If you are an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen travelling inside Europe, carry your national ID card for most trips; if you travel outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland (or are a non‑EU national), carry a passport. Note that the EU is rolling out an EU Digital Identity Wallet by end‑2026 which will change how ID documents are used online and offline.
Quick decision guide
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizens on intra‑European trips: an ID card is usually sufficient for entry to EU and many EFTA countries.
- Travel beyond Europe or to countries that don’t accept ID cards: use a passport. Airlines or transit countries may require a passport even when borders would accept an ID card.
- UK travel: most travellers now need a passport unless you have specific settled status; the UK ended routine acceptance of EU ID cards for entry.
Comparison table: EU ID Card vs Passport
| Criteria | EU National ID Card | Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Valid area | EU, EEA, Switzerland (and some bilateral agreements). | Worldwide (accepted by virtually all countries). |
| Best for | Short intra‑European travel and ID checks. | International travel, visas, long trips, proof of nationality. |
| Security features | Biometric chips increasingly standard; EU eID rules evolving. | Biometric passports common; global standards for visas and stamps. |
| When required | When travelling within EU/EEA/Switzerland (usually). | When travelling outside accepting‑ID countries, or when airline/visa rules demand it. |
| Practical tip | Carry a passport backup for unexpected transits or airline checks. | Keep a digital copy and check visa validity before travel. |
What’s changing: EU Digital Identity Wallet
The EU Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet) is a regulated digital wallet that Member States must make available and that will let citizens store and share verified documents and sign electronically; rollout and mutual recognition are scheduled as part of the eIDAS update, with Member States required to provide wallets by end of 2026. This will complement physical ID cards rather than immediately replace passports for border control.
Risks, caveats and practical tips
- Airlines and transit countries can require passports even if the destination accepts ID cards—always check airline policy and transit rules before you fly.
- UK entry rules changed: most travellers now need passports unless covered by specific settlement schemes. Check your status before travel.
- Digital ID adoption varies: the EUDI Wallet will be optional and implemented differently across Member States; carry physical documents until you confirm acceptance.
Recommendation
- If you’re an EU citizen travelling within Europe: carry your ID card and a passport if you expect to transit outside the EU or fly with carriers that request passports.
- If you’re a non‑EU national (for example, in Johannesburg): always travel with a passport and check visa/entry rules for each country; an EU ID card is not a substitute.
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