UK and Germany Agree on E-Gates Access

Charlie News & Events 17 July 2025 | | 0

Germany has agreed to start allowing some UK passport holders to use automated e-gates at its airports by the end of August. This will initially be limited to frequent travellers, with full access for all British nationals coming later, once Germany upgrades its border systems to fit the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES).

This move is part of a wider UK-Germany agreement signed during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s first official visit to the UK. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the deal, which aims to make travel between the two countries faster and easier.

Since Brexit, British travellers have faced long waits at European airports because they must go through manual passport checks and get stamps on arrival. These delays especially during peak holiday periods have been one of the most frustrating consequences of Brexit for UK citizens.

Letting UK nationals use e-gates, which rely on facial recognition and process travellers more quickly, should significantly reduce wait times and improve the overall travel experience. It could also encourage other EU countries to offer the same convenience to UK travellers.

The UK Cabinet Office confirmed that similar access has already been extended to British passport holders in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Portugal.

As Germany prepares to fully implement the EU’s new Entry/Exit System, this move not only promises faster, more efficient border checks but also sets the tone for improved mobility between the UK and the EU.

A UK-EU summit in May clarified that there is no legal barrier stopping EU countries from allowing Brits to use e-gates.

Nick Thomas-Symonds, the UK’s Minister for EU Relations, said:

“E-gates make airport travel smoother for everyone. This isn’t just good for holidaymakers—it also helps British businesses by making travel across Europe’s biggest economies quicker and easier.”

Direct Trains Between the UK and Germany?

The same UK-Germany treaty also lays the groundwork for possible direct train services between the two countries. A new task force of transport experts from both governments will study how to make this happen.

They’ll look into border checks, safety rules, and work with train companies to explore the possibility of launching services, possibly within the next decade.

UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:

“This could transform travel between London and Berlin, making it faster, easier, and more eco-friendly than flying.”

In related news, the UK recently signed a similar agreement with Switzerland to explore direct train routes. Eurostar also announced plans to launch train services from London to Frankfurt and Geneva by the early 2030s, with journey times of around five hours.

Right now, Eurostar is the only company running passenger trains through the Channel Tunnel, but others are working on launching competing services in the future.

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Charlie

Travel and Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager at IaM (Immigration and Migration)

Charlie is IaM’s resident Travel & Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager. They craft clear, engaging guides that demystify complex visa and migration rules - and then personally supports each client through every step of their journey.

Over the past 6+ years, with IaM, and working in the travel and immigration sector, Charlie has authored 200+ in-depth guides on Schengen, UK visas & other destinations they have relocated 1,000+ families safely through the system. A Clockwork Practitioner, Charlie also works hard to streamline operations and adheres to the mantra "Task Clients Well".

When they’re not translating policy into plain English, you’ll find them scouting new destinations, collecting local stories, and mastering a new language to better serve our global community.