Here’s what the new Aer Lingus rules mean for passengers travelling from Ireland to the UK

New rules are coming into place this week

The airline confirmed there will be a significant change to its rules for those travelling between the two countries from February 25th.

Up until now, passengers were allowed to travel the short distance using other forms of identification, like a driving licence or a birth certificate.

However, from this week, Aer Lingus passengers will have to use either a passport or a passport card to travel between Ireland and the UK.

The new rules also mean that people entering the UK who are not British or Irish nationals will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

If you're an Irish or UK national, photo identification other than a passport or Irish Passport Card will no longer be accepted from February 25th with Aer Lingus.

A valid passport is currently required for travel between Ireland and the UK on Ryanair flights.

Meanwhile, photo ID rules will remain unchanged on domestic UK routes operated by Emerald Airlines between Belfast and other parts of the UK.

In a statement the airline confirmed: "Aer Lingus is updating its travel document requirements for flights between the Republic of Ireland and the UK, effective from 25 February 2026.

"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.

"Other forms of photo ID previously accepted (eg: driver’s licence) will no longer be valid for travel.

"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.

"This aligns with the travel document requirements across the rest of our network and will ensure consistency across our network and further improve our operational performance for our customers."

They went on to say: "Also effective from 25 February 2026, Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will be required by anyone travelling to the UK who is not a British or Irish national and does not hold a valid UK visa or other immigration permission.

"Certain nationalities will require an eVisa. Customers are strongly advised to check the UK Government website for further information."

Aer Lingus advises customers to check all travel documents in advance of travel to avoid any disruption.

If you do not have a passport but are booked to fly, Aer Lingus has a help line (01 697-1970) and email address (traveldocuments @aerlingus.com) dedicated to help.

"The Aer Lingus customer care team will offer customers the best option to suit their individual circumstances, including a refund, a refund voucher, or a rebooking to travel at a later date,” the airline said.