The New UK-EU Trade Deal: What it Means for Business Travel

The UK and EU’s latest post-Brexit trade deal, announced 19th May 2025, marks a significant recalibration of post-brexit relations. For UK businesses reliant on European travel, the updates bring a mix of streamlined access and increased compliance requirements. Key changes for travellers include:

• From early 2026, British nationals will be able to use EU e-gates at major border crossings, reducing queues and enhancing the travel experience for frequent flyers.

• A new reciprocal agreement enables 18-30 year-olds to work and travel between the UK and EU, encouraging professional development and cultural exchange.

• A new agreement on food standards simplifies the movement of food products across borders (particularly relevant for events, catering, and international hospitality programmes).

At Addison Lee, we are already advising businesses on how to prepare for these changes, ensuring that corporate travel policies, traveller experience, and regulatory compliance remain on track.

Upcoming Regulatory Timeline

These new systems are designed to improve border security, but they also place new administrative challenges on organisations sending employees to the EU.

The Implications for Corporate Travel

The upcoming EU border changes are not just a traveller consideration, they are a corporate responsibility. For organisations with employees regularly travelling to the EU, these developments have direct implications for travel planning, policy compliance, and duty of care. In short, increased complexity means new challenges, that can be avoided with advanced preparation. Without the correct documentation in place, travellers could face delays, be refused boarding, or even denied entry upon arrival. As border systems shift from manual passport stamping to biometric and pre-authorisation models, companies must ensure they are prepared.

Things to consider:

1. Travel policies will need to be updated to incorporate both the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the ETIAS authorisation process. Pre-trip workflows must now account for these new administrative steps, including authorisation validity checks and biometric readiness.
2. Employees need to understand these changes well in advance of travel. Businesses will need to deliver timely updates, provide clear travel preparation guides, and ensure that travellers are aware of what’s required, from applying for ETIAS to understanding biometric data collection at the border.
3. Travel approvers and coordinators will need to allow additional lead time for European travel. Travel management tools, booking platforms, and approval processes may need to be adapted to integrate ETIAS checks and EES data capture. Ensuring systems are future-ready will be key to maintaining efficiency and avoiding potential costly disruption.

Ultimately, these developments mark a shift towards a more secure, structured, and digital travel environment. The businesses that thrive will be those that act now, reviewing their processes, educating their people, and partnering with providers who understand the operational impact of regulatory change.

At Addison Lee, we’re not just ready for what’s next, we’re helping our clients lead the way.

Sustainability and Digital Borders

Digital borders streamline entry, but they also reduce paper usage, queuing emissions, and inefficiencies. This aligns with Addison Lee’s broader commitment to low-emission vehicles and responsible business travel. Our ESG-aligned ground transport solutions include real-time journey tracking, hybrid and electric fleets, and expert-led planning support to help businesses meet their environmental goals.

Written by: Hayley Smith-Pryor (Strategy Partner, Experience)

Sources:

PM secures new agreement with EU to benefit British people – GOV.UK

UK strikes EU trade and defence reset in ‘new era’ for relations | Reuters

Airport Transfers London | Private Airport Transfers | Addison Lee