What we know about the UK-EU e-passport plan
Travel Correspondent
The UK government says a new deal with the EU will allow British travellers to use more e-gates at European airports, reducing wait times.
Currently, UK passport holders face longer queues than EU citizens due to additional checks and stamping requirements.
The proposed solution involves expanding the use of e-gates, either dedicated ones for third-country nationals or allowing UK citizens to use existing EU e-gates with subsequent checks by border guards.
The expansion of e-gates was already underway, and it does not mean UK travellers will be rejoining the fast-track passport queues.
The EU 's new entry-exit system, set to launch in October, will initially increase processing times for non- EU citizens but may eventually lead to smoother travel once fully operational. The 90-day rule for UK travellers remains unchanged.
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