Ryanair, a popular budget airline, has issued a warning to British travellers flying to the Republic of Ireland regarding a potential travel loophole. Traditionally, many UK citizens have used their driving licences to fly to Ireland under the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement, which allows for passport-free travel between the two countries. However, Ryanair has made it clear that driving licences are not accepted as valid forms of travel ID on international flights.
In a recent statement, Ryanair highlighted that each passenger is responsible for carrying photo ID that meets their requirements. This announcement could impact British travellers who are accustomed to using their driving licences for seamless trips to visit relatives or friends in Ireland. Ryanair’s travel documentation guidelines specify that valid passports and national identity cards are generally accepted forms of ID, but driving licences and birth certificates are not permitted for travel to any destination.
While Ryanair’s policy does not recognise driving licences for international flights, other airlines like Aer Lingus allow British and Irish citizens to use various forms of identification for travel between the two countries. Acceptable documents include driving licences, international student cards, government-issued photo ID cards, health insurance photo cards, bus passes with photos, and work IDs with photos. Similarly, British Airways advises UK nationals travelling to Ireland to carry some form of photographic identification to prove their identity and nationality.
The CTA, established in 1922, enables free movement between the UK, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands, granting UK and Irish citizens the freedom to live, work, and study within these regions. Before Brexit in 2020, the governments of Britain and Ireland reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the CTA through a memorandum of understanding. British nationals travelling to Ireland are not legally required to show a passport, but it is recommended to carry one to prove British nationality if requested by Irish immigration officers.
The Irish Citizens Information website clarifies that while routine passport checks are not standard for UK and Irish citizens travelling between the two countries, some airlines and sea carriers may only accept passports as valid identification. This underscores the importance of carrying a passport for identification purposes when travelling between the UK and Ireland. Despite the efforts to maintain seamless travel under the CTA, certain airlines like Ryanair may have specific ID requirements for their flights.
When approached for comment, Ryanair did not provide a statement but shared its travel policy with Wales Online to confirm its stance on passports and driving licences. As travellers adjust to the evolving travel regulations post-Brexit, it is crucial to stay informed about airline-specific ID requirements to avoid any disruptions or complications during international journeys. British citizens planning trips to Ireland should ensure they have the appropriate photo ID, such as valid passports or national identity cards, to comply with airline regulations and facilitate smooth travel experiences.