Following the end of the EU Settlement Scheme on 30th June 2021, the UK government has announced an upcoming change to the rules on entry for EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals.
As of 1st October 2021, it will no longer be possible to enter the UK with an EU, EEA, or Swiss national identity (ID) card, except where the holder of the ID card has applied to the EU Settlement Scheme on or before 30th June 2021. Gibraltar national ID cards held by British citizens and Irish passport cards may still be used to enter the UK.
Until at least 31st December 2025, in certain circumstances, EU, EEA and Swiss nationals may use their national ID card to enter the UK. This includes where an EU/EEA/Swiss national:
- has settled/pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
- has an EU Settlement Scheme Family permit
- has an application pending with the EU Settlement Scheme
- has a Frontier Worker permit
- is an S2 Healthcare visitor
- is a Service Provider from Switzerland
When visiting the UK, it will remain the case until further notice that EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals may enter the UK with an EU, EEA, or Swiss passport, even after 1st October 2021.
It is important to remember that as of 1st January 2021, EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals no longer have the right to enter the UK to live or work without first being granted with the appropriate UK immigration permission.
The Home Office is regularly updating their guidance and rules following the end of the EU Settlement Scheme on 30th June 2021. If you require further information specific to your case, please contact our Immigration team who can provide you with up-to-date advice tailored to your particular circumstances.