EU Citizens Can Enter UK Only with Passports, Not ID Cards, from October 1

European Union, EEA (European Economic Area) and Swiss citizens from October 1 can enter the UK only if they hold a valid passport, according to the British authorities.

The UK’s updated travel rules state that EU, EEA and Swiss citizens will no longer be able to use national ID cards to enter the country from next month.

“EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can travel to the UK for holidays or short trips without needing a visa. You can cross the UK border using a valid passport which should be valid for the whole time you are in the UK,” the update says.

However, travellers that fulfil specific requirements (those that have frontier workers permits or are S2 healthcare visitors) may continue to use their identity cards upon their arrival in the UK until December 31, 2025.

Moreover, EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can continue to use the automatic ePassport gates to pass through the border on arrival to the UK.

For further details on visiting the UK as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, press here.

Check which other documents you need to enter the UK

It is reminded that the UK has certain Covid-19 rules for international travel to England.

According to the latest update, from October 4, fully vaccinated travelers will no longer need a pre-departure test to visit England unless they come from a red-listed country.

For details on England’s changes to international travel rules from October 4, press here.