British holidaymakers could use EU passport control lanes on the Continent again under the new deal with Europe struck yesterday – but only if member states agree to make the changes.
Sir Keir Starmer said the agreement would allow UK travellers to go through EU 'e-gates' rather than manual passport checks, 'ending those huge queues at passport control'.
And No 10's official X account said British nationals 'will now be able to use e-gates... so you can start your holiday sooner'.
However, it will be up to EU member states to update their border security checks and decide when to introduce it. The move will also depend on the introduction of the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES), which will require travellers to give their fingerprints and pay a £6 fee.
Asked when Britons may be able to use e-gates, the Prime Minister said: 'I want it done as soon as possible, and that's why I urge EU member states now to do it.'
