UK Enforces Passport-Only Travel for EU Nationals
Travellers from across the European Union heading to the United Kingdom (UK) can no longer rely on national ID cards at the border. Under the updated rules, all EU nationals, except Irish citizens, must carry a valid passport to enter the UK, a move that directly affects millions of travellers.
For EU nationals, the change is absolute. National ID cards are no longer accepted under any circumstances, including for those holding settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. UK authorities have stressed that residency rights do not replace the obligation to present a passport when travelling.
The impact for travellers is immediate and practical.
Airlines, ferry operators, coach companies, and rail services such as Eurostar are required to check travel documents before departure. Passengers arriving with only an ID card will be refused boarding, regardless of their immigration status. The same passport requirement applies to motorists using the Channel Tunnel and to most travellers entering the UK from Ireland, with Irish nationals remaining the sole exception.
This change marks the end of post-Brexit transitional arrangements that had allowed EU citizens to enter the UK using national ID cards. From 2026 onward, there are no exemptions for EU nationals other than Irish citizens.
In addition to a passport, most EU citizens travelling to the UK for short stays must also obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Introduced in 2025, the ETA is a digital entry permit linked directly to a passport and is now mandatory for visa-free travel.
Unlike travel within the European Union, where EU nationals can continue to move freely using national ID cards, travel to the UK now requires preparation.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.
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IaM can help with your visa application to Europe, the United States, the UK & other countries
If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or a visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.
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Do you need to renew your passport? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.
Check out the deals we have found below and tell us your travel plans.
Check out the offers and discounts from:
And because of the pandemic, don’t forget to get your travel insurance, which will cover you for flight disruptions and pandemic related matters.
IaM can help with your visa application to Europe, the United States, the UK & other countries
If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or a visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.
Some of our posts include affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any of these products, we might get a small commission. For more information, check out our TOS.
Over the past 6+ years, with IaM, and working in the travel and immigration sector, Charlie has authored 200+ in-depth guides on Schengen, UK visas & other destinations they have relocated 1,000+ families safely through the system. A Clockwork Practitioner, Charlie also works hard to streamline operations and adheres to the mantra "Task Clients Well".
When they’re not translating policy into plain English, you’ll find them scouting new destinations, collecting local stories, and mastering a new language to better serve our global community.
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