Yes. It should make arrival smoother for skiers flying into Zurich for resorts such as Engelberg, Davos and St Moritz, and later Geneva for western Swiss and French ski resorts.
Is the Swiss e-gate deal the same as EES?
No. The UK-Switzerland e-gate agreement is separate from the EU’s Entry/Exit System, which applies to non-EU travellers entering the Schengen area.
Will UK travellers pay roaming charges in Switzerland?
The agreement is expected to abolish mobile roaming charges between the UK and Switzerland, although travellers should still check their mobile provider before departure.