UK and Switzerland sign trade deal to scrap mobile roaming charges and allow e-gates for British travellers

The UK has signed a trade deal with Switzerland that will eliminate mobile roaming charges and permit British travellers to use e-gates at Swiss airports.

• The deal puts the existing services mobility agreement, allowing professionals to work up to 90 days without a work permit, on a permanent footing.
• British passport holders will be able to use e-gates at Zurich airport from the end of 2026, with Geneva and Basel expected to follow.
• The UK government estimates the deal will increase UK services exports to Switzerland by £5.2bn annually in the long run.
• The agreement also continues pharmaceutical patent protections between the two countries.