British passport holders will be able to use more e-gates at EU airports, which the Government says will ‘end the dreaded queues at border control’.
In a statement issued by 10 Downing Street, the Government said the steps to make travel easier were included in a wider trade agreement with the EU.
As part of a new deal, pet passports will also be reintroduced, making it easier for Brits to take their dogs and cats on European trips.
However, no timeframe for the new measures were included in the initial statement.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “It’s time to look forward. To move on from the stale old debates and political fights to find common sense, practical solutions which get the best for the British people.
“We’re ready to work with partners if it means we can improve people’s lives here at home.”
Sir Keir has also agreed to continue working on proposals for a youth mobility scheme to allow 18 to 30-year-olds to work and travel freely in Europe.
The scheme, which would be capped and time-limited, would mirror exiting schemes the UK has with countries such as Australia and New Zealand, according to the Government.
ABTA Chief Executive Mark Tanzer said: “The agreements around egates 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 2025. 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.
“A big headache travel companies have faced has been the ability to employ UK staff in EU countries to do holiday jobs, such as chalet hosts and tour reps. It has brought a huge amount of red tape and cost, and some businesses have had to change how they offer holidays because they can’t get the right staff. UK national workers in EU-based travel roles have declined by 69% over recent years.
“So, ABTA strongly welcomes the announcement that the UK and EU are to work on a youth experience scheme, which will be similar to those in place with other countries around the world. The reopening of opportunities for young Brits to work within the EU would be great news for individuals and the UK’s outbound travel industry.
“We’ve long argued that an agreement between the UK and EU would be mutually beneficial – and that these deals are not akin to freedom of movement in any way. We urge policymakers on both sides to get an agreement in place as quickly as possible, travel businesses can plan for the future, recognising the huge benefit to the UK economy and travel is a driver of growth.”
Advantage CEO Julia Lo Bue-Said said allowing British passport holders to use more egates would lead to a ‘significantly faster, more convenient airport experience’.
UKinbound Head of Public Affairs Lauren Broughton said:“The inclusion of a new reciprocal EU/UK youth experience scheme is a very welcome step forward that will benefit generations of young British and European citizens.
“With their much-needed foreign language skills, young Europeans would provide a boost to businesses in the UK’s inbound tourism industry, which would deliver valuable economic growth across the whole of the country.
“However, the devil is in the details, but we look forward to working with the government to ensure that this decision works to promote opportunity and drive growth.”
