The United Kingdom has secured a new trade agreement with Switzerland that will allow British travellers to use airport e‑gates for the first time and eliminates mobile roaming charges for visitors to both nations.
Described by Trade Secretary Peter Kyle as the “most significant services trade deal the UK has ever negotiated,” the deal is expected to boost UK exports to Switzerland by £5.2 billion annually in the long term.
The agreement extends the services mobility framework, granting businesses the right to operate in Switzerland for up to 90 days without a work permit on a permanent basis, superseding the previous arrangement set to expire in 2029.
UK passport holders will be able to use e‑gates at Zurich Airport from the end of this year, with Geneva and Basel airports expected to announce schedules shortly thereafter. This initiative is separate from Switzerland’s adoption of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which allows UK citizens to use EU e‑gates.
The agreement also facilitates UK workers’ transfer to Switzerland for up to five years without stringent economic‑needs tests, benefiting professions such as lawyers, accountants and architects.
Around 800,000 Britons visit Switzerland annually, and the country is the UK’s sixth‑largest services export market, with over £30 billion exchanged in services trade in 2025.
This pact follows recent trade agreements with the US, India, the Gulf Cooperation Council, South Korea and the EU. It arrives as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s tenure concludes and Andy Burnham prepares to assume office.
“Whether you’re expanding a business or traveling for work, this agreement makes life easier and opens up more opportunities for people across the UK,” said Sir Keir.
He added, “British firms will find it easier to sell their expertise in one of our most important European markets, supporting jobs and investment at home.”
Transport Secretary has engaged with the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism to discuss the upcoming EES checks, aiming for smooth operation ahead of the busy summer period.
