Latest news with #Abta
The Guardian
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Britons will not be able to use e-gates in EU until October at earliest
British tourists will have to endure passport-stamping queues in the EU until at least October and possibly well into 2026 despite a high profile e-gates agreement unveiled at Monday's EU-UK summit in London, it has emerged. According to the detailed text of the agreement, both the UK and the EU agree there will be 'no legal barriers to e-gate use for British nationals travelling to and from EU member states after the introduction of the EU entry/sxit system (EES)'. But the government has conceded that is not being implemented until October and even then will only be phased in over six months until April 2026, meaning continued queueing for British holidaymakers. Keir Starmer, the prime minister, told MPs on Tuesday that along with the recently negotiated US and India deals, the EU agreement formed a 'hat-trick' of pacts, which proved 'Britain was back on the world stage'. He argued that the move to allow British travellers to use European e-gates was one of the core elements of the deal. 'This partnership helps British holidaymakers, who will be able to use e-gates when they travel to Europe, ending those huge queues at passport control,' he said. A day before, he said he hoped this would happen 'as soon as possible'. The Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) has said it is clear the deal 'won't impact this summer' and it would also rely on confirmation from EU member states when 'wet stamping' of passports would end. At the moment in some airports, notably in Portugal, British visitors are already allowed to use e-gates but they still have to get their passports stamped because of Brexit restrictions that limit visa-free visits to the EU to 180 days a year and 90 days at a time. Luke Petherbridge, the director of public affairs at Abta, said: 'We believe there are three different scenarios of how EU countries allow UK citizens to use e-gates. The first being no access is allowed at all, the second being occasional access might be granted at the border official's discretion and the third will be some who allow it all of the time. In terms of the second and third scenario, you'll still need to have your passport stamped as that's what monitors how long you've been in the country. However, this could change once EES is introduced.' Starmer said on Monday he had 'urged EU member states' to allow Britons to use e-gates as soon as possible. 'We will be pressing hard on that. There's no inhibition now on this, so I want to see it done quickly.' Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, accused him of promising more than the agreement actually delivered. 'The prime minister is boasting that we will now avoid airport queues because we will get access to EU e-gates,' she said. 'It sounds great, except it is not true; some airports already allow that, and this deal does not guarantee it anywhere, as each country still has to agree.' Sources close to the government said even with passport stamping access to e-gates would be a huge improvement as it would separate British from other third country nationals, who need visas checked, something that can add hours to a journey in busy hotspots such as Rome, Paris and Madrid. 'The biggest impacts will be felt when wet stamping is removed, but in the mean time opening up e-gates will still help, giving UK citizens more options at ports and helping fluidity,' said one government insider. A spokesperson for the European Commission said the introduction of the EES 'will open the possibility to use e-gates for all non-EU citizens, including UK citizens. This will contribute to fluidity at borders for both entry and exit.' The Spanish government has confirmed that British travellers will be able to use electronic gates at Spanish airports once the system is up and running. 'When the EU orders the entry/exit border control system to begin operating, British citizens will be able to use electronic entry points as long as they have a valid travel document, such as a passport,' said a source at the interior ministry. Under the new EES system, EU member states will require non-EU visitors, business or leisure, to provide biometric data including fingerprints and facial images entering the Schengen area. Each visit after that will verify the biometrics and 'if your digital file is clear of any impediments to travel, you will usually not need to go via a passport control officer'. The system is not currently in operation, and airports and ports including Dover and Folkestone Eurotunnel will have scanning systems in place once the EES is given the green light. The system has already been delayed three times amid concerns the new system would cause delays at the Olympics in Paris last year and issues with an EU database. There were also technical issues with each member state's system for interfacing with the agency eu-Lisa, which manages the technology and databases for the bloc in relation to free movement, security and justice. Ultimately all travel in the EU will be digitally controlled with an electronic visa waiver system, Etias, pencilled in for the last quarter of next year and long-term plans for digital passports similar to those already operational in Ukraine's DIIA app.
