The UK has signed a new trade deal with Switzerland that will allow British travellers faster passage through airports by using e-gates for the first time.
Described by Trade Secretary Peter Kyle as “the most significant services trade deal the UK has ever negotiated”, the agreement will also scrap mobile roaming charges for tourists and professionals visiting both countries.
The government says the deal is estimated to increase UK exports to Switzerland by £5.2bn annually “in the long run”.
A services mobility deal, allowing businesses to provide services for up to 90 days without a work permit, was due to expire in 2029, but the new deal puts this on a permanent footing.
The government says UK passport holders will be allowed to use e-gates at Zurich airport from as soon as the end of this year – with Geneva and Basel airports set to announce a timetable for adoption shortly.
The scheme is separate to Switzerland’s implementation of the EU’s new border control system – the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will allow UK citizens to use EU e-gates.
UK employees will also be permitted to transfer to work in Switzerland for up to five years without stringent economic needs tests.
Ministers say lawyers, accountants and architects are among professionals who will benefit.
Government figures show about 800,000 Britons visit Switzerland each year.
Switzerland is the UK’s sixth-largest services export market, with over £30bn in services trade between the two countries in 2025. Its citizens can already use e-gates at UK airports.
The agreement comes after trade deals were struck with the US, India, the Gulf Co-operation Council, South Korea and the EU.
It also comes as Sir Keir Starmer enters his final weeks as prime minister before being replaced by Andy Burnham.
“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,” Sir Keir said.
“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.”
Meanwhile, the transport secretary has spoken with the European commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism about Europe’s new EES border system.
Heidi Alexander and Apostolos Tzitzikostas agreed to “work together with aim for smoothest possible EES checks ahead of the busy summer period”, the UK government said.
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