What are the key travel-related benefits for British citizens under the new UK-Switzerland trade deal?

British nationals will be able to use e-gates at Swiss airports starting with exit checks at Zurich airport later this year, followed by Basel and Geneva airports next year; mobile phone roaming charges will be scrapped; and UK services professionals will enjoy visa-free travel to Switzerland for up to 90 days per year, with the same allowance extended to UK companies bringing personnel abroad to deliver contracts.

How does the UK government expect this trade deal to impact services exports to Switzerland?

The UK’s Department for Business and Trade stated it hopes the agreement will 'unlock £5.2bn a year in additional UK services exports to Switzerland in the long run', noting that Switzerland is the UK’s sixth biggest market for services—currently worth about £30bn annually, primarily in financial and professional services.

Britons to use e-gates in Switzerland as Starmer seals £5.2bn trade deal

Jul 13, 2026

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer secured a £5.2bn trade deal with Switzerland, facilitating e-gate access and removing roaming charges. The agreement notably maintains pharmaceutical patent protections, securing NHS access to generic medicines.

theguardian

2026-07-13

Britons to use e-gates in Switzerland as Starmer seals £5.2bn trade deal

Britons to use e-gates in Switzerland as Starmer seals £5.2bn trade deal

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