Powys County Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
British passport holders to be allowed to use e-gates at more EU airports
British passport holders will be able to use e-gates at more European airports as part of a UK-EU deal, the Government has announced. Since Brexit, British travellers arriving at EU airports have generally been forced to queue for manned desks to have their passports stamped, rather than use automated gates with facial recognition technology. This has led to many passengers facing long queues, particularly during peak periods. The issue has been described as one of the most visible impacts of the UK's withdrawal from the EU. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called for UK holidaymakers to be able to use e-gates in EU countries 'as soon as possible'. He said: 'I urge EU member states now to do it and we will be pressing hard on that … there's no inhibition on this so I want to see it done quickly.' He claimed any '(European) Commission-based reason' not to has been 'knocked away by this agreement'. He added: 'For holidaymakers wanting to get out this summer, they will want to know that they can do so easily and without delay and chaos.' After the agreement with the EU, the Government said in a statement: 'British holidaymakers will be able to use more e-gates in Europe, ending the dreaded queues at border control.' Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, a network of independent travel agents, said the announcement is 'a significant breakthrough for British travellers'. She told the PA news agency: 'The frustrating experience of lengthy border control queues upon arrival has been a persistent challenge for many, so the expanded access to e-gates across Europe comes as a tremendous relief. 'With this streamlined system in place, we anticipate both holidaymakers and business travellers will enjoy a much smoother, more efficient airport experience, allowing them to begin their journeys without unnecessary delays.' Tim Alderslade, chief executive of trade body Airlines UK, said: 'This is excellent news for British holidaymakers and will enable an even smoother passenger experience for families travelling to the EU.' British passports can currently be used at e-gates in the EU at a limited number of airports in Spain and Portugal. Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at travel trade organisation Abta, said: 'Since Brexit, Abta has been calling for changes that will make travel easier, and we're pleased to see the UK and EU agree these steps. 'The EU is home to the UK's favourite overseas holiday destinations, and travel between our nations creates a huge boost for the UK economy and is a big driver of growth.' The EU is planning to launch its long-delayed Entry/Exit System (EES) in October. This will replace the need for people arriving in the EU from non-member countries such as the UK to have their passports stamped. Instead, they will need to have their fingerprints scanned and a photograph taken to register them on a database, with the data stored for three years. There are fears this will cause queues at EU airports, as well as at the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel's terminal in Folkestone and London's St Pancras railway station, where French border checks are carried out before people embark on cross-Channel journeys. Mr Petherbridge said: 'It is vital we continue to see good co-operation between the UK and EU on the introduction of this scheme, to make it as streamlined as possible for UK travellers.' The Government also announced that UK cats and dogs will be able to travel 'more easily' by 'eliminating the need for animal health certificates for every trip'.
North Wales Chronicle
19-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
British passport holders to be allowed to use e-gates at more EU airports
Since Brexit, British travellers arriving at EU airports have generally been forced to queue for manned desks to have their passports stamped, rather than use automated gates with facial recognition technology. This has led to many passengers facing long queues, particularly during peak periods. The issue has been described as one of the most visible impacts of the UK's withdrawal from the EU. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called for UK holidaymakers to be able to use e-gates in EU countries 'as soon as possible'. He said: 'I urge EU member states now to do it and we will be pressing hard on that … there's no inhibition on this so I want to see it done quickly.' He claimed any '(European) Commission-based reason' not to has been 'knocked away by this agreement'. He added: 'For holidaymakers wanting to get out this summer, they will want to know that they can do so easily and without delay and chaos.' After the agreement with the EU, the Government said in a statement: 'British holidaymakers will be able to use more e-gates in Europe, ending the dreaded queues at border control.' Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, a network of independent travel agents, said the announcement is 'a significant breakthrough for British travellers'. She told the PA news agency: 'The frustrating experience of lengthy border control queues upon arrival has been a persistent challenge for many, so the expanded access to e-gates across Europe comes as a tremendous relief. 'With this streamlined system in place, we anticipate both holidaymakers and business travellers will enjoy a much smoother, more efficient airport experience, allowing them to begin their journeys without unnecessary delays.' Tim Alderslade, chief executive of trade body Airlines UK, said: 'This is excellent news for British holidaymakers and will enable an even smoother passenger experience for families travelling to the EU.' British passports can currently be used at e-gates in the EU at a limited number of airports in Spain and Portugal. Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at travel trade organisation Abta, said: 'Since Brexit, Abta has been calling for changes that will make travel easier, and we're pleased to see the UK and EU agree these steps. 'The EU is home to the UK's favourite overseas holiday destinations, and travel between our nations creates a huge boost for the UK economy and is a big driver of growth.' The EU is planning to launch its long-delayed Entry/Exit System (EES) in October. This will replace the need for people arriving in the EU from non-member countries such as the UK to have their passports stamped. Instead, they will need to have their fingerprints scanned and a photograph taken to register them on a database, with the data stored for three years. There are fears this will cause queues at EU airports, as well as at the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel's terminal in Folkestone and London's St Pancras railway station, where French border checks are carried out before people embark on cross-Channel journeys. Mr Petherbridge said: 'It is vital we continue to see good co-operation between the UK and EU on the introduction of this scheme, to make it as streamlined as possible for UK travellers.' The Government also announced that UK cats and dogs will be able to travel 'more easily' by 'eliminating the need for animal health certificates for every trip'. This is through the introduction of so-called pet passports.
