What You Need to Know About Post-Brexit Travel Changes for EU Nationals
As of 1 October 2021, EU citizens can no longer use their national identity cards to enter the UK, marking a significant post-Brexit shift in travel requirements. This change affects over 200 million Europeans who previously relied on their national ID cards for entry.
Under the new rules, passports are now mandatory for EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals wishing to travel to the UK. However, there are exceptions until the end of 2025. Individuals who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or those who have applied for it, are still allowed to use their ID cards for entry.
Meanwhile, Irish citizens remain exempt, with their passport cards accepted for travel to the UK. Additionally, Gibraltar-issued identity cards are still valid for British citizens traveling to the UK.