Do I need a passport between Ireland and Great Britain?

Rules are shifting; carry a passport to avoid surprises

Travel between Ireland and Great Britain historically operates under the Common Travel Area, which has allowed citizens of the UK and Ireland to move between jurisdictions with flexible ID requirements. That informal arrangement, however, sits alongside carrier-specific policies and evolving airline enforcement. One major Irish carrier has announced it will require passports on routes between the two countries, even as some British carriers continue to accept alternative forms of identification for the same sectors.

Why this matters for passengers

Because airlines set their own check-in and boarding requirements, a traveler booked on one carrier might be allowed to use a national ID, while a passenger on another airline could be required to present a passport. That difference has led to cases where travelers expected to use alternative ID but were turned away because they were booked on an airline with stricter rules.

How to prepare

• Verify your booking: confirm which carrier you are ticketed with and check that airline’s ID policy before you travel.
• Bring a passport if possible: carrying one removes uncertainty and is the quickest way to guarantee boarding across carriers and airports.
• Keep backup ID: national ID cards, driver’s licenses, and printed itineraries can help in other interactions but may not suffice for boarding.
• Arrive early: allow extra time at check-in in case the airline asks for additional documentation.

Until carriers align their policies more closely, the safest option for cross‑channel air travel is to travel with a valid passport.