Identity documents in the United Kingdom (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: The Identity Cards Act 2006 was repealed in 2010. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens generally cannot use a national ID card to enter, with listed exceptions.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Duty to carry or show IDIdentity documents | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| National ID card compulsory for citizensIdentity documents | No [1] |
| ID duty for foreign visitorsIdentity documents | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| EU citizens may enter with a national ID cardIdentity documents | No [2] |
| Document for British citizensIdentity documents | British citizens returning to the UK must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. [3] |
Notes
- The Identity Cards Act 2006 was repealed by the Identity Documents Act 2010. A digital ID scheme was announced in September 2025; its current status has not been confirmed from an official source here.
- Exceptions include people with settled or pre-settled status, an EU Settlement Scheme family permit or a Frontier Worker permit, S2 Healthcare Visitors, and EU, EEA or Swiss nationals aged 18 or under on a French school trip.
Sources
- legislation.gov.uk: Identity Documents Act 2010, section 1 (Repeal of Identity Cards Act 2006) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- GOV.UK: Entering the UK: Before you leave for the UK (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (GOV.UK): Germany travel advice: Entry requirements (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.