Can I use my EU national card to enter the UK?

Individuals travelling to the UK from the EU, the EEA or Switzerland used to be able to enter the country using their national ID cards. In October 2021 EU ID cards ceased to be accepted at UK borders as identification documents, save in very specific circumstances.

Where an exception applies, national ID cards can be used to facilitate entry into the UK until 31 December 2025. In all other circumstances only a full passport valid for the entire stay in the UK is acceptable.

If the EU/EEA/Swiss national has been granted Pre-Settled or Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme they can continue to use their ID cards, as can those holding a Family Permit or Frontier Worker Permit under the scheme. Swiss nationals who have a Service Provider from Switzerland visa can also continue to enter the UK with their national ID card.

If the individual has a pending EU Settlement Scheme application, they can also still use their national ID card. They will, however, be required to confirm that they are not applying to join a family member in the UK, and that their pending application has been validly submitted. 

Should you wish to travel to the UK for reasons other than short-term visits, for example, for work purposes or to study, you may be required to apply for a UK visa before travel. 

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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