UK travelers heading to Switzerland will soon benefit from faster border processing and the return of free mobile roaming under a new UK-Switzerland trade agreement.
The deal, announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, introduces a series of travel measures aimed at making business and leisure trips easier while also strengthening economic ties between the two countries. The agreement was signed by the Minister of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin with his British counterpart, Peter Kyle.
The biggest change for travelers is the phased introduction of automated passport e-gates for British passport holders. The rollout is expected to begin later this year at Zurich Airport, initially for exit checks, before expanding to Basel and Geneva airports in 2027. Geneva is one of Switzerland’s busiest gateways for ski holidays and business travel, while Basel serves both leisure and corporate markets.
The move is expected to reduce waiting times at passport control and simplify arrivals and departures for UK visitors.
Free roaming to come back
Another major benefit is the end of mobile roaming charges between the UK and Switzerland. UK travelers will once again be able to use their mobile phones in Switzerland without paying additional roaming fees, although the timing of implementation and the participating mobile operators have yet to be confirmed. The return of free roaming is expected to be welcomed by leisure travelers, business visitors and the large number of British skiers who visit Swiss resorts each winter.
Since the UK left the European Union, many travelers have faced significant mobile data and call charges when visiting Switzerland, depending on their network provider. Swiss travelers will benefit of the same facility in the UK.
The agreement also makes business travel easier. UK service professionals will be able to travel to Switzerland visa-free for up to 90 days per year for short-term business activities, removing much of the administrative burden previously faced by consultants, engineers, financial specialists and other service providers.
The reciprocal arrangement also allows Swiss companies to send staff to the UK for short-term contract work without requiring visas for stays of up to 90 days.
The UK government says the wider agreement could generate an additional £5.2 billion (about US$7.1 billion) in annual UK services exports over the longer term.
