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Brexit For Members

Swiss and EU nationals face new ID rule for travel to UK

The Local
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Swiss and EU nationals face new ID rule for travel to UK
A Swiss passport will be necessary to visit the UK from October. Photo by Claudio Schwarz | @purzlbaum on Unsplash

Swiss and EU nationals have been warned that the rules to enter the UK will change at the end of the month, with ID cards will no longer be accepted at the border.

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Nationals of EU countries as well as Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway will no longer be able to use their country's national identity cards as a means of entry into the UK from the end of September.

From October 1st 2021 onwards travellers will only be able to enter the UK using their passport - previously travellers who had citizenship of EU countries could use their national ID card instead.

Under EU rules, citizens of member states that issue national identity cards, can use them for travel within the EU and Schengen area instead of a passport.

This was the case for travel to the UK when it was part of the EU. The change in rule in October is as a result of Brexit.

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In general far fewer people own passports in these EU countries compared to national identity cards, which are obligatory in some European countries. 

But the change of rule for travel to the UK may force many to apply for passports.

However there will be some exceptions.

The Home Office states that these nationals can continue to use national ID card to enter the UK until at least December 31st 2025 if they:

Travellers will need to have the appropriate documents to prove the above status at the UK border.

Irish citizens can continue to use a passport card to travel to the UK.

EU travellers do not need a visa for short trips to the UK.

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