The minister for EU relations has revealed that an airport in Portugal will roll out E-gates for UK tourists. The move follows last month’s UK-EU deal, which promised to accelerate the processing of British tourists arriving in popular European destinations.

Nick Thomas-Symonds, a minister in the Cabinet Office, said in the Commons: “The historic deal that we signed with the EU on May 19 is in our national interests – good for bills, borders and jobs. It slashes red tape and bureaucracy, boosts British exporters and makes life easier for holidaymakers. ‘Indeed, I’m delighted to confirm this morning that Faro Airport in Portugal will start the rollout of e-gate access to UK arrivals this week.”

Following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, travellers arriving in member states have been subjected to delays after being forced to use manned desks to process their entry into the country.

During peak times, this could seen travellers stranded in long queues whilst those with EU passports were able to use faster, automated gates with facial recognition technology.

British passports can currently be used at e-gates in the EU at a select number of airports in Spain and Portugal, but it is hoped that the agreement between the UK and the bloc will see this rolled out to airports at many of the most popular destinations.

It comes following the announcement that the long-awaited European Entry/Exit System (EES) is expected to start in October 2025.

EES is a new system that will make border checks in the Schengen area more secure and will require those travelling on a UK passport to register their biometric details, such as fingerprints or a photo, on arrival.

EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU. ​

The Government said: “Your digital record is valid for 3 years. If you enter the Schengen area again during this time, you will only need to provide a fingerprint or photo at the border, when you enter and exit.”

The Government also announced that following the pact, it will become easier to move pets such as cats and dogs in and out of the country by “eliminating the need for animal health certificates for every trip,” with the introduction of so-called pet passports.