Schengen does not mean no ID
The Schengen area allows travel between most EU countries and a few others, including Switzerland, without routine passport checks at internal borders. That does not mean you can fly without identification. Airlines need to confirm who is boarding, and countries can reintroduce temporary border checks. You should always carry a valid, accepted travel document when you fly.
For citizens of EU and EEA countries, and Switzerland, a valid national identity card is generally enough for travel within the Schengen area. Some travellers still prefer a passport, which is recognised everywhere. Check what your airline accepts as ID for boarding, as policies can differ.
Ireland and the United Kingdom
Ireland is in the EU but not in the Schengen area, so flights to and from Dublin involve passport control. EU citizens can usually enter with a national ID card, but there will be a document check on arrival.
The United Kingdom has its own rules. Since leaving the EU, it requires most EU visitors to show a passport rather than an ID card, and it has introduced an electronic travel authorisation requirement for many visitors who do not need a visa. Check official UK government guidance well before a trip to London.
Visitors from outside the EU
If you hold a passport from outside the EU, check the entry requirements for each country you visit. Many nationalities can visit the Schengen area visa-free for short stays, while others need a visa. Pay attention to passport validity: Schengen countries typically require that your passport was issued within the last ten years and remains valid for some time after you plan to leave.
The EU is also introducing new digital systems for non-EU visitors. The Entry/Exit System registers travellers' details and biometrics at the external border, and a separate travel authorisation scheme known as ETIAS is planned. Use official EU websites for current dates and requirements, and be wary of unofficial sites charging fees.
Practical habits
Check the expiry date of your passport or ID card as soon as you book, not the week before you fly. Renewals can take time. Keep a photo or scan of your documents somewhere secure, separate from the originals, which can help if you need a replacement abroad. Make sure the name on your booking matches your document exactly.
Good to know
- Check document expiry dates when you book, not just before you fly.
- Use official government and EU websites for entry rules.
- Make sure the name on your booking exactly matches your ID.