Airport queues are very frustrating especially when you have just landed and are ready to relax after a long flight. But plans for new rules for UK travellers heading into European Union could spell an end to those dreaded waits.
British holiday-goers could soon be allowed to use e-gates when travelling through airports. Rishi Sunak is reportedly seeking to capitalise on his improved relations with the EU with hopes of an agreement to allow British passport holders to use the faster gates.
Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday that British diplomats had raised the issue informally. It's hoped the issue will be discussed when our prime minister comes face-to-face with the European Commission chief, Ursula von der Leyen, at a meeting in Japan in June.
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Rishi Sunak’s official spokesperson said: “We are working closely with the European Commission and member states to understand the impacts of the introduction of the entry exit system for British citizens, and our priority is always to minimise unnecessary delays for British passengers.”
While this deal would be good news for passport queues at airports, experts say it will do little to speed up border crossing checks at Dover or Folkestone, where travellers endured 20-hour queues this year.
This is because French police at the Port of Dover and at Eurotunnel in Folkestone will still need to physically check stamps on passports to ensure compliance with post-Brexit limits on the number of days British tourists are eligible to stay in EU countries on the continent.
And it's feared that if facial scanning of passport holders comes into force at the Eurotunnel and the ports, longer queues will be experienced here too.
Current advice for UK travellers heading to EU
To enter the EU after Brexit, you must have the following documents when you travel: Valid passport. Health insurance (such as private travel insurance or an EHIC/GHIC). Enough money to cover your stay in the EU.
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