Travel chaos to ease for some British holidaymakers as new e-gates open

Relief may soon be on the way for British holidaymakers, as new e-gates have been rolled out for UK arrivals at one of Portugal’s most popular airports.

Faro airport in Portugal’s Algarve has become the first country to allow UK passport holders to use the e-gates system, after the Prime Minister agreed a deal with Brussels.

Previously, travellers have had to queue to have their passports stamped when arriving in the country due to post-Brexit regulations, causing long queues and delays.

Portugal’s Algarve region is a popular holiday destination for British tourists. Nearly ten million British passengers travelled through Faro airport last year, about 45% of the airport’s capacity, according to the prime minister’s official spokesperson.

Last week, Portuguese media reported delays of up to two hours at Faro airport, with large queues at passport control.

On Thursday, the Minister for European Union Relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds, said: “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 am delighted to confirm, this morning that Faro Airport in Portugal will start the rollout of e-gate access to UK arrivals this week.”

Seamus McCauley, head of public affairs at travel company Holiday Extras said the move was a “clear and positive message.”

“Faro is already the UK’s fifth most popular holiday destination this year,” he told ITV News, “So it’s fantastic to see it leading the way as the first EU airport to implement our new e-gate agreement – and will mean UK nationals will be able to pass through border control quicker, spending less time in queues at the airport.

“At a time when some popular destinations are introducing tourist taxes or facing anti-visitor protests, Portugal is sending us a clear and positive message.

“UK holidaymakers are not only welcome – they’re wanted. So I know where I’ll be heading this summer.”

The prime minister’s official spokesperson said the governemnt was continuing to work with other airports in other countries, to ensure Brits could use more e-gates across Europe.