Aer Lingus will require passengers to show a valid passport or Irish Passport Card for Ireland-UK flights starting February 25, 2026, ending the acceptance of alternative IDs like driving licenses

Aer Lingus flight departing from Dublin, Ireland

Previously, passengers with the Irish carrier enjoyed the flexibility of traveling between Ireland and the UK using alternative identification documents instead of their passport, including a driver’s license or birth certificate(Image: Frank Brennan via Getty Images)

Aer Lingus has revealed a major modification to its requirements for travelers flying between Ireland and the UK.

Previously, passengers with the Irish carrier enjoyed the flexibility of traveling between Ireland and the UK using alternative identification documents instead of their passport, including a driver’s license or birth certificate.

However, starting later this month, at the request of the British government, Aer Lingus travelers will need to present either a passport or passport card for journeys between Ireland and the UK, according to Dublin Live.

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The updated requirements will take effect from February 25, 2026, at which point individuals seeking entry to the UK who aren’t British or Irish citizens will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) under the ‘No Permission, No Travel’ program, reports the Irish Mirror.

Irish passport

Starting later this month, at the request of the British government, Aer Lingus travelers will need to present either a passport or passport card for journeys between Ireland and the UK(Image: Kinga Krzeminska via Getty Images)

What are the requirements for travel between Ireland and the UK?

If you’re an Irish or UK citizen, you must carry a valid passport or Irish Passport Card to fly with Aer Lingus on international routes between Ireland and the UK starting February 25, 2026. Photo identification apart from a passport or Irish Passport Card will no longer be accepted after that date.

Currently, a valid passport is already mandatory for journeys between Ireland and the UK on Ryanair services.

What about travel between Northern Ireland and mainland UK?

Photo ID requirements stay the same on domestic UK routes run by Emerald Airlines between Belfast and other regions of the UK. The acceptable photo ID for Irish and UK nationals traveling on domestic UK routes remains the same.

For Irish and UK nationals under 16 years old, a photo ID is not required on domestic UK routes, provided they are traveling with a parent or guardian.