German National ID Card for England 2026: Is It Still Enough?
No. Since Brexit, the German national identity card (Personalausweis) is no longer accepted at UK borders. To enter England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland you have needed a valid biometric passport since 2021 — and since 2 April 2025 you also need a UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). This applies to every German traveller, regardless of which Bundesland they come from.
What changed after Brexit?
Before Brexit — that is, before 1 January 2021 — German nationals could travel to Great Britain with just their national identity card. As EU citizens they enjoyed free movement within the Schengen Area, a right that also applied to the United Kingdom.
When the United Kingdom left the European Union, that right ended. Since then, all German travellers are subject to the same entry rules as citizens of other third countries — with the difference that for short tourist stays no visa is needed, but a simplified electronic authorisation (ETA) is required instead. If you are unsure whether these rules apply to you, our full eligibility guide covers all scenarios in detail.
Many German travellers are turned away at the airport or ferry terminal every year because they only have an identity card with them. Airlines and ferry operators have been legally required since 25 February 2026 to refuse boarding to passengers without a valid passport and ETA. This means you will not make it onto the plane at all.
| Situation | Before Brexit (until 2020) | After Brexit (from 2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry document | National ID card sufficient | Biometric passport required |
| Electronic authorisation | None required | UK ETA mandatory since 2 April 2025 |
| Visa for tourists | Not required | Not required (ETA replaces visa) |
| Maximum stay | Unlimited (as EU citizen) | 6 months per entry |
Which documents do you need now?
From 2025, German nationals entering Great Britain need two things:
- A valid biometric passport — the national ID card is not accepted
- A valid UK ETA — the electronic travel authorisation that must be obtained before travel
Check your passport’s expiry date before booking. The UK does not require any specific validity period beyond the travel date — your passport simply needs to be valid on the day you travel. We nonetheless recommend at least 6 months remaining validity to avoid any complications. A new ETA will be required if you apply for a new passport.
What about the German ID card for Gibraltar?
Gibraltar is an exception: as a British Overseas Territory, Gibraltar still accepts the German national identity card for entry. However, this exception does not apply to mainland Britain (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland).
What is the UK ETA?
The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a digital entry authorisation for the United Kingdom. It works similarly to the US ESTA or the Canadian eTA: fully online, linked directly to your passport, no printing required. You can read more about current ETA fees and find a full breakdown of processing times and service options on our dedicated pages.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mandatory since | 2 April 2025 for German nationals |
| Full enforcement | 25 February 2026 — no boarding without ETA |
| Validity | 2 years or until passport expiry |
| Entries | Unlimited trips, max. 6 months per entry |
| Processing time | Usually within minutes; max. 3 working days |
| Government fee | £20 (~€23) — increase to £20 approved by Parliament in April 2026 |
| Who needs it? | All German nationals without a UK visa or eVisa — check the full list of eligible nationalities |
The UK ETA is required regardless of how you travel. Whether by plane, Eurostar, or ferry (e.g. Calais–Dover) — you will not be transported without a valid ETA. On the Eurostar, your ETA is already checked at check-in in Paris or Brussels, before you cross the border. Travelling to Heathrow? Our guide on ETA requirements for Heathrow transit and layovers covers your specific situation.
By German region: your city and the UK
Germany’s 16 Bundesländer each have their own major airports and popular travel patterns to the United Kingdom. The rules are identical across all regions — passport and ETA, no exceptions — but the routes, airports, and travel times differ significantly. Below you will find the most relevant information by region, with a focus on cities with the highest volume of UK-bound travellers.
Whether you fly from Frankfurt to Heathrow, from Hamburg to Gatwick, or from Munich to Edinburgh — your single UK ETA covers England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You do not need a separate authorisation for each destination or visit. One ETA, valid for 2 years and unlimited entries.
Hesse (Hessen) — Frankfurt am Main
Frankfurt am Main is Germany’s primary international aviation hub and one of the busiest airports in Europe. Lufthansa, British Airways, and easyJet operate multiple daily services from Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and London Stansted, with journey times of approximately 2 hours. Frankfurt is also a major financial centre with strong business travel links to the City of London — meaning the ETA is essential for both leisure and business travellers departing from Hesse. Allow at least 72 hours before departure to apply, though most ETA decisions arrive within minutes via our step-by-step application process.
Bavaria (Bayern) — Munich
Munich Airport (MUC) is Germany’s second-busiest international airport and serves as a hub for Lufthansa and numerous low-cost carriers. Direct connections to London Heathrow, London City, and Manchester are available daily. Munich is also the gateway for travellers from the broader Bavarian region heading to UK destinations for tourism, education, or business. With a large number of Bavarian students studying in British universities and significant cultural tourism in both directions, the ETA requirement affects a substantial number of Munich-based travellers each year. The ETA statistics for 2026 show that Bavaria accounts for one of the highest volumes of German ETA applications — see our ETA statistics page for more context. Senior travellers from the Munich area may also find our dedicated guide for senior citizens useful.
