Can I use an Irish passport card to enter the UK?

Upvote:4

I have not tested this but it seems that it should be possible.

The Get a Passport Card page on the Irish DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) site claims that it is still possible to enter the UK with a passport card. However, this is not a UK government site so it might be out of date or incorrect. Even if it is correct, it might be unconvincing to a UK border official.

I found a page on the UK government site on the subject. It is fairly clear that, in general, you cannot enter the UK with an EU ID card. There are complex exemptions but I was struggling to figure out whether they applied to me. However, when I read down far enough, I found this clear statement:

Irish citizens can continue to use a passport card to travel to the UK.

Visiting the UK as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen (UK government site)

So, for the particular case of Ireland, the passport card should still be valid but I would not be surprised if it was questioned. For other, EU ID cards, the simple answer is no.

Upvote:8

As an Irish citizen, you have free movement and working rights in either countries of the CTA (Common Travel Area) if you hold a document that can prove your citizenship and identity.

According to the UK FCO

You don’t need to show your passport to a Border Force officer when travelling from Ireland to Great Britain. However, you may be asked to show a document that confirms your identity and nationality.

This could include:

  • a valid passport or passport card (if you’re Irish)

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