If an EU ID card is sufficient to enter Ireland, why did my friend get asked for a passport?

If an EU ID card is sufficient to enter Ireland, why did my friend get asked for a passport? - White visiting card with empty space for data placed on light pink background

As far as I knew, an EU ID card from any EU member state that issues them should be sufficient documentation to enter any other EU member state directly by air. I recently pointed this out on a different site whereupon a friend answered:

National ID cards doesn’t work in all EU countries, Sweden–Ireland being a good example (speaking from experience). [sic]

I asked him (Swedish national) about the details of this travel because it goes against my expectations. Apparantly, he was flying from Arlanda to Ireland with Aer Lingus and the check-in staff at the airport requested to see his passport, were not satisfied with his (Swedish) EU ID card.

Is this a general policy of Aer Lingus not to accept European travellers with ID cards into Ireland? Was it the desk agent’s bad day? Or is an EU ID card really not a sufficient document to enter Ireland on?


Within this post, EU ID card is taken to mean national identity card issued by an EU member state to this country’s citizens.



Best Answer

Is this a general policy of Aer Lingus not to accept European travellers with ID cards into Ireland?

Aer Lingus policy for travel within the EU is:

Policy

(There are slightly different provisions for "To and from Britain" but these appear to cover only between UK and Ireland for those born in Ireland or the U.K. and also a citizen of either country.)


Timatic

/ 26JAN17 / 2345 UTC

National Sweden (SE) Destination Ireland (Rep.) (IE)

Ireland (Rep.) (IE)

Passport required. - Passports and other documents accepted for entry must be valid for the period of intended stay. - Passports issued to nationals of Sweden must be valid on arrival. Passport Exemptions:

  • Nationals of Sweden with a national ID card.

  • Passengers with an emergency or a temporary passport.

Visa required, except for Nationals of Sweden.

Minors: - Children up to/incl. 16 years of age For details, click here - WARNING! In accordance with European Union (EU) Legislation, all minors who are nationals of Sweden will be expected to hold their own passport or National ID Card (where applicable) when departing from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Romania or a Schengen Member State For details, click here. - A separate visa is required for children up to/incl. 16 years of age if For details, click here Additional Information:

  • Visitors holding passports containing a British inadmissible stamp could be refused entry. Warning:
  • Immigration controls apply for visitors arriving from Great Britain and Northern Ireland, For details, click here

Timaticweb Version 1.3 26 January 2017


Wikipedia

Freedom of movement; ID card valid




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Do EU citizens need a passport for Ireland?

If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland, you do not require a visit or holiday visa to travel to Ireland. You have the right to enter and reside in Ireland for a period of up to 3 months simply by presenting a valid passport or national identity card; no other formality is required.

Can you travel to Ireland with EU ID card?

EU/EEA citizens To travel to Ireland, you require a national passport or a national identity card issued by the EU state of which you are a citizen. Special Identity Cards issued by the Belgian Foreign Ministry also cannot be used for travel to Ireland.

Can I bring my friend to Ireland?

A short stay 'C' visit (family/friend) visa allows you to travel to Ireland to visit family or friends who are resident here, for up to 90 days. Check if you need a visa and plan your journey before you apply.

What ID can I use to get into Ireland?

It is compulsory for all passengers (including babies) to have their own valid passport or officially recognised European Union I.D. card when travelling to and from Ireland or France. In some cases, a visa may also be required. If you are driving a vehicle you will also need a valid driving licence.



How forged passports are caught in UAE




More answers regarding if an EU ID card is sufficient to enter Ireland, why did my friend get asked for a passport?

Answer 2

I have traveled with SAS from Arlanda to Dublin. I went through smoothly with my Swedish national ID card (checking in and border control). But at the boarding gate, the SAS staff asked me for my passport. I asked for the reason and she replied that Ireland does not accept National ID. Fortunately I did have my passport with me. I haven’t tried to use my national ID at Dublin airport.

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