Hamburg
Hamburg Airport (HAM) offers year-round direct flights to London Heathrow and London Gatwick, with seasonal services to Edinburgh and Manchester. Hamburg’s strong maritime and commercial ties to the UK — rooted in the historic Hanseatic League — mean the city has long maintained one of the highest per-capita rates of UK travel among German cities. Business travellers, cruise passengers departing from Southampton or Dover, and tourists heading to Scotland all depart from Hamburg regularly. Cruise passengers should note that the ETA is required even when entering the UK at a sea port — our cruise passenger guide explains the specifics.
Saxony (Sachsen) — Hoyerswerda and the Leipzig/Dresden corridor
Hoyerswerda, situated in the Lausitz region of Saxony, is a smaller city with no direct international airport of its own. Travellers from Hoyerswerda and surrounding Lausitz typically use Dresden Airport (DRS) or Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ) — both of which offer connecting services to the UK via hubs such as Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or Munich. Dresden Airport has direct Ryanair services to London Stansted. The ETA rules are identical regardless of whether you are flying from a major hub or a regional airport: you need a valid biometric passport and a valid UK ETA before boarding. Apply online well in advance at application-eta.uk — no embassy visit is required, and approval typically arrives within minutes.
North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen) — Düsseldorf and Cologne
NRW is Germany’s most populous state and home to Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) and Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN). Both airports offer extensive UK connections — Düsseldorf serves London Heathrow and Gatwick with multiple daily flights, while Cologne Bonn is a major hub for Eurowings, Ryanair, and Wizz Air with routes to London Stansted and other UK regional airports. The Ruhr area’s large population means NRW generates some of the highest absolute numbers of UK-bound German travellers, making the ETA requirement particularly relevant for residents of Düsseldorf, Cologne, Dortmund, Essen, and Bonn.
Baden-Württemberg — Stuttgart and the southwest
Stuttgart Airport (STR) offers direct connections to London Heathrow and Gatwick, operated by Lufthansa, British Airways, and easyJet. Travellers from Freiburg, Heidelberg, Karlsruhe, and Mannheim also frequently use Stuttgart or Frankfurt as their departure point for UK trips. Baden-Württemberg has a large number of international students and researchers with links to British universities, making ETA applications for the higher education sector particularly common. If you are travelling for work or study, our occupation and status guide is worth reading before you apply.
Berlin and Brandenburg
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) serves as the capital region’s main international hub, with Ryanair, easyJet, and British Airways offering direct routes to London Stansted, Gatwick, and Heathrow. Berlin has a uniquely close cultural relationship with the UK — particularly with London — owing to strong artistic, creative, and diplomatic ties. ETA applications from the Berlin-Brandenburg region have grown substantially since 2025, consistent with the city’s high volume of UK-bound leisure and business travellers.
Other Bundesländer
Travellers from Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt, Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Schleswig-Holstein, and Bremen are all subject to the same ETA rules. Regardless of your regional airport — whether Hannover (HAJ), Erfurt, Rostock, or Kiel — you need a valid biometric passport and UK ETA. Hanover Airport has direct flights to London Heathrow, and other regional airports offer connections via German or European hubs. The eligibility page and our comprehensive FAQ answer the most common questions across all regions and travel profiles.
How do you apply for the UK ETA?
The application through application-eta.uk is entirely digital and takes approximately 10 minutes. No visit to an embassy or consulate is required. For a detailed walkthrough of each step, see our step-by-step application guide.
What you will need:
- Valid biometric passport (the passport you will travel with)
- Selfie photo — against a plain white or light background, no glasses (see our photo requirements guide to avoid the most common rejection reason)
- Photo of the passport biographical page
- Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
- Email address for delivery of the approval
Service options and prices:
| Plan | Total price | Processing time | Discounted price* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | €69 | 48–72 hours | €62 |
| Priority ⭐ | €119 | ~24 hours | €107 |
| Dedicated Agent | €169 | 1–6 hours | €152 |
*10% discount on the handling fee for students, minors, and veterans. If you need your ETA urgently, read our guide on how to get your ETA as quickly as possible.
Our team reviews your photo and passport data before submission — the most common grounds for rejection are photo quality and name discrepancies. We only submit your application to the Home Office after a full review has been completed. Curious about what happens if your ETA is refused? Read our guide on ETA refusals: reasons and next steps.
