travel with id card to uk

European ID Cards: Changes at the UK Border from 1st October 2021

It is estimated that almost a third of EU, EEA and Swiss nationals currently travel to the UK using national identity cards, rather than passports. However, on 01 October 2021 , the rules governing entry to the UK with an EU, EEA or Swiss national identity card will change.

Up to and including Thursday 30 September 2021, all EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can use their national identity card to enter the UK. However, from Friday 01 October 2021, this will no longer be possible for most EU, EEA and Swiss citizens. Instead, a valid passport must be shown at the UK border. The passport must be valid for the entire duration of the traveller’s stay in the UK.

While this change will apply to the majority of EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, some exceptions apply. Certain EU, EEA and Swiss citizens may continue to enter the UK using only their national identity cards, up until at least 31 December 2025 . This will only apply to you if you fall into one of the categories below:

You have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme

If you have been granted either pre-settled status or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you can enter the UK by showing the identity document linked to your online status. This could be your passport, or your national identity card.

Before you travel, you should ensure that you update your online account with all valid travel documents (such as passports or national identity cards) that you hold and intend to use for travel, to avoid any unnecessary delays at the border. You can check, or change, the identity document linked to your status under the EU Settlement Scheme on the GOV.UK website .

You have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme, but not yet received a decision

On 25 August 2021, the UK government updated its guidance to confirm that EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who applied to the EU Settlement Scheme before the 30 June 2021 deadline, but have not yet received a decision, can continue to use their national identity card to enter the UK after 01 October 2021, while they are waiting for the decision on their application.

If your application is pending, UK border guards will be able to check your pending status automatically at the border using the documents registered, so your travel in and out of the country will not be affected while your application is being processed. 

You have an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit

If you have an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit , you may continue to enter the UK after 01 October 2021 by showing an EU, EEA or Swiss national ID card.

You have a Frontier Worker Permit

If you have a permit under the Frontier Worker Permit Scheme , you may continue to enter the UK after 01 October 2021 by showing an EU, EEA or Swiss national ID card.

You are an S2 Healthcare Visitor

If you have been authorised to receive planned healthcare in the UK under the ‘S2 arrangement’ , or you’re accompanying or joining someone who is, you may continue to enter the UK after 01 October 2021 by showing an EU, EEA or Swiss national ID card.

You are a Swiss national and have a Service Provider from Switzerland visa

If you work for a company based in Switzerland and have a Service Providers from Switzerland visa, you may continue to enter the UK after 01 October 2021 by showing a Swiss national ID card.

British and Irish citizens

If you are a British citizen and have a Gibraltar identity card, you can continue to use this to travel to the UK after 01 October 2021.

If you are an Irish citizen and have a passport card, you can continue to use this to travel to the UK  after 01 October 2021.

Non-EEA citizens

Please note that if you’re a non-EEA family member of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you will need to show your valid national passport. You cannot use an Article 10 or Article 20 residence card issued by an EEA member state to enter the UK.

If you are a non-EEA citizen, you must travel with a valid national passport.

Other Documents That EU or Swiss Visitors May Need to Show at the UK Border

Whether you are entering the UK with a national identity card or a passport, there may be other documents that you will need in order to enter the UK as a Visitor .

Contact Our Immigration Barristers

EU, EEA or Swiss nationals who wish to visit the UK and wish to discuss their visit with one of our immigration barristers should contact us on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.

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Can I travel to the UK with my national ID card? Change from 1 October 2021

Please note that your passport must be valid for the entirety of your stay in the UK.

There are exceptions which, if they apply, will allow certain EU, EEA and Swiss nationals to continue to use their national ID card to travel to the UK up until at least 31 December 2025. In order for this to apply, you must fall under one of the following categories listed below:

You hold Settled or Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme

If you hold Settled or Pre-Settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you can enter the UK using the ID document linked to your status (i.e. your passport or ID card). This must be the same ID document that you used to apply for status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

To avoid delays at the border, if you obtain a new ID document, we strongly advise that you update your ID document on the online account before you travel to the UK so that it matches the ID document which you will use when entering the UK. You can update your information under the EU Settlement Scheme .

