Aer Lingus Takes Steps to Simplify Travel Between the UK and Ireland, Introducing New Passport Requirement for All Passengers Starting February 25, 2026

Aer Lingus is taking significant steps to streamline travel between the UK and Ireland by introducing a new passport requirement for all passengers starting February 25, 2026. This move, aimed at simplifying the travel process and aligning procedures across its network, mandates that all travelers, including Irish and British nationals, must present a valid passport or Irish passport card when flying between the two countries. With this policy shift, Aer Lingus aims to standardize travel documentation and enhance security for its passengers, following changes in border control regulations post-Brexit.

Aer Lingus is introducing new travel document requirements for passengers traveling between the Republic of Ireland and the UK, effective from February 25. Starting on this date, all travelers, including both Irish and British nationals, will need to present a valid passport or Irish passport card to board flights between the two countries.

Previously, travelers could move freely between the UK and Ireland without the need for a passport, thanks to the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement. Passengers had the option to use alternative forms of identification, such as a driving license. However, Aer Lingus is now enforcing a new policy requiring all customers, including Irish and British nationals, to carry a passport when flying between the UK and Ireland on either Aer Lingus or Aer Lingus Regional flights.

This change applies to all passengers, regardless of nationality. They will need to show their passport or passport card at both check-in and boarding. As a result, Aer Lingus will no longer accept other forms of photo ID on these routes. The airline has made it clear that this shift aims to simplify the travel process and align travel procedures across its network.

Passengers traveling on domestic flights within the UK, such as between Dublin and Donegal, or from Belfast to other parts of the UK, are still permitted to use alternative forms of identification. This is the only exception to the new rule. The new passport requirement also applies to children and infants. Every passenger, regardless of age, will need their own valid passport for travel on any Aer Lingus flight, except for domestic flights within the UK.

A significant change also affects the use of EU National ID cards. These will no longer be accepted for travel to the UK. However, passengers can still use their EU National ID cards for flights returning to Ireland from the UK. This rule reflects the UK’s tightening of entry requirements following Brexit, as it moves away from allowing travel based on ID cards.

Aer Lingus is urging passengers who are affected by these new requirements to contact their customer care team for assistance. If passengers have already traveled between Ireland and the UK without a valid passport and will still be abroad when the new rules take effect, they should also reach out to customer service to discuss their options. Aer Lingus can be contacted directly for further guidance.

In addition to Aer Lingus’s new requirements, the UK government has introduced a new regulation that affects most visitors to the UK. Starting on February 25, 2026, most non-Irish and non-British nationals traveling to the UK will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or eVISA before their trip. These digital permissions will be required for visitors from Ireland who are not British or Irish nationals, and who do not already hold a valid UK visa or immigration status.

The application process for an ETA or eVISA is simple, with most approvals happening within minutes. However, passengers are advised to wait up to three working days for confirmation. The cost for an ETA or eVISA is approximately €18 per person. These digital travel permissions are valid for two years or until the expiration of the passenger’s passport, whichever comes first. It’s important to note that travelers cannot board a flight to the UK if their ETA or eVISA application is still pending.

Irish and British nationals traveling from Ireland to the UK are exempt from the new ETA or eVISA requirement. Additionally, passengers transiting through UK airports, where they will not pass through border control (for example, passengers changing flights at airports like Heathrow or Manchester), are also not required to apply for an ETA or eVISA.

Passengers who are uncertain about the new passport requirements or the ETA and eVISA process are encouraged to reach out to Aer Lingus and the UK government for further guidance. With these new travel rules, Aer Lingus and the UK government aim to streamline the travel experience, ensuring that all passengers are well-prepared for their journey.

Aer Lingus is simplifying travel between the UK and Ireland by introducing a new passport requirement for all passengers starting February 25, 2026, in order to standardize travel documentation and align with tighter border control measures post-Brexit. This change ensures a more secure and efficient travel process for everyone flying between the two countries.

Overall, the introduction of the new passport requirement and the UK’s ETA or eVISA system is part of a broader effort to standardize and tighten border controls post-Brexit. These changes will affect a wide range of travelers but are crucial for maintaining a smoother and more secure travel process for all passengers flying between Ireland and the UK.

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