New Trade Agreement Between UK and Switzerland
The United Kingdom has entered into a comprehensive trade agreement with Switzerland that aims to simplify travel for British citizens by allowing the use of e-gates at Swiss airports. Trade Secretary Peter Kyle hailed the agreement as a landmark in services trade, noting its significance for both tourists and professionals.
One of the notable aspects of the deal is the elimination of mobile roaming charges for travelers between the two countries. The British government anticipates that this agreement will lead to a substantial increase in UK exports to Switzerland, projecting an annual rise of £5.2 billion in the long term.
Permanent Services Mobility Framework
The agreement also solidifies a services mobility framework, which enables businesses to offer services for up to 90 days without requiring a work permit. This provision was initially set to expire in 2029 but has now been made permanent. Additionally, UK passport holders will soon have access to e-gates at Zurich airport, with similar plans for Geneva and Basel airports expected to be announced soon.
This initiative operates independently of the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES), which will also allow UK citizens to use e-gates across the European Union.
Opportunities for UK Professionals
The trade agreement facilitates the transfer of UK employees to Switzerland for work periods of up to five years without the need for extensive economic tests. Professions such as law, accounting, and architecture are expected to benefit significantly from this arrangement.
Economic Impact and Trade Relations
Approximately 800,000 Britons travel to Switzerland annually, and the country ranks as the UK's sixth-largest market for services exports, with over £30 billion exchanged in 2025 alone. Swiss citizens already have the convenience of using e-gates at UK airports.
This new deal follows several other trade agreements the UK has recently secured with countries including the US, India, and South Korea, as well as the Gulf Cooperation Council and the EU.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, in his concluding weeks before his successor Andy Burnham assumes office, remarked, "This agreement facilitates business growth and travel, providing more opportunities for people across the UK. It enhances the ability of British companies to sell their expertise in a crucial European market, supporting domestic jobs and investment."
Collaborative Efforts on EU Border System
In parallel, discussions between the UK transport secretary and the European commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism have focused on the EU's new EES border system. Both parties have committed to ensuring smooth EES checks ahead of the busy summer travel period.
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