VerbatimParliament, as it happens

EU Countries: Immigration Controls

Asked by Luke TaylorLiberal DemocratForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 22 June 2026UIN 10010

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to secure e-gate access for UK travellers at Schengen area border points.

Answered by Stephen Doughty

Access to e-gates in the EU and Schengen area is not based on bilateral agreements but is granted at the unilateral discretion of Member States. We continue to work closely with individual Member States to press for expanded access to e-gates for British Citizens where this is currently limited. While more than ten Member States currently offer e-gate access on a regular basis, e-gate access at individual points of entry is subject to change, including for technological and day-to-day operational reasons.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim