Aer Lingus has confirmed that, from 25 February 2026, every passenger travelling on its services between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom must present either a valid Irish passport, an Irish passport card or another state-issued passport. Driving licences, Garda age cards and other photo IDs that have long been accepted under the Common Travel Area (CTA) arrangement will no longer be sufficient for boarding. The rule covers Aer Lingus mainline and Aer Lingus Regional services, but domestic flights between Dublin and Donegal and services between Belfast and the rest of the UK are exempt. (irishtimes.com)
The airline says the change is designed to “standardise boarding procedures and improve operational performance” after repeated cases of passengers being refused entry by UK Border Force despite having boarded with non-passport ID. Industry sources point out that Ryanair and most ferry operators already require passports or EU identity cards on the route, so the move brings Aer Lingus into line with competitors and reduces the risk of fines for carrying inadequately documented travellers.
For non-Irish nationals the requirement is even wider: anyone who does not hold a UK visa, BRP or BRC must now secure an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before departure. The UK Home Office opened the ETA scheme to EU citizens in late 2025, and Aer Lingus staff will be required to verify the approval code at check-in. Failure to obtain an ETA attracts a £500 on-the-spot penalty for the carrier as well as possible detention for the passenger.(irishtimes.com)
![Aer Lingus to require passports on all Ireland–UK flights from 25 February]()
If you are unsure about the new documentation requirements, specialist visa agency VisaHQ can streamline the process—whether that means securing an ETA, renewing an Irish passport or arranging travel permits for destinations beyond the UK. Their Ireland portal offers clear checklists, live support and expedited options: https://www.visahq.com/ireland/
Business-travel managers should update traveller profiles to ensure that employee records show a valid passport number and ETA status. Corporate mobility teams are advised to circulate guidance explaining that the traditional “passport not required” CTA marketing message no longer applies for airline travel, even though Irish and UK citizens may still technically enter each other’s territory without a passport at the land border.
In practical terms, the new rule could increase demand for express Irish passport services in the coming weeks, particularly among frequent commuters who have relied on driving licences. The Passport Office has urged applicants to use the online renewal portal, which is currently delivering standard adult renewals in two working days.
The airline says the change is designed to “standardise boarding procedures and improve operational performance” after repeated cases of passengers being refused entry by UK Border Force despite having boarded with non-passport ID. Industry sources point out that Ryanair and most ferry operators already require passports or EU identity cards on the route, so the move brings Aer Lingus into line with competitors and reduces the risk of fines for carrying inadequately documented travellers.
For non-Irish nationals the requirement is even wider: anyone who does not hold a UK visa, BRP or BRC must now secure an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before departure. The UK Home Office opened the ETA scheme to EU citizens in late 2025, and Aer Lingus staff will be required to verify the approval code at check-in. Failure to obtain an ETA attracts a £500 on-the-spot penalty for the carrier as well as possible detention for the passenger.(irishtimes.com)
If you are unsure about the new documentation requirements, specialist visa agency VisaHQ can streamline the process—whether that means securing an ETA, renewing an Irish passport or arranging travel permits for destinations beyond the UK. Their Ireland portal offers clear checklists, live support and expedited options: https://www.visahq.com/ireland/
Business-travel managers should update traveller profiles to ensure that employee records show a valid passport number and ETA status. Corporate mobility teams are advised to circulate guidance explaining that the traditional “passport not required” CTA marketing message no longer applies for airline travel, even though Irish and UK citizens may still technically enter each other’s territory without a passport at the land border.
In practical terms, the new rule could increase demand for express Irish passport services in the coming weeks, particularly among frequent commuters who have relied on driving licences. The Passport Office has urged applicants to use the online renewal portal, which is currently delivering standard adult renewals in two working days.