You have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme before the 30 June 2021 deadline but have not yet received a decision

If you have made an application under the EU Settlement Scheme before the 30th of June 2021 deadline, but have not yet received a decision, you may continue to use your national ID card when travelling to the UK after 1 October 2021, whilst your application remains pending. Please note that you may also continue to travel during this period.

You have been issued with an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit

If you hold a family permit under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may enter the UK using your EU, EEA, or Swiss national ID card after 1 October 2021. Once you enter the UK, you will be able to make an application under the EU Settlement Scheme to remain in the UK after the expiry of your family permit. Gherson Immigration team can advise and assist on applications made under the Home Office’s EU Settlement Scheme. Should you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

You have a frontier worker permit

If you hold a Frontier Worker Permit under the Frontier Worker Permit Scheme, you may also continue to travel to the UK using your EU, EEA or Swiss national ID card after 1 October 2021.

If you are an S2 Healthcare Visitor

If you are entering the UK as an S2 Healthcare Visitor, i.e. you have been authorised to receive planned healthcare in the UK under the ‘S2 arrangement’ or you are joining someone who is an S2 Healthcare Visitor, you may continue to use your EU, EEA or Swiss national ID card when entering the UK after 1 October 2021.

If you are a Swiss national and you hold a Service Provider from Switzerland visa

Those with status under this category may also continue to use their Swiss national ID card for travel to the UK after 1 October 2021.

Additionally, British nationals may continue to use a Gibraltar identity card when entering the UK. Irish citizens can also continue to use a passport card for travel to the UK beyond the 1st of October 2021.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson has extensive experience in all aspects of UK immigration law . If you have any queries relating to the blogs published or are interested in talking to us about your specific circumstances, please do not hesitate to  contact us  for advice, send us an  e-mail , or alternatively, follow us on  Twitter ,  Facebook , or  LinkedIn  to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

© Gherson  2021

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Airlines must allow European visitors to travel to UK on ID cards, says watchdog

Citizens of schengen zone countries have a right to travel using id cards, airlines have been reminded, article bookmarked.

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Some airlines are unnecessarily stopping European travellers from travelling to the UK due to a misunderstanding of post-Brexit travel rules, a watchdog has said.

In several cases, airlines have demanded that travellers show proof of British residency under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) and have refused to accept valid European national ID cards for travel, according to the Independent Monitoring Authority (IMA).

The rejected customers have included EU citizens, as well as those from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland – non-EU countries that are in Europe’s Schengen Area.

These European citizens’ right to use their national ID cards for travel is protected by the withdrawal agreement agreed between the UK and EU during Brexit negotiations.

The IMA has written an open letter to all airlines to remind them of the Home Office’s guidance, which states that European citizens can use either their national ID cards or passports to travel to the UK.

Pam Everett, IMA’s director of operational delivery, said: “As the summer holidays start in earnest, we are concerned that incorrect procedures followed by airline carriers will cause unnecessary stress, even resulting in families missing their holiday.

“We hope this letter to carriers will remind them to ensure their staff are aware of the guidance from the Home Office in relation to citizens’ entitlement to travel.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and remain in close contact with the Home Office about the EUSS and rights of entry to the UK.”

• Family holiday ruined as mum tripped up by Brexit passport rules
• More travel red tape next summer for Europe trips: Get ready for Etias and EES
• Boris Johnson says French staff shortages not Brexit to blame for Channel holidays misery

In its guidance, the Home Office says: “Carriers are not currently required to check an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen’s immigration status, or their entitlement to travel on a national identity card, when deciding whether to bring them to the UK.

“They only need to check that they have a valid passport or national identity card.”

The IMA is funded by – but independent from – the UK government.

It says it seeks to “protect the rights of EU and EEA EFTA citizens, and their family members, living in the UK and Gibraltar.”

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1. entry into the united kingdom for germans, 1a. what effects do brexit and the end of the transition period have in terms of entering and staying in the united kingdom.

Since 1 January 2021, new rules apply to EU citizens not already resident in the United Kingdom who wish to enter or stay in the United Kingdom.

All information on UK visa requirements for foreign nationals can be found on the UK government website .

1b. Do I need a visa for visits and/or business trips to the United Kingdom?

German citizens generally still do not need a visa for visits or business trips lasting up to 6 months.

