From 1 October 2021, most EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can only travel to the UK
using a valid passport, unless they:
- applied to the EU Settlement Scheme, or have an application pending
- or otherwise have protected rights under the Citizens’ Rights Agreements
According to UK Home Office statistics, in 2019, just under 10 million people used an ID card rather than a passport to book a flight to enter the UK. This equates to around a third of all EEA and Swiss air passengers.
After a review by the Home Office, however, it has been decided that “ID cards are amongst the least secure travel documents and they are often used by organised crime groups. Phasing these out will help to deter those who would abuse the system.
“The end of free movement on 31 December 2020 means EU, EEA and Swiss citizens now follow the same rules for entering the UK as travellers from the rest of the world.”
To find out more information, download the Home Office – ID Cards Partner Pack.