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Can you visit the UK with a French carte d’identité?

We look at the rules surrounding travelling to the UK post-Brexit with EU identity cards

EU identity cards are no longer accepted for entry to the UK as they were pre-Brexit Pic: Hadrian / Shutterstock

Reader question: I have dual British/French nationality and have lived in France for over 15 years. If I wish to travel on holiday to the UK, I presume that I cannot use my French carte d’identité. Can I use my UK passport? It is valid until 2027. A.B.

You are correct that you cannot use your French ID card to visit the UK, as EU identity cards are no longer accepted for entry to the UK as they were pre-Brexit.

Read more: Five questions on how UK’s new border scheme could impact EU tourists

However, as a British citizen, there is nothing stopping you from using your UK passport and you will be able to use the fast e-gates to enter the country. 

There are no restrictions on visiting UK citizens.

You only need to ensure your passport is valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave the UK. This is an EU rule for non-EU passports.

Read more: What are the EU rules on passport validity periods?

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Explainer: How has Brexit changed UK passport checks at EU borders?

Can US and UK travellers use e-gates at French airports?

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