Find out more, particularly on the distinction between a business trip (no visa required) and a stay where you undertake paid work (visa required): Visiting the UK after Brexit

1c. As an EU citizen, am I still allowed to move to the United Kingdom?

Freedom of movement between the EU and the United Kingdom ended on 31 December 2020. Anyone wanting to move to the United Kingdom after that date, for example in order to work or study in the United Kingdom or join family already living there, must apply for a visa beforehand. Certain set criteria must be met in order for a visa to be issued.

Find out more: Visas and Immigration

1d. What does the end of the transition period (31 December 2020) mean for German students?

EU students who had already taken up residence in the United Kingdom before 31 December 2020 had to submit an application under the EU Settlement Scheme to secure the rights associated with settled status or pre-settled status. They had to have taken up residence and been able to prove their physical presence.

EU students moving to the United Kingdom after 31 December 2020 to study must apply for a student visa (for which a charge applies) beforehand , even if their course started in 2020. It is not possible to enter the United Kingdom to begin a course of study without having obtained a visa in advance; EU students must apply (in advance) for a student visa if they are planning to stay for longer than six months. In these cases it is not possible to enter the United Kingdom to begin a course of study without having obtained a visa in advance. There have already been cases of students being turned back at the border or put on a flight back to Germany A student visa gives you considerably fewer rights than people who have acquired settled status or pre-settled status.

Further information on the situation as of 1 January 2021 from the UK Council for International Student Affairs can be found here and here and from Study UK/British Council here .

List of links relating to Brexit and higher education on the website of the London office of DAAD

1e. As an EU citizen, can I work as an au pair in the United Kingdom?

Since 1 January 2021, EU citizens are no longer permitted to take up work as an au pair in the United Kingdom.

1f. As an EU citizen, can I do a German university mandatory internship in the United Kingdom?

You may apply for a Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange visa (T5) provided you meet the criteria. However, since 1 January 2021, it is virtually impossible in practice for EU citizens to do a German university mandatory internship in the United Kingdom.

1g. As an EU citizen, can I do a legal internship (administrative or elective stage) in the United Kingdom?

Under the British immigration legislation applicable to EU citizens since 1 January 2021, it is generally also no longer possible for Germans to undertake part of their legal training (“Referendariat”) in the United Kingdom.

1h. As an EU citizen, can I still enter the United Kingdom using my national identity card or passport after Brexit?

Since 1 October 2021, EU citizens are only able to enter the UK with a valid passport. This also applies to travellers in transit.

If you have settled status or pre-settled status, you are generally still able to enter the country using your national ID card. To provide extra proof of your status at border control, your national ID card should be linked to your immigration status online. From 2026, the British government is free to make biometric documents compulsory. Some airlines will only accept a passport (rather than a national ID card).

Find out more: Visiting the UK after Brexit

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Affordable proof of age accepted UK-wide

The Post Office PASS card, issued by CitizenCard, is an affordable alternative way to prove your age. It’s just £15 and accepted as an official form of ID throughout the UK.

Use your Post Office PASS card to prove you're under 16, over 16 or over 18.

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This must be the same quality as a passport photograph, taken against a plain white background

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There are two levels of cost for a PASS card

• A standard PASS card application costs £15 and normally takes no more than 3 weeks
• An urgent application costs £30 and should take no more than 2 working days 

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With the Post Office EasyID app you can use your Post Office PASS card to prove your age online. Here’s how it works:

Add your phone number

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Save time and money by avoiding the need to print forms, take photos at a photo booth or post anything to us. Apply for your UK ID card using CitizenCard's paperless, online application system to manage your application from any device using your online account.

PASS - the Home Office, police and all UK retailers recognise this card as valid ID

safe and easy application process - apply for a photo ID at a time that suits you

Prove your age and ID

CitizenCard proof of age & ID cards are available for any UK resident and are issued in 3 age categories: '18+' for adults, '16-17' for young people over 16 and 'Under 16' for children. All cards printed from 7th January 2021 onwards expire 3 years after date of issue (rounded up to the end of the month).

We offer two products for all age categories - in addition to the CitizenCard ID we also offer the Yoti CitizenCard , the digital ID solution - a physical ID card which can be used to create your identity on the free Yoti mobile app. Furthermore, after you become a cardholder you can access online discounts to save money.

