TL;DR
- From 25 February 2026, Aer Lingus passengers on Republic of Ireland-UK routes must show a passport (or Irish passport card) at check-in and boarding.
- Driving licences, Garda Age Cards, and most EU ID cards will no longer be accepted, even for Irish and British nationals.
- The change applies to all passengers including infants, but exempts domestic Republic of Ireland flights and Aer Lingus Regional services from Belfast to Great Britain.
- The move aligns with UK Border Force spot-checks and follows a similar switch Ryanair made years ago.
Passports Only From 25 February
From 25 February, every passenger flying between the Republic of Ireland and the UK with Aer Lingus will need a valid passport or, for Irish citizens, an Irish passport card. Driving licences and EU national ID cards will no longer be accepted, even for Irish and British nationals.
The change follows a growing number of cases where passengers have been denied entry at UK Border Force spot-checks, despite holding documents that were accepted at check-in. By standardising on passports, Aer Lingus is aligning its requirements with border enforcement. Ryanair introduced the same policy previously, so this brings the two carriers into line.
Domestic flights within the Republic (such as Dublin to Donegal) and Aer Lingus Regional’s Belfast to Great Britain services are exempt. The requirement applies to the core Ireland-UK network.
Who Needs What at Check-In
The requirement applies to all passengers, including infants and children, who will each need their own passport with a photo. Families should check expiry dates well ahead of departure.
EU nationals who have previously used national ID cards for Ireland-UK travel will now need a passport instead. Irish passport cards remain a valid option for Irish citizens, which offers an alternative to carrying a full passport booklet.
Passengers from third countries travelling from Ireland into the UK will also need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which is rolling out in phases through 2026. Irish and British nationals are exempt from the ETA requirement, but the passport rule still applies.
Aer Lingus has confirmed it will increase pre-flight email reminders ahead of the change.
Families, Frequent Flyers, and the Ones Who Travel Light
Parents booking half-term or summer travel often assume a birth certificate or school ID will be accepted for younger children. Under the new rules, it won’t. Flagging this at the booking stage gives families time to apply for or renew passports.
EU passport holders living in Ireland may also need a reminder, particularly if they have relied on national ID cards for these routes in the past. Business travellers on short trips to the UK should also be aware, especially those who may not routinely carry a passport for a day trip.
Mentioning this early in the booking conversation helps clients prepare and avoids complications at check-in.
Dublin’s Passenger Cap and the Common Travel Area
Ireland’s transport minister has also signalled plans to lift Dublin Airport’s 32-million passenger cap by the end of 2026. The cap has been in place since 2007, and removing it could lead to increased capacity and more flight options on Irish routes. This is separate from the passport requirement.
The Common Travel Area between Ireland and the UK remains in place. Irish and British citizens continue to enjoy the same rights of movement and residence. The passport requirement is an airline-level policy change, not a change to the travel agreement itself.
The Heads-Up That Builds Trust
Adding a note about the passport requirement to confirmation emails or booking checklists helps ensure clients are prepared ahead of travel. For flights departing from 25 February onwards, it’s a straightforward addition to the booking process.