Apply for your ETA now — before the price increase
The increase in the government fee to £20 (~€23) has been approved by Parliament. Apply now at the current rate — your ETA is valid for 2 years.
Special cases: Gibraltar, Northern Ireland, and children
Gibraltar
Gibraltar is the only British territory that still accepts the German national identity card for entry. An ETA is also not required for Gibraltar. Note, however, that you will need your passport or ID card for transit through Spain.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom — the same entry rules apply as for England, Scotland, and Wales. A passport and ETA are required. The national identity card is not accepted.
Children and babies
Every person — regardless of age — needs their own passport and their own ETA. Babies and toddlers are not exempt. Minors receive a 10% discount on the handling fee at application-eta.uk. For a full overview of family travel requirements, our guide on UK ETA for families and children covers everything from group applications to age-specific rules. There is also a dedicated page on ETA for minors if you are travelling with children under 18.
German nationals with British citizenship
If you hold both German and British nationality, you must enter on your British passport. An ETA is not possible for — or required of — British nationals.
Holders of EU Settled Status or a British eVisa
If you hold EU Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status in the United Kingdom, you do not need an ETA. Your eVisa replaces the ETA. In this case, travel with your biometric passport and your eVisa. You can verify your current authorisation status at any time using our ETA status check tool.
Travelling with a group or for a festival?
If you are heading to a major UK event — such as Glastonbury — each member of your group requires their own individual ETA. Our dedicated guide on ETA for Glastonbury Festival 2027 explains the timing and group logistics in detail. For other event types and occupation-specific queries, see our ETA by occupation guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel to England with just my German national ID card?
No. Since Brexit (1 January 2021) the German national identity card is no longer accepted at UK borders. You must have a valid biometric passport and a UK ETA. Travellers without these documents will be turned back at check-in or at the border.
Is the German ID card enough for England after Brexit?
No — this is one of the most common misconceptions. Many Germans assume the ID card still works because it was accepted before. Since 2021 that is no longer the case. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland all require a biometric passport. The only exception is Gibraltar, which continues to accept the German ID card.
What happens if I only have a national ID card?
You will be refused boarding. Airlines, ferry operators, and Eurostar have been required since 25 February 2026 to deny travel to passengers without a valid passport and ETA. That means you will not board the plane and, in most cases, will not receive a refund for your ticket. Apply for a passport at your local registration office in good time.
How much does a new German passport cost?
A standard passport costs €70 for adults aged 24 and over, and €37.50 for those under 24. Express applications are possible but come at an additional cost and with longer waiting times at the local registry office. Allow at least 4–6 weeks for issue, longer during peak periods. You can apply for your UK ETA at the same time — you only need the passport number.
Do I need an ETA on top of my passport?
Yes. Since 2 April 2025, all German nationals require a UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) in addition to their passport. The ETA is a digital authorisation applied for online before travel and valid for 2 years. Without an ETA, you have been refused boarding since 25 February 2026.
How long does it take to get the UK ETA?
Most applications are approved within minutes. In some cases processing can take up to 3 working days. Apply for your ETA at least 72 hours before departure. Through application-eta.uk, our team reviews your application before submission to avoid delays caused by photo quality or data errors. For a full breakdown, see our page on how long the UK ETA takes.
Is the ETA valid for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland too?
Yes. The UK ETA is valid for the entire United Kingdom — England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You do not need a separate authorisation for each country. One ETA covers all regions of Great Britain.
Can my child travel to England with just a German ID card?
No. Children and babies also need their own passport and their own UK ETA. There is no exemption for minors. For children under 18, application-eta.uk offers a 10% discount on the handling fee. Allow sufficient time to apply for a child’s passport — children’s passports must also be applied for in person at the local registration office. See our dedicated guide on UK ETA for minors for more information.
I live in Frankfurt / Munich / Hamburg / Hoyerswerda — do the same rules apply?
Yes. The UK ETA requirement applies identically to all German nationals, regardless of which Bundesland or city you live in. Whether you are departing from Frankfurt Airport, Munich Airport, Hamburg Airport, or travelling via a smaller regional airport, you need the same documents: a valid biometric passport and a UK ETA obtained before travel via our application guide.
Can I use an ETA for multiple trips to the UK?
Yes. A UK ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of issue (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first) and allows unlimited trips. Each individual stay must not exceed 6 months. This makes it particularly cost-effective for frequent travellers between Germany and the UK, whether for business, family visits, or tourism.
Apply for your ETA now — before the price increase
The increase in the government fee to £20 (~€23) has been approved by Parliament. Apply now at the current rate — your ETA is valid for 2 years.
More UK ETA Guides