British passport holders will soon be able to use e-gates at Swiss airports and use their phones in Switzerland without extra roaming charges, under new agreements between the UK and Swiss governments.

For the estimated 800,000 UK visits made to Switzerland each year, according to the Department for Business and Trade, the changes promise quicker passage through passport control and one less cost to worry about on arrival.

The announcements came as the two countries unveiled a new Free Trade Agreement (FTA), estimated to unlock £5.2 billion a year in additional UK services exports to Switzerland in the long run. The e-gates arrangement was set out in a separate agreement alongside the FTA.

UK nationals will be able to exit via e-gates at Zurich Airport from as soon as the end of 2026. Switzerland is also working towards allowing entry via e-gates at Zurich, Geneva and Basel airports and will set out a timetable shortly.

The move mirrors steps taken at home, where the government has been widening e-gate access at UK airports to speed up border crossings. It also adds to growing UK-Swiss travel links, with plans for a direct London to Switzerland rail service already in development.

Mark Tanzer, Abta chief executive, said: “We want travel to be as easy and smooth as possible, so this announcement includes great outcomes for British holidaymakers and business travellers.

“Removing roaming charges would give people one less thing to think about before their trip and should make it cheaper to stay in touch too.

“Plus, giving UK visitors access to Swiss e-gates will make going through the airport smoother and quicker for tourists and business travellers alike.

“We know it’s not something that can just happen overnight, but it is encouraging to see that Switzerland has a plan in place to make it happen. Removing travel frictions like these with major European partners is so important for UK tourism and exports.”

Because Switzerland sits outside the EU, many UK mobile plans treat it differently from EU destinations, and travellers have faced unexpectedly steep roaming bills when caps and contract terms catch them out. Under the new arrangements, extra roaming charges are to be scrapped, allowing British tourists and business travellers to use their phones in Switzerland as part of their regular phone contract.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Whether you’re growing a business or travelling for work, this agreement is about making life easier and creating more opportunity for people across the UK.

“British people will also be able to enjoy using their mobile in Switzerland without extra roaming charges, and alongside the FTA, they will soon also have quicker trips through Swiss airports.”

The deal also eases business mobility. UK services professionals gain visa-free travel to Switzerland for up to 90 days a year, and UK businesses will be able to transfer staff to work in Switzerland for up to five years without stringent economic needs tests, making it easier to secure Swiss work permits for UK graduates in areas such as finance, insurance and consultancy. Full details are set out in the government’s conclusion summary.

Trade secretary Peter Kyle called it “the most significant services trade deal the UK has ever negotiated”, adding: “This deal will mean faster journeys through the border, cheaper phone use for families and business travellers to Switzerland, and new opportunities for British firms selling their world-class services overseas.”

Bryan Batista, Skyscanner chief executive, said: “By protecting the free flow of data and preventing future data localisation requirements, the deal provides us with the certainty to make long-term decisions with confidence as we continue to grow and serve travellers.”