Telegraph
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Britons will have fingerprints taken at EU border despite Starmer's deal
Britons travelling to European Union countries will still have to have their fingerprints and a mug shot taken at the border after the reset deal brokered by Sir Keir Starmer. While the agreement means UK citizens will now be able to use passport e-gates at EU airports, a push by Brussels to more closely monitor all arrivals into the bloc remains unaffected. Starting later this year, so-called 'third country nationals' entering the 29-nation Schengen zone will need to provide biometric data under the so-called Entry/Exit System (EES). Fingerprints and a photograph will be taken on touchdown at European airports, or before departing London on a Eurostar train or taking a ferry from Dover. Some reports have suggested that one or the other may be acceptable. The long-delayed programme is expected to be rolled out from October, leading to concerns about disruption during half-term as Britons unaware of the changes fly off on European breaks. The EES will digitise travel records, identifying visitors who overstay and, the EU claims, boosting border security. Data will be kept on file for three years, with anyone refusing to supply it denied entry. Mark Tanzer, the chief executive of Abta, the trade body for travel agents, said: 'The agreements around e-gates and pet passports will make it easier for travellers, cutting down on queues and pre-holiday admin. 'There are of course more border changes coming down the line, including the EU Entry/Exit System planned for October. It is vital we continue to see good cooperation between the UK and EU on the introduction of this scheme, to make it as streamlined as possible for UK travellers.' What will the UK-EU deal mean when you travel? Queues at airports in the EU should be shorter as Britons holding e-gate compatible passports will now be permitted to use barriers that have been closed to them since Brexit. There will be no more waiting in line at manned booths while border officials scrutinise the paperwork of the ranks of arrivals from around the world. However, that will only be possible once the requirements of the EES scheme have been met. It has been argued that, beyond the initial rigmarole of registering, the scheme will speed up entry and exit from the bloc. What will wider use of e-gates mean for industry? The 'reset' agreement will not directly affect UK airports, but should ease pressure at European airports and border points with e-gates, particularly in locations popular with holidaying Britons. The requirement for the additional infrastructure for the EES still stands, meaning companies that have invested in new booths and technology will not have done so in vain. Eurostar has spent millions on biometric kiosks at St Pancras station, where French border officials check passports before people board trains, while Dover has similarly reordered its waiting areas so that people can supply fingerprints and photos via tablets from their cars. Will the deal boost travel? Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary said the 'reset' deal is unlikely to make any difference in passenger numbers, with Britons already booking holidays in Spain, Greece and Italy in high numbers this summer. Still, he said the change should have a positive impact for Britons negotiating European airports and 'will certainly reduce friction at the borders.' Is there a reciprocal agreement? Arrivals from the EU are already permitted to use e-gates at Heathrow. The airport allowed this after judging that reducing pressure on Border Force officials ultimately outweighed any consideration of tit-for-tat restrictions.
Leader Live
19-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
British passport holders to be allowed to use e-gates at more EU airports
Since Brexit, British travellers arriving at EU airports have generally been forced to queue for manned desks to have their passports stamped, rather than use automated gates with facial recognition technology. This has led to many passengers facing long queues, particularly during peak periods. The issue has been described as one of the most visible impacts of the UK's withdrawal from the EU. After the agreement with the EU, the Government said in a statement: 'British holidaymakers will be able to use more e-gates in Europe, ending the dreaded queues at border control.' Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, a network of independent travel agents, said the announcement was 'a significant breakthrough for British travellers'. She told the PA news agency: 'The frustrating experience of lengthy border control queues upon arrival has been a persistent challenge for many, so the expanded access to e-gates across Europe comes as a tremendous relief. 'With this streamlined system in place, we anticipate both holidaymakers and business travellers will enjoy a much smoother, more efficient airport experience, allowing them to begin their journeys without unnecessary delays.' Tim Alderslade, chief executive of trade body Airlines UK, said: 'This is excellent news for British holidaymakers and will enable an even smoother passenger experience for families travelling to the EU.' British passports can currently be used at e-gates in the EU at a limited number of airports in Spain and Portugal. Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at travel trade organisation Abta, said: 'Since Brexit, Abta has been calling for changes that will make travel easier, and we're pleased to see the UK and EU agree these steps. 'The EU is home to the UK's favourite overseas holiday destinations, and travel between our nations creates a huge boost for the UK economy and is a big driver of growth.' The EU is planning to launch its long-delayed Entry/Exit System (EES) in October. This will replace the need for people arriving in the EU from non-member countries such as the UK to have their passports stamped. Instead, they will need to have their fingerprints scanned and a photograph taken to register them on a database, with the data stored for three years. There are fears this will cause queues at EU airports, as well as at the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel's terminal in Folkestone and London's St Pancras railway station, where French border checks are carried out before people embark on cross-Channel journeys. Mr Petherbridge said: 'It is vital we continue to see good co-operation between the UK and EU on the introduction of this scheme, to make it as streamlined as possible for UK travellers.' The Government also announced that UK cats and dogs will be able to travel 'more easily' by 'eliminating the need for animal health certificates for every trip'. This is through the introduction of so-called pet passports.
