UK-Switzerland agreement paves way for Britons to use Swiss e-gates

British travellers will soon be able to use Swiss e-gates at airports, thanks to a new agreement between the UK and Switzerland.

 

The move will mean holidaymakers and business travellers will be able to move more quickly through passport control and avoid lengthy queues when visiting Switzerland. 

 

Extra roaming charges are also to be scrapped for British tourists and business travellers, enabling them to use their phones in Switzerland as part of their regular phone contract.

 

News of the arrangements came as the UK and Switzerland announced a new Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is estimated to unlock £5.2 billion a year in additional UK services exports to Switzerland in the long run. 

 

The agreement for UK nationals to use Swiss e-gates was announced in a separate agreement in addition to the FTA.

 

Mark Tanzer, Abta chief executive, said: “We want travel to be as easy and smooth as possible, so this announcement includes great outcomes for British holidaymakers and business travellers. 

 

“Removing roaming charges would give people one less thing to think about before their trip and should make it cheaper to stay in touch too.

 

“Plus, giving UK visitors access to Swiss e-gates will make going through the airport smoother and quicker for tourists and business travellers alike.

 

“We know it’s not something that can just happen overnight, but it is encouraging to see that Switzerland has a plan in place to make it happen. Removing travel frictions like these with major European partners is so important for UK tourism and exports.”

 

About 800,000 annual UK visits are made to Switzerland, said the UK Department for Business and Trade.

 

UK nationals will be able to exit via e-gates at Zurich Airport from as soon as the end of 2026. Switzerland is also working towards allowing entry via e-gates at Zurich, Geneva and Basel airports and will set out a timetable shortly.

 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Whether you’re growing a business or travelling for work, this agreement is about making life easier and creating more opportunity for people across the UK.

 

“It means British firms will find it easier to sell their expertise in one of our most important markets in Europe, supporting jobs and investment here at home.

 

“British people will also be able to enjoy using their mobile in Switzerland without extra roaming charges, and alongside the FTA, they will soon also have quicker trips through Swiss airports.”

 

Trade secretary Peter Kyle added: “This is the most significant services trade deal the UK has ever negotiated.

 

“It will bring huge benefits to British business and consumers and comes after a slew of deals with the US, Europe, the Gulf, South Korea and India.

 

“This deal will mean faster journeys through the border, cheaper phone use for families and business travellers to Switzerland, and new opportunities for British firms selling their world-class services overseas.

 

The new provisions also include visa-free travel for up to 90 days a year to Switzerland for UK services professionals.

 

UK businesses will be able to transfer people to work in Switzerland for up to five years, without being subject to stringent economic needs tests making it easier to secure Swiss work permits for UK graduates in areas such as finance, insurance and consultancy.

 

Bryan Batista, Skyscanner chief executive, welcomed the UK–Switzerland FTA, saying: “As a UK-headquartered company serving millions of travellers, including as one of Switzerland’s leading travel platforms, we see tremendous value in the agreement’s strong digital trade outcomes. 

 

“By protecting the free flow of data and preventing future data localisation requirements, the deal provides us with the certainty to make long-term decisions with confidence as we continue to grow and serve travellers.”