Can I travel with a national ID card instead of a passport?

In short

• EU and EEA citizens can travel between most European countries (Schengen Area, EU, EEA) using just a national ID card.
• A passport is required for almost all other international travel, including to the UK after Brexit and to North America, Asia, and Africa.
• National ID cards are not accepted by airlines for transatlantic or other intercontinental flights, regardless of layover rules.

When a national ID card is enough

If you are an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, your national ID card lets you travel freely to other EU, EEA, and Schengen countries. This includes Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and 25+ others.

Regions that accept national ID cards

• EU and Schengen Area (between member states for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens).
• MERCOSUR countries - travel between Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and several associated states using national ID.
• Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC) for GCC citizens.
• Some Caribbean regional travel (CARICOM citizens).

When you need a passport

A passport is required for any international travel outside your regional bloc. This includes flights to the UK (after Brexit), the US, Canada, anywhere in Asia, Africa, the Pacific, and most of Latin America.

Importantly, even if you are an EU citizen traveling to a Schengen country, some airlines require a passport for boarding because of operational policy. Always check with your airline before relying on an ID card.

Hotel check-in with an ID card

Most hotels accept a national ID card or a passport, as long as it is a government-issued photo ID. Your trip1 booking confirmation works with either. Hotels in some countries (like Italy) must record either document for tax and police registration.