Travelling to Europe hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing for Brits post-Brexit.
Longer queues, biometric checks, and the looming arrival of paid visa waivers have all added friction to what used to be a fairly seamless experience.
But there’s finally a bit of good news for UK travellers and it comes courtesy of Switzerland.
Thanks to a newly agreed trade deal between the UK and Switzerland, visiting the Alpine nation is about to become quicker, easier, and potentially cheaper.
E-gates are finally opening to UK travellers at Zurich, Geneva and Basel airports
One of the biggest changes is the introduction of e-gates for British passport holders at major Swiss airports.
Soon, Brits arriving in Zurich will be able to skip the manual passport control queues and instead use automated gates, something that has been off-limits since Brexit.
The rollout is expected to begin in Zurich later in 2026, with Geneva and Basel set to follow in 2027.
For frequent travellers or anyone who has faced long border queues recently, this will be a noticeable upgrade to the arrival experience.
While Switzerland isn’t part of the EU, it is within the Schengen area. This means UK visitors will still need to comply with incoming Entry/Exit System (EES) requirements, including biometric registration. However, the addition of e-gates should significantly streamline the process.
Roaming charges could soon be scrapped between the UK and Switzerland
Another major perk in the pipeline is the removal of mobile roaming charges between the UK and Switzerland.
Once implemented, Brits will be able to use their phones abroad without worrying about extra fees, a welcome return to pre-Brexit travel convenience.
There’s no confirmed start date just yet, so it’s still worth checking with your provider before travelling.
But once live, this change will make everything from navigating Swiss cities to sharing travel content far more hassle-free.
More flexibility for work and travel between the UK and Switzerland
The deal isn’t just good news for holidaymakers. UK service professionals will also benefit, with the ability to work in Switzerland for up to 90 days per year without needing a visa.
It’s a move that strengthens ties between the two countries and could open up more short-term opportunities for freelancers, creatives, and business travellers.
Eurostar to introduce direct train routes from London to major Swiss cities including Basel, Geneva, and Zurich
Switzerland is already a popular destination for UK travellers, attracting around 800,000 visitors each year and getting there might soon become even more straightforward.
Plans are underway to introduce direct train routes from London to major Swiss cities including Basel, Geneva, and Zurich. Eurostar is reportedly working towards launching these services in the early 2030s, offering a more sustainable and scenic alternative to flying.
For Brits dreaming of alpine lakes, ski resorts, and postcard-perfect cities, Switzerland just got a little bit closer.
