Can a UK citizen travel to a country in Schengen without a passport?

Can a UK citizen travel to a country in Schengen without a passport? - Crop unrecognizable person demonstrating British passport

Under what circumstances can a UK citizen travel to a country in the Schengen area without a passport?

My understanding is that because the UK does not have national ID cards, it is not possible, but work colleagues assert that a driving license would be sufficient.

I have experience of re-entering the UK on the Eurostar without a passport, but suspect that it would not be possible to leave.



Best Answer

As a UK citizen, only a passport is sufficient as a travel document, as the UK does not have ID cards.

Specifically, driving licences do not establish nationality.

If you are an EU national, you do not need to show your national ID card or passport when you are travelling from one border-free Schengen EU country to another.

[...]

Driving licences, post, bank or tax cards are not accepted as valid travel documents or proof of identity.

[...]

When travelling to or from a non-Schengen country you must show a valid ID or passport. Before travelling, check what documents you must have to travel outside your home country and to enter the non-Schengen country you plan to visit.

europa.eu




Pictures about "Can a UK citizen travel to a country in Schengen without a passport?"

Can a UK citizen travel to a country in Schengen without a passport? - Brown Bridge on Green Grass Field Near Mountain
Can a UK citizen travel to a country in Schengen without a passport? - COVID-19 and travel concept, mark of coronavirus PCR testing in tourist Italian passport.Diagnostics of coronavirus in airport due to lockdown. Business and tourism hit by corona virus during
Can a UK citizen travel to a country in Schengen without a passport? - COVID-19 and travel concept, mark of coronavirus PCR testing in tourist Italian passport.Diagnostics of coronavirus in airport due to lockdown. Business and tourism hit by corona virus during



Can you travel between Schengen countries without a passport?

If you are an EU national, or are visiting a Schengen country, you can travel anywhere within the Schengen Area without a passport, just by showing ID with your photo on it. However, you must always carry your passport with you when you travel around the Schengen Area.

Can British citizens travel to Europe without a visa after Brexit?

Since Brexit, citizens of the UK have not needed a visa to visit any European Union member states. Passengers arriving in EU countries can enter using only their British passport. From May 2023, UK travellers will need an ETIAS visa waiver to enter EU countries.

Can you travel within Europe without a passport?

Even if you don't need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area , it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you, so you can prove your identity if needed (if stopped by police, boarding a plane, etc.).

Will UK citizens need a Schengen visa?

Although the UK is now outside the EU, British citizens do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area and stay short-term. Although there are no visa requirements for UK citizens, travellers will need to apply for ETIAS from May 2023.



THE SCHENGEN ZONE TRAVEL EXPLAINED - DIGITAL NOMAD TV




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Ethan Wilkinson, Pixabay, visionart.av, visionart.av