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You will need to use an online digital check that will authenticate your original photo ID document or provide a suitable referee, who is a professional person that needs to confirm your identity.

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Log in now to apply for your photo ID or manage an existing application if you have already created one. All required details must be received by 12pm for the application process to start the same day.

How to apply for your first UK ID card online?

1. Start the online application process by using "Apply for your first ID card" button.

2. "Create Your Account" online (complete a registration form and activate your account) or "Log in" to your CitizenCard online account if you already have one.

3. Go to "Apply Online", use "Apply for a new CitizenCard" button, complete a new, online application for a CitizenCard and make a payment.

4. "Choose a verification route" - either a digital check that will authenticate your photo ID document or a referee who is a professional person that will confirm your identity.

5. Upload your photo and, if needed, any original documents required.

6. We verify your identity with a photo ID validation or by contacting your referee.

7. We post your photo ID card to you.

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• If you need your card right away, make an Urgent application using our paperless online application system.
• Make sure you follow our photo requirements when you upload your photo.
• If you don't have a valid Passport (UK or International), Photo Driving Licence (UK or European) or European National ID Card, you need a referee - a professional person validating original document(s)  or confirming your details from official records .
• If applicable, check whether your referee completed the Digital Referee Declaration Form to submit their work details to us.
• If applicable, make sure that your referee can be contacted by phone and email during office hours at their place of work.

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Can I travel to the UK with an ID card after Brexit or do I need a passport?

From 1 October 2021 you need a valid passport to travel to the United Kingdom (UK). If you become a UK resident on or before 31 December 2020, you can continue to use your ID card to travel between the Netherlands and the UK until at least the end of 2025.  

Visiting the UK

From 1 October 2021 you need a valid passport to travel to the United Kingdom (UK). The UK is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For more information on travelling to the UK from 2021 . 

Dutch nationals living in the UK by 31 December 2020

If you become a UK resident on or before 31 December 2020, you are covered by the withdrawal agreement. This means you can continue to use your ID card to travel between the Netherlands and the UK until at least the end of 2025. You may need to show proof that you fall under the withdrawal agreement.  

Bucket list travel on a budget: Expert tips for airfare, loyalty programs, credit card perks and more

Nicky Kelvin from The Points Guy dives into ways to save this summer.

Many travelers have their sights set on summer getaways , but with everything from baggage fees to fuel costs impacting the price of a ticket, "Good Morning America" is asking travel experts to share tips for booking bucket list destinations on a budget and finding savings along the way.

Travel expert Nicky Kelvin, senior director of content for The Points Guy, offered his tips for affordable travel techniques.

Where to find the best flight deals

Kelvin encourages travelers to utilize Google Flights and other free price-tracking tools to compare fare prices and snag the best deal.

He also suggests using both the calendar and map features within Google Flights to see which airports, dates and destinations how the lowest fare.

From the Google Flights homepage on a computer, click "explore destinations" and select a departure city without adding a destination. Then zoom out on the map to see the best prices for destinations all over the world.

Get the most out of free travel loyalty programs

Travelers should be earning points for anything and everything that they are buying or booking from airline and hotels to car rentals, Kelvin said.

In addition to the points that can can help travelers earn free flights and hotel stays, Kelvin said to look for extra perks just for joining.

Hyatt rewards, for example, offers all guests free breakfast.

For Thrifty Car Rental and Dollar Car Rental, he said you can add your spouse or domestic partner as an additional driver for free.

Loyalty programs are great for airlines too. JetBlue, for example, allows enrolled customers -- even if they don't have enough points for a flight -- to use points for discounts. Plus, with any airline, as you accumulate points to earn status, you can get free seating upgrades.

Travel credit cards with cash back perks

Along with earning points, travel credit cards give you protection for your trip like insurance to help with lost or damaged baggage and trip cancellation protection

Chase debuts new airport lounge: Gourmet menus, sleek interiors, free facials redefine hospitality for airport travel

As for credit cards, The Points Guy team suggests the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card as an all-around pick -- you get 75,000 miles after meeting your minimum spend in the first three months. Which Kelvin said is a value of over $1,300.

If you're looking to earn the most miles, he said look to the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.

"You'll earn the most points on all your purchases with this one," he said.

Finally, if you want a credit card with no fee, Kelvin suggested the Bilt Mastercard, which he said is particularly great for renters because you can earn points on what's likely someone's biggest expense.

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Save money on international phone plans for summer trips

If someone's trip is taking them out of the country, using a cell phone internationally can cost $10 to 15 per day. For a family of four, that's more than $400 for a week.

If your phones support eSIM, Kelvin suggested purchasing a data plan for your destination through an app such as Airalo, Truphone or GigSky.

For example, one of Airalo's global SIM plans costs $9 for one week, which could save a family close to $350 dollars, depending on their existing international coverage.

Related Topics

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Identity cards and new Identity and Passport Service suppliers

Guidance on the 2011 cancellation of identity cards, and information about new suppliers working with the Identity and Passport Service.

This guide provides information about the 2011 cancellation of identity cards, including what you need to do if you have one, and gives details on the new suppliers working with the Identity and Passport Service.

Identity card cancellation

Under the terms of the Identity Documents Act 2010, identity cards ceased to be legal documents on 21 January 2011. The government introduced the Identity Documents Act 2010 which received royal assent on 21 December 2010. The act brings into law:

• the cancellation of the UK national identity card
• the identification card for EEA nationals
• the provision for the destruction of the National Identity Register

Your identity card ceased to be a valid legal document for confirming your identity on 21 January 2010.

We have written to all existing cardholders at their registered address to inform them of the position.

Using your identity card as proof of identity, age or as a travel document

It will not be illegal to use your identity card as proof of identity after 21 January 2011. While the identity card is no longer valid for official purposes some organisations may still be willing to accept them as proof of identity without the ability to check against the national identity register.

Identity cards have ceased to be valid travel documents. If you have made travel plans and don’t currently have a passport we would advise you to apply for a passport now.

Passport information  

Passport advice line: 0300 222 0000 (open from 8am - 8pm Monday to Friday, and from 9am - 5.30pm weekends and public holidays)

What to do with your identity card

Identity cardholders are not required to return their cards to Identity and Passport Services ( IPS ). Holders of identity cards are advised to consider securely destroying them. People that choose to retain their identity card should ensure that it is kept in a safe and secure place. To avoid unnecessary and expensive processes, and to minimise cost to taxpayers, cards will not be recalled, and cardholders will not be offered refunds.

Returning to the UK with a cancelled identity card

The decision to grant entry at a port after this time is a matter for the UK Border Agency. Ports staff will be made aware of the cancellation identity cards and will apply their discretion in relation to people coming back to the UK on an identity card. To avoid uncertainty and delays we recommend that people travelling overseas do so with their British passport.

You should make arrangements to visit the British embassy/high commission or consular office in the country you are visiting to discuss your circumstances. Depending upon the duration of your stay, they may be able to arrange for either an emergency travel document to be issued or a new passport to be requested. A fee will be payable for either an emergency travel document or a new passport, please consult the  Foreign and Commonwealth Office section for details of the office details and requirements.

Cancellation of the national identity register

The national identity register was destroyed on 10 February 2011. The personal details of everyone issued with an identity card which were recorded on the National Identity Register were securely destroyed. This included photograph and fingerprint biometrics. The register was destroyed by IPS along with the relevant contractors to approved security standards. The completion of the decommissioning will be reported to Parliament.

Biometric residence permit

The UK Border Agency ( UKBA ) will continue to issue biometric residence permits to non-EEA foreign nationals (formerly known as identity cards for foreign nationals). The biometric data is not kept on the national identity register. European law requires non-EEA foreign nationals to be provided with biometric residence permits.

New Identity and Passport Service suppliers

In May 2008, 5 new suppliers were chosen to work with the Identity and Passport Service: CSC, EDS, Fujitsu, IBM, and Thales. Each signed framework contracts and formed a strategic supplier group.

Using a strategic supplier group allows IPS to carry out shorter procurement processes, meaning contracts for services can be issued more quickly and easily. By inviting suppliers to sign up to a single framework contract, it ensures common terms and conditions and pricing structures are in place.

The group of suppliers under the framework contract can also be accessed by other agencies. The UKBA has been involved in the procurement process to date, and now uses the framework contract to procure services for the improvement of its case work operations.

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