(09 October 2020) – EU nationals will not be able to travel to the UK using their identity cards from October 2021 under new measures announced by the UK government yesterday.
As part of the UK’s new Border Operating Model, passports will be required for entry into the UK from October 2021. The new rules will apply to tourists and other visitors to the UK but not to EU nationals living in the UK if they have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme to remain in the country.
“Identity cards are among the least secure documents seen at the border and ending their use will strengthen our security as the UK takes back control of its borders at the end of the transition period,” stated a UK government press release.
Under the scheme, haulers will need a Kent Access Permit to proceed to the border. Richard Burnett, the chief executive of the Road Haulage Association, warned that “firms moving goods across borders will have to undertake customs processes whether there’s a deal or no deal.”
The announcement is a sign that the UK government is ramping up its preparations for a possible ‘no deal’ scenario. (EurActiv)