Under the new rules, all Poles travelling to the United Kingdom must carry a passport. Polish ID cards are no longer accepted, including for people holding settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, British and Polish authorities said.
The change marks the final end of post-Brexit transitional arrangements that had allowed some EU citizens, including Poles, to enter the UK using national ID cards. From 2026, no exceptions apply.
Document checks are carried out before departure by airlines, ferry operators, coach companies and rail operators, including Eurostar. Travellers without a valid passport will not be allowed to board planes, ships, coaches or trains bound for the UK.
The same requirements apply to motorists using the Channel Tunnel and to travellers entering the UK from Ireland.
British authorities stressed that residency status in the UK does not replace the obligation to hold a passport when crossing the border. Settled or pre-settled status continues to regulate the right to live and work in the country, but not the type of travel document required.
In addition, most Polish citizens travelling to the UK for short stays must hold an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), a digital entry permit linked to a passport. The ETA system has been in force for EU citizens since 2025 and applies to visa-free travel.
Unlike travel within the European Union, where Polish citizens can continue to cross borders using a national ID card, entry to the United Kingdom now requires a passport in all cases.
(tf)
Source: IAR