For British travelers eager to enjoy the sunny Algarve, there’s some promising news: e-gates are finally open to UK passport holders at Faro Airport in Portugal.
This change comes after a recent agreement between the UK and EU, aiming to make post-Brexit travel just a little less frustrating.
But while it’s a step in the right direction, the experience isn’t quite seamless yet.
E-Gates Now Live – But Expect to Wait
Yes, British holidaymakers can now use the e-gates at Faro Airport.
But don’t get too excited — some are still reporting queues lasting nearly half an hour.
One recent traveler said the gates were functional, but there simply weren’t enough open to handle the traffic.
“At one point, the EU queue was empty, so they let UK travelers in,” he said.
“Given how loyal we Brits are to Portugal, it’s a bit disappointing we’re still treated like second-class citizens. That said, Portugal is at least leading the way — just not there yet.”
Long Queues Sparked Frustration Before the Rollout
Before this upgrade, many UK travelers faced hours-long waits at Faro.
English-language paper Portugal Resident reported complaints of passport control delays stretching up to three hours, leaving tourists exhausted and questioning if the Algarve was truly ready for the summer influx.
The local tourism group Apal expressed serious concern, and airport officials pointed to a security system update as the cause.
Francisco Vieira Pita from ANA Aeroportos said they were working with authorities to reduce the impact on passengers.
Still, the airport’s website continued to warn UK visitors to expect delays and come early — especially for non-Schengen flights.
A Promising Deal with the EU
Back in May, the UK Government confirmed that British citizens would soon have access to e-gates at more European airports, thanks to a new deal signed with the EU.
This is part of preparations for the EU’s upcoming Entry/Exit System (EES), set to launch in October, which will eventually eliminate the need for passport stamping entirely.
Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds called the agreement a major win for travelers.
“It makes life easier for holidaymakers,” he said, while the Prime Minister’s office highlighted Faro’s progress, saying millions of Brits will now benefit in time for the summer holidays.
Still Some Way to Go Across Europe
While Faro has jumped ahead, not every EU airport is offering the same convenience.
Right now, British passports can only be used at e-gates in a few Spanish and Portuguese airports.
The UK Government is still in talks with other countries to expand the list.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the urgency: “Holidaymakers want smooth, delay-free travel. We need all EU states to make this a reality without delay.”
According to Thomas-Symonds, the wider UK-EU deal will also help reduce red tape, support exporters, and ease travel — part of a broader effort to mend relations after Brexit.
Travel Expert Shares Tips to Beat the Queues
As the summer rush kicks in, travel expert Nicky Kelvin from The Points Guy has some advice for those heading to the Algarve.
“High season means more people, and more strain on passport control,” he said.
His top tip? Be prepared. Have your passport out, open to the photo page, and make sure it meets the entry requirements of your destination.
He also suggests removing hats, sunglasses, and headphones before reaching the desk or e-gate, and staying calm and cooperative — even if the wait is long.
“Border control staff are just doing their job,” he added.
What’s Coming Next: A Biometric System and Pet Passports
In October, the EU is launching its long-delayed Entry/Exit System (EES), which will bring a big change: travelers from outside the EU, including the UK, will no longer get their passports stamped.
Instead, they’ll be enrolled using fingerprints and a photo, with that data stored for three years.
While the system should eventually speed up border crossings, many fear it will cause new queues — not just at airports, but also at Channel crossings like Dover, the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone, and London’s St Pancras.
Another change on the horizon? Easier travel for pets.
The UK government recently announced that pet owners will soon be able to get new “pet passports,” eliminating the need for separate health certificates on every trip.
The Bottom Line
British tourists now have a faster entry option at Faro Airport, thanks to the newly activated e-gates.
It’s a welcome change — but not a flawless one.
Queues are still happening, and wider rollout across Europe remains a work in progress.
As summer travel heats up, preparation is key, and more improvements may be on the way before the year’s end.