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Major changes are set to impact British holidaymakers entering a European hotspot, and it’s good news, with the plans aimed at making travel smoother and quicker for Brits

A beautiful European hotspot is set to make travel easier for Brits by relaxing its entry rules.

British holidaymakers have been facing significant disruptions when travelling to Europe, partly due to the new European Union (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES), which was rolled out on 10 April 2026, and the increased demand for short-haul getaways, particularly during peak periods. In a bid to offer a smoother journey for Brits, without relentless delays and lengthy queues, Switzerland has eased some of its restrictions.

Under a new agreement between the UK and Switzerland, Brits will be allowed to use the Swiss e-gates at airports, providing a smoother experience at passport control. British tourists and business travellers visiting the country, known for its snow-capped, dramatic peaks, will also be able to benefit from scrapped roaming charges.

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.”

Initial plans, set to be in place by the end of 2026, will allow Brits to enter through the e-gates at Zurich Airport, the country’s largest international airport. There are also plans to introduce this at the airports in Zurich, Geneva, and Basel.

The significant changes were announced following a new Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which could ultimately offer an estimated £5.2 billion a year in additional UK services exports to Switzerland. Meanwhile, news that thousands of British holidaymakers and business travellers could use the Swiss e-gates was confirmed outside of the FTA.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer commented: “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.”

UK holidaymakers keen to visit Switzerland do not need a visa to enter the Schengen area, and can travel for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Meanwhile, for UK services professionals, the changes will also introduce visa-free travel to Switzerland for up to 90 days a year.

The government website outlined: “UK businesses will be able to transfer people to work in Switzerland for up to 5 years, without being subject to stringent economic needs tests, making it easier to secure Swiss work permits for UK graduates in areas like finance, insurance and consultancy.”

Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: “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.”

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