In a significant policy shift, Aer Lingus will begin requiring passports for all passengers travelling between Great Britain and Ireland from 25 February 2026. This move aligns the Irish carrier with Ryanair, which already mandates passports, but creates a divergence from British Airways and ferry operators who will continue to accept alternative forms of photographic identification.
End of an Era for Passport-Free Travel
The Common Travel Area (CTA), established in 1923, traditionally allows citizens of the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands to travel freely without passport requirements. The Irish government maintains that "there is no requirement for Irish and British citizens to carry passports when travelling within the Common Travel Area." However, Aer Lingus's new policy represents a substantial departure from this long-standing arrangement.
What Changes for Aer Lingus Passengers
Until now, Aer Lingus has accepted a wide range of identification documents including bus passes, work ID cards, and international student cards, provided they contained a photograph. From February 2026, this will no longer be sufficient.
The airline's spokesperson confirmed to The Independent: "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. The other forms of photo ID previously accepted will no longer be valid for travel."
Important exemptions apply to domestic services operated by Aer Lingus Regional through Emerald Airlines, including Belfast-UK and Dublin-Donegal routes, which remain unaffected by the new passport requirement.
British Airways Maintains Flexible Approach
In contrast to its sister airline, British Airways will continue to allow passengers to travel without passports on its London City and Heathrow to Dublin routes. The airline states: "You do not need a passport to travel between these destinations, known as the Common Travel Area (CTA), but you do require recognised photographic identification that proves your identity and nationality."
This creates a potential complication for passengers, as British Airways sells Aer Lingus flights through its ba.com website. Travelers purchasing Aer Lingus tickets via the British Airways platform may not realise they need a passport until check-in, potentially causing disruption.
Operational Consistency Cited as Reason
Aer Lingus explained the decision as necessary for operational efficiency. The spokesperson noted: "This 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."
Ferry Services and Land Borders Unaffected
Ferry companies operating across the Irish Sea between Ireland and England and Wales will continue to accept alternative forms of identification. Additionally, there are no passport checks between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, maintaining the open border arrangement that has existed for decades.
The policy change highlights the evolving nature of travel documentation requirements within the Common Travel Area, with airlines implementing different standards despite the shared historical agreement allowing passport-free movement between member nations.
