The Portuguese government’s new border policy will allow Brits to bypass the long queues and manual checks required for passengers from “third” countries outside the EU. British travellers with e-passports will be able to use the special channels at Lisbon, Faro, Porto and Funchal in Madeira.

The move comes as Portugal relaxes its travel restrictions, no longer requiring travellers to mainland Portugal to complete a passenger locator form before arrival. Masks must still be worn on public transport, however, including in taxis.

Easing hurdles to enter the country could have a positive impact on British bookings to the popular holiday destination this summer, which sees an average three million UK holidaymakers each year.

"We are delighted to continue welcoming British tourists to Portugal and are pleased that the e-gates in the country’s main airports will provide increased accessibility for our valued British travellers as we head into the busy summer period," said Luis Araujo, president of Turismo de Portugal.

"We’re delighted to have made travel to Portugal even more seamless for those able to make the most of the new e-gates."

Portugal already gets the lion’s share of its tourism from the UK, with British tourists staying for almost half a million “room nights” in January and February – more than any other country.

Making travel easier for British tourists could potentially tempt them away from other southern European beach destinations such as Spain, France, Greece and Italy this summer, or it may influence their border policies as they compete for lucrative British tourism.