What sort of ID do I require for travelling International journeys?
Passengers must hold valid ID with a photograph i.e. International Passport or EU National ID. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a valid photo ID. British Citizens must hold a valid 10-year passport. EU National IDs must be valid for entry into the country of intended destination. Passports for British citizens are valid for travel to any EU country up to and including the passport expiry date. The government recommends that, on the day you travel, you have at least 6 months left on your passport. To travel to Europe, you must have a minimum of three months left on your passport from the day you’re planning to travel home. If your passport doesn’t meet these requirements, you may not be able to travel. Some countries outside of the EU require a British passport to have a certain period of validity left on it, such as 6 months, or blank pages. Please visit the Gov.uk website for advice by country. UK Citizens can check out the Gov.uk website for passport, visa and health information. Other nationalities should check with their own governments.
It is also your responsibility to check whether you need a visa to enter your destination country.
British Citizens under 16 years old, including newborn babies, are required to have a child passport. The child's passport will initially be valid for 5 years, but can be renewed for a further 5 years at the end of this period. You can visit the Gov.uk website for further information and how to apply.
What sort of photo ID do I require for travelling on Domestic/Channel Islands/Irish Republic journeys
For domestic/Channel Islands journeys passengers must present one of the following forms of valid photographic ID:
(*) Passport
(*) Citizen card
(*) Photographic driving license
(*) Student Card
(*) Forces ID Card
(*) Airport/Airline Employees Security ID Pass
(*) Police Warrant Card/Badge
(*) Photographic Bus Pass
UK Citizens can find more information on passports on the Gov.uk website.
Where can I find passport information?
Visit the Gov.uk website for detailed, up-to-date information on passport validity, renewing and applying for passports. If you're a British citizen, you need a full, 10-year British passport for all holidays featured. Each country sets its own rules covering passport validity. More information can be found from the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit.
Applying for your first UK adult passport
You can apply for a passport on the Gov.uk website. Please try not to make travel arrangements until you've received your passport. You can also visit the Gov.uk for information on application types and current processing times. If you hold a Commonwealth or other passport, you should phone the consulate of the country you plan to visit. Please note that Her Majesty's Passport Office can no longer provide a Fast Track service for first-time applicants, however those who are renewing their passports and do not require an interview can still use the Fast Track service.
If you are an adult (16 or over) and you need to apply for a passport for the first time, or if your name was previously included in your parent’s passport, you must attend an interview with Her Majesty's Passport Office in person to confirm your identity. This process does not apply to you if you held your own passport as a child, or if you simply need to renew your passport. These procedures are in place to help stop fraudulent passport applications and prevent identity theft.