Changes to travelling to the UK using National Identity (ID) cards

Changes to travelling to the UK using National Identity (ID) Cards

As part of the Government’s ambition to build back a safer, fairer and more prosperous UK, there will be a phasing out of the use of National Identity (ID) cards as a valid travel document to enter the UK. This means that from 1 October 2021, most EU, EEA and Swiss nationals will need to use a valid passport to travel to the UK. ID cards will no longer be accepted as a valid travel document and it will not be possible to enter the UK using them.

The changes won’t affect British and Irish nationals using Gibraltar ID cards and passport cards, who can continue to use these to travel to the UK as they do now.

The changes also will not affect EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme by 30 June 2021 or otherwise have protected rights under the Citizens’ Rights Agreements.

EU, EEA and Swiss nationals in these exempt groups can still use their national ID cards to travel to the UK at least until 31 December 2025. They’ll also be able to use them after that date, if the cards meet the security standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

The phasing out of ID cards will help strengthen the security of our border and bring EU, EEA and Swiss nationals in line with rules for travellers across the world entering the UK.

Find out more on GOV.UK