Citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland cannot enter the United Kingdom with just a Citizen Card or Lifetime Identity Card. Passports must be presented.
All non-European citizens from countries whose passengers do not need a visa for short-term visits must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel and transit through the UK. From 2 April 2025, this authorisation will also become compulsory for all eligible European citizens.
Find out more about the ETA and the eligible countries HERE.
Exceptions:
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens referred to in the previous points can use their ID documents/identity cards for entry into the UK until 31 December 2025. It is possible to use ID cards after this date if they meet the security requirements set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
For more information, please refer to the topics below and the following UK government pages: