International passport required for travel to the UK

September 18, 2021

As of 1 October 2021 travellers must be in possession of an international passport to travel to the United Kingdom. This obligation also extends to children. The new rule is part of the bilateral agreements within the context of Brexit.

Until now Europeans only needed an identity card to hop across the Channel. As of 1 October this will no longer be possible. There are a few exceptions for travellers:

  • who have settled or pre-settled status

  • who have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme but not yet received a decision

  • who have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit

  • who have a frontier worker permit

  • who are an S2 Healthcare Visitor

  • who are a Swiss national and have a Service Provider from Switzerland visa

Take into account slightly longer waiting times at the airport, ferry terminal or train station so be sure to leave on time.

Click here for more details