Passport rules for passengers travelling to the UK
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Passports are mandatory for travel to the UK
With effect from 01 October 2021, passports are mandatory for all EU, EEA or Swiss citizens (including children) travelling to the UK.
EU, EEA or Swiss national ID cards are no longer valid for travel to the UK unless travellers live in the UK and have settled or pre-settled status. Passengers with settled or pre-settled status can continue to use their national ID card until 31 December 2025.
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Proving immigration status
Any EU, EEA or Swiss citizens living in the UK with settled or pre-settled status may be asked to provide proof when entering the UK. They can generate a code here, which they may need to show to UK Border Force officers. This code will confirm their immigration status.
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UK nationals with dual citizenship
For UK nationals with dual citizenship, showing a UK passport to UK Border Force officers will help prove their immigration status.
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Visas for travel to the UK
Passengers can continue to travel to the UK for holidays or short trips without a visa. More information.
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NEW: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
From November 2023, some of your customers travelling to the UK without a visa may need to get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission to travel to the UK. It’s for people who don’t need a visa, and it’s electronically linked to their passport. So if a customer plans to stay in the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, business, transit, short-term studies, or to visit family and friends, they’re likely to need an ETA.
More information.