Overview
- Aer Lingus has begun requiring a valid passport or Irish passport card for all Republic of Ireland–UK services from 25 February, ending acceptance of driving licences and Garda age cards.
- Ryanair already enforces the same rule on UK–Ireland routes, meaning most passengers on these flights now need passports to travel.
- British Airways still permits recognized photographic ID in place of a passport on specific London City and Heathrow services to Dublin, provided it confirms identity and nationality.
- The Home Office rejected claims of poor communication over new border rules as absurd, while guidance says British dual nationals must show a valid or expired UK passport or a £589 certificate of entitlement before boarding for the UK.
- A new Electronic Travel Authorisation took effect on 25 February for many non‑British and non‑Irish visitors to the UK, with Irish citizens exempt but advised to present an Irish passport to carriers to demonstrate that exemption.