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A major airline has announced a significant change to its travel requirements for flights between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom, which will come into effect later this month. Aer Lingus previously allowed passengers to travel with alternative forms of identification, such as birth certificates or driver's licences. From February 25, however, all customers, including Irish or British nationals travelling on Aer Lingus and Aer Lingus Regional services between the Republic of Ireland and the UK, will be required to present a valid passport or Irish passport card, as other forms of photo ID will no longer be accepted for these routes.

Domestic routes such as Belfast to other parts of the UK or Dublin to Donegal are exempt from this new rule. Irish and British nationals flying with Aer Lingus or Aer Lingus Regional between Ireland and the UK must carry a passport or Irish passport card, even though they are not required to obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

Passengers who are not Irish or British nationals will need an ETA or, in some cases, an eVisa to enter the UK. Aer Lingus has advised travellers to check the UK Government website for guidance on ETAs and visa requirements before flying.

The airline said on its website: "Effective from 25 February 2026 - New travel document requirements apply for travel between the Republic of Ireland and the UK.

"All customers (including Irish and British nationals) will require a passport or an Irish passport card for travel, and non-Irish and non-British nationals will be required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or eVISA."

It added: "From this date, all customers travelling on Aer Lingus or Aer Lingus Regional flights (including Irish and British nationals) between Ireland and the UK must present a valid passport or Irish passport card at check-in and boarding. This will ensure consistency across our network and further improve our operational performance for our customers."

The ETA is a digital travel permission for short stays of up to six months and multiple journeys over two years, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

Passengers are advised to apply at least three working days before travel and to avoid third-party websites that may charge higher fees or be fraudulent. The standard cost of an ETA is currently £16, with a planned increase to £20.

ETAs are required for all eligible visitors who do not already have a UK visa or immigration status, including those transiting through UK airports and going through passport control.

There have been 19.6 million ETAs granted since the scheme was introduced in October 2023, up to the end of September 2025.