Travel documents for EU nationals and their non-EU family members residing in the UK

The UK no longer applies EU rules on free movement, which allow EU nationals to travel freely with a valid passport or an identity card. As an EU national, the entry documents required when travelling to the UK will differ according to whether you have a residence status in the UK under the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement (EU Settlement Scheme), or not.

What is your situation?

Travel to the UK

If you have UK Settled or Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you can continue to enter the UK with a valid passport or identity card. Your non-EU family members who also have UK settled or pre-settled status can enter the UK with a valid passport and may be required to present their UK-issued biometric residence card or an EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) travel permit.

Warning

As of 2026, the UK will no longer accept ID cards (as an entry document) that do not comply with applicable international standards related to biometric identification.

Travel to an EU country

As an EU national, you have the right to travel to any EU country with a valid passport or ID card. Your non-EU family members may need an entry visa, depending on their nationality. Read more about travelling in the EU with your non-EU family members and how to apply for a visa if they need one. Residence cards for non-EU family members previously issued by the UK under the EU rules on free movement are no longer valid.

To enter or transit the UK you will need a valid passport, which must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK. ID cards are not accepted. As a rule, the UK does not require a visa for short stays up to six months for tourism and business, but check the rules that apply to your situation Open as an external link before you travel.

I need help

If you think that your rights under EU law are not being respected and you need advice, contact our assistance service.

You can report a breach of your rights under the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement to the UK Independent Monitoring Authority

Need support from assistance services?

Get in touch with specialised assistance services

You can also use the assistance service finder to find the right help for you.

Last checked: 05/10/2023
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