Lisbon, Faro, Porto and Funchal have implemented the technology to make entry into the country "quicker and smoother".

British passengers using them will no longer need to queue in conventional passport control lanes, although they will still be required to go through a passport stamping process.
 
Gatwick, which has more than 260 flights a week scheduled to and from Portugal this summer, welcomed the move.
 
EasyJet will operate most flights between Gatwick and Portugal for the summer season, followed by TAP, British Airways, Wizz and Tui.

Stephanie Wear, vice-president of airline relations for Gatwick, said: "It is very welcome news that UK passengers to Portugal now have the option to use e-gates at the border.

"This move really differentiates Portugal from other countries and will hopefully boost visitor numbers as people take advantage of the e-gate technology which makes it easier, more convenient and quicker for Britons to enter the country."