The UK has secured a comprehensive trade agreement with Switzerland, set to ease border controls and slash mobile phone costs for British nationals. The deal, hailed by the Department for Business and Trade as its most significant services trade agreement yet, promises to streamline travel and boost economic ties between the two nations.
British holidaymakers will soon be able to speed through e-gates at Zurich Airport from late 2026 onwards, with Geneva and Basel airports expected to follow suit. Mobile roaming charges for calls and data between the UK and Switzerland are also set to be abolished, making communication more affordable for those travelling in either direction.
The agreement cements the UK-Swiss services mobility framework, which was previously due to expire in 2029. This safeguard ensures that British business professionals can continue to provide services in Switzerland without a specific work permit for up to 90 days, paving the way for greater collaboration and ease of operation for UK firms.
The deal is expected to unlock an estimated £5.2 billion per year in additional UK services exports to Switzerland over time. Trade Secretary Peter Kyle highlighted the benefits, stating that it will bring "faster journeys through the border, cheaper phone use for families and business travellers, and new opportunities for British firms selling their world-class services overseas."
The agreement marks a significant milestone in the UK's trade agenda, with outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's government having secured six major trade deals in two years. The focus on services underscores the strategic importance of this agreement in driving growth and supporting jobs across the country.