
Citizens of the UK and Ireland do not need a passport to travel between the two countries, but they are advised to carry some form of identification. While some airlines, such as Ryanair, insist on passengers carrying a passport, others, such as Aer Lingus, allow passengers to use a driving licence as proof of identity.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Can you travel to the UK with a driving licence? | Yes, you can use a driving licence as a form of ID when travelling domestically within the UK. |
Do you need a passport for domestic flights in the UK? | No, but it is advised to carry photographic identification such as a passport or driving licence. |
Do you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in the UK? | No, but you may need an IDP to drive in some other countries. |
What You'll Learn
- UK citizens travelling to Ireland do not need a passport
- Irish citizens can use a driving licence to enter the UK
- Ryanair requires a valid passport for all international flights
- Citizens of Ireland and the UK only need to prove their citizenship when travelling between the two countries
- A driving licence is not always accepted as a valid form of ID
UK citizens travelling to Ireland do not need a passport
UK citizens do not need a passport to enter Ireland, as both countries are part of the Common Travel Area (CTA), which allows British and Irish citizens to move freely within the area. However, it is recommended to carry a passport or another form of identification, such as a driving licence, as proof of identity. This is because Irish immigration officers are entitled to ask for proof of British nationality, and ferries and airlines may ask for ID.
If you are travelling from Ireland to Northern Ireland, you do not need any documents to enter. However, if you are travelling from Ireland to England, Scotland, or Wales, you may be asked by a Border Force officer to provide proof of your identity and nationality. In this case, you can use any documents that show your identity or nationality, such as a current or expired passport, proof of British citizenship (e.g. a UK citizenship certificate), a Gibraltar identity card (current or expired), or a copy of your passport or Gibraltar identity card that clearly shows your identity and nationality. You can also use multiple documents, such as a driving licence with a citizenship certificate. If you are using an expired document, it must be recent enough that it is clearly yours.
It is important to note that different airlines have different policies regarding acceptable forms of identification. For example, while Aer Lingus accepts driving licences as valid proof of identity, Ryanair requires passengers to have a passport for all international flights. Therefore, it is essential to check the conditions of travel with your carrier before your trip.
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Irish citizens can use a driving licence to enter the UK
It is important to note that some airlines and sea carriers only accept passports as valid identification. For example, Ryanair requires passengers to have a valid passport, while Aer Lingus accepts driving licences. Therefore, it is essential to check the requirements of the specific carrier before travelling.
Additionally, when travelling between Britain and Ireland, it is advised to carry proof of identity, such as a valid passport, photographic driving licence, birth certificate, or other forms of identification. While a passport is not required, the absence of valid documentation may result in denied entry into Britain or Ireland.
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Ryanair requires a valid passport for all international flights
When it comes to travelling to the UK, the requirements for entry depend on the traveller's nationality and country of origin. British citizens can enter the UK with a Gibraltar identity card or any documents that show their identity or nationality, such as a current or expired passport, proof of British citizenship, or a driving licence with a citizenship certificate. Irish citizens can also enter the UK with any documents that prove their identity or nationality, including a current or expired passport, proof of Irish citizenship, or a driving licence with a certificate of naturalisation.
However, for those travelling to the UK by air, the requirements may differ depending on the airline. While some airlines like Aer Lingus accept a valid driving licence for travel to the UK, Ryanair has a strict policy of requiring a valid passport for all international flights. This means that passengers travelling on Ryanair to the UK must carry a valid passport, regardless of their nationality or country of origin.
Ryanair generally accepts two forms of ID: a valid National Identity Card, or a passport. They do not accept a driver's licence or birth certificate for travel to any location. It is the responsibility of each Ryanair passenger to carry Photo ID that meets the requirements of Ryanair and the relevant Immigration Authority. To avoid fines or penalties for travelling without the required documents, passengers are advised to check the specific rules for their destination before travelling.
Additionally, non-EU/EEA citizens travelling with Ryanair must have their travel documents checked and stamped at the Ryanair Visa/Document check desk before proceeding through airport security. This is to ensure compliance with immigration authority rules, and Ryanair reserves the right to refuse travel if passengers fail to comply with this requirement.
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Citizens of Ireland and the UK only need to prove their citizenship when travelling between the two countries
Some airlines, such as Ryanair, require passengers to have a valid passport, and do not accept driving licences for travel to the UK. However, other airlines, such as Aer Lingus, do accept driving licences as valid identification. It is important to check with your airline before travelling.
If travelling by ferry with Stena Line, a valid passport or form of identification is not required for UK and Irish citizens, but it is advised to take a form of identification. Non-UK and non-Irish citizens will require a valid passport and a visa, if applicable.
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A driving licence is not always accepted as a valid form of ID
In addition, when travelling between Ireland and the UK, you may be asked by an immigration officer to prove that you are a citizen of either country, so it is recommended that you carry a passport with you. This is also the case when travelling between Ireland and Northern Ireland, where a Border Force officer may ask to see proof of your identity and nationality.
If you are a citizen of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you may be able to enter the UK with a national identity card. However, you should check before travelling, as some airlines and sea carriers will only accept a passport as valid identification.
It is important to note that the requirements for valid identification vary depending on the country and your nationality. Therefore, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct documentation to comply with the requirements of immigration, customs, health, and other relevant regulations. Failure to produce the correct documentation may result in denied entry to your destination.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on your nationality and your carrier. UK and Irish citizens travelling between the two countries are not required to carry a passport, but some carriers, like Ryanair, will not accept a driving licence.
It depends on your nationality and carrier. UK and Irish citizens travelling between Britain and Ireland are advised to carry a form of identification, which can include a driving licence.
Yes, if you are a UK or Irish citizen, you can travel between the two countries without a passport. However, some carriers will only accept passports.
No, you will need a valid passport.
Yes, if you are travelling from Ireland, you do not need a passport. However, if you are travelling from outside of Ireland, you will need a valid passport.