Passport warning as thousands of Brits flying to Ireland risk being denied travel

Millions of Brits hop across to Ireland every year, with more tourists coming from the UK, than anywhere else in the world. While Ryanair is the leading airline for British visitors, Aer Lingus, the Irish flag carrier, comes in second. But if you've got an Aer Lingus flight booked, you'll want to take note. (Picture: Getty Images)

The carrier, which flies from 11 UK airports, has changed its requirements, and as of February 25, 2026, all passengers will need to a passport in order to be able to board their flight. According to the UK Foreign Office, British nationals are not legally required to show a passport to enter Ireland. Instead, other forms of photo ID are accepted, such as a valid drivers' license. (Picture: Getty Images)

This is because both Ireland and the UK are in the Common Travel Area (CTA) — along with the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands — which means citizens can travel freely between the locations without needing a passport. However, the airline has now changed their rules. In a statement shared with Metro, Aer Lingus said: 'Aer Lingus is updating its travel document requirements for flights between the Republic of Ireland and the UK, effective from 25th February 2026.' (Picture: Getty Images)

'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 now require a valid passport or Irish passport card.' (Picture: Getty Images)

'The other forms of photo ID (driver’s licence, etc.) previously accepted will no longer be valid for travel.' The airline say that this updated policy 'aligns with the travel document requirements across the rest of our network and will ensure consistency and further improve our operational performance for our customers'. (Picture: Getty Images)

There are some small caveats though: 'Passengers travelling on domestic services with Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Emerald Airlines, are exempt from this updated travel policy. Domestic services include Belfast-UK and Dublin-Donegal routes.' The new policy has received mixed reaction online. (Picture: Getty Images)

On X, Richard Bannister asked: 'What is their legal basis for insisting on something not required by law?' While Calum Maxwell said: 'And yet I could fly to Belfast and get the train to Dublin.....no passport required. Make it make sense!' Currently, Ryanair also expects passengers from the UK to show a passport when flying to Ireland. However, British Airways, the sister airline to Aer Lingus, still accepts other forms of ID. (Picture: by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)