Please sign in to post.

German National ID + EUSS: Any problems with airlines?

Hello all,

My passport has expired. According to https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control/before-you-leave-for-the-uk I can (leave and then) re-enter the UK with German National ID given that I have EUSS (until at least 31 December 2025). So legally speaking, all good for travel until at least 31 December 2025. My EUSS is now linked also to the German National ID.

So theoretically speaking, all good. Also, some airlines (e.g. Ryanair) state explicitly that the above arrangement works, but others (e.g. BA) don't. So - I have questions about how this is practically handled by airlines.

E.g.:

(1) Has anybody had problems checking in / boarding a UK->Europe flight with just a German/European National ID card + EUSS?

(2) Has anybody had problems checking in / boarding the return leg with just a German/European National ID card + EUSS?

Any other problems?

I'm aware that theoretically it should all be fine, but I once had problems returning form a non-European destination even with my passport. The gate staff said I needed an ETA, and I couldn't travel without ETA; the gate staff was basically unaware of EUSS, and it was only once I'd worked my way up the hierarchy that they let me travel). Hence asking whether practically anybody has had problems.

Many thanks!

Posted by
513 posts

Have you got a UKVI account with details of your German ID?

Posted by
513 posts

I agree with you that the BA information appears to conflict with the official info. But that refers to inbound, not outbound travel. The trouble is when you get a BA official who doesn't understand the rules.
Print off the Gov.uk website to wave at them.

Posted by
12839 posts

Is it not possible to get an expedited renewal of your passport and avoid the (potential) problem?