UK pushing for deal on EU passport e-gate access to cut airport wait times

Government

James Chapple

19 May 2025

The UK is seeking a new deal to ease post-Brexit travel to the continent, a minister has confirmed, with a wider reset of UK-EU relations reportedly imminent.

UK pushing for deal on EU passport e-gate access to cut airport wait times — (Credit: iStock)

European relations minister Nick Thomas-Symonds told the BBC the UK was "pushing" for an agreement that would allow UK passport holders to use EU airport e-gates.

Thomas-Symonds said easing friction for British travellers was a "sensible objective" of the in-depth talks over the weekend. An announcement is expected on Monday (19 May) at a summit due to be held in London.

"I’m certainly pushing for people to be able to go through far more quickly," said Thomas-Symonds on Sunday (18 May).

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