British holidaymakers have received a boost as the UK Government announced that Faro Airport in Portugal has initiated the provision of e-gate access. The development is a result of an agreement secured by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during talks with EU representatives last month.

Speaking from the despatch box on Thursday, Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, who oversees EU relations, remarked that the deal “makes life easier for holidaymakers”.

The official spokesman for the Prime Minister confirmed: “Yesterday, Portugal opened e-gates at Faro Airport to British citizens, which will mean millions more Brits going to the Algarve will be able to use e-gates in time for the summer holidays.

“We’re obviously continuing to work with other countries and other airports to ensure Brits can use more e-gates as soon as possible and that work continues.

“It’s obviously good news to see a very significant airport, I think for British holidaymakers, opening e-gates to British citizens yesterday.”

Sir Keir unveiled the agreement last month, stating that “for holidaymakers wanting to get out this summer, they will want to know that they can do so easily and without delay and chaos”.

To expedite the process across Europe, the Prime Minister urged “all EU members states to help make this a reality without delay”. Since Brexit, UK nationals have faced restrictions when travelling to most Schengen area countries, impacting their ability to use e-gates.

Britons heading to Portugal have been cautioned that passport checks upon arrival “may take up more time, as the passport will have to be stamped and there are additional questions that may be asked by the border control officers”, according to the Faro Airport website.

However, the Government has announced that the agreement will eliminate “legal barriers to e-gates use for UK nationals” once a new biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) is introduced, scheduled for October this year.

Responding to a query about efforts “to improve relations with the EU”, Mr Thomas-Symonds informed 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.”

In fact, I’m pleased to confirm this morning that Faro Airport in Portugal will begin rolling out e-gate access to UK arrivals this week.