Story Highlight
– UK-Swiss trade deal announced for luxury watch executives.
– British passport holders can use e-gates in Switzerland.
– E-gates expected at Zurich Airport by year-end.
– New rules align Switzerland with EU’s EES system.
– Concerns over technical issues at border controls persist.
Full Story
Just ahead of Sir Keir Starmer’s departure from Downing Street, a trade agreement between the UK and Switzerland has brought some positive news for luxury watch sector leaders.
As part of this new arrangement, British passport holders are expected to gain access to e-gates at Zurich Airport by the end of this year, with further expansions planned for Geneva and Basel airports, although specific timelines for these locations remain undisclosed.
While there is optimism about the reduction of lengthy wait times at passport control, it is essential to temper expectations. The introduction of the e-gate system for Switzerland aligns it with the EU, which began implementing the Entry-Exit System (EES) this summer; a measure aimed at facilitating quicker customs processing for UK citizens as well. However, the rollout of this system has faced numerous technical difficulties, causing significant delays at several border points.
Nevertheless, there is hope that Switzerland, known for its efficiency, will successfully navigate these challenges. If they do, it will mean an end to the frustrating experience of watching EU nationals seamlessly pass through passport checks while UK travellers remain stuck in long queues.
