It’s clear that if you’re travelling overseas from the UK you’re going to need a passport. But when you first need your passport is not quite so clear cut. From whether you need a passport to book a flight to booking for other people, rules can vary between airlines.
Here’s what you need to know about passport requirements before you book your next flight. For everything else, the KAYAK flight guide has you covered.
Can you book a flight without a passport?
Technically, you do not need a passport to book a flight, domestic or international. Most airlines let you complete a reservation without entering passport details. What you might need, however, are your passport details, depending on the airline. My advice is to take a photo of your passport details page. That way you always have them should you need them, even if you don’t have your physical passport to hand.
This is good news if you want to book a flight early to get a great price but realise, say, that your passport is out of date. While it’s technically possible to book if you’re waiting for a new or replacement passport, UK government guidance strongly advises against booking travel until you have a valid passport in hand, since processing delays could affect your trip.
One caveat to remember: when you renew a UK passport, you’ll get new passport details, including a new number. Don’t book a flight using your old passport details unless the airline will let you change them after the booking. They’ll be invalid against your new passport and you won’t be able to travel. Most airlines have a “manage booking” option where you can update passport information, but policies vary, so always check with your specific carrier before booking.
Can you book a flight for a child without a passport?
Until age 16, children on international flights need a child passport, valid for five rather than 10 years. The same rules apply when booking a flight for a child as an adult. While you can technically make a booking before receiving the passport, UK government guidance recommends not booking travel until you have the valid passport, as processing times can vary.
If the child doesn’t yet have a passport, make sure you leave enough time between booking and travelling to apply for one. Check current processing times on the government website, and consider fast-track services if your trip is approaching. It’s a good idea to take a copy of your child’s birth certificate with you too, in case you need to show proof of age while travelling.
Can you book a flight for someone else without a passport?
You can book flights for whoever you want without needing their passport information, just as you would for yourself. Booking systems typically accept reservations using just the passenger’s name, date of birth, and contact details. They will need their passport details to check in, and their actual passport to fly if travelling internationally. Make sure the person you’re booking for knows they’ll need to provide valid passport information before check-in and bring their physical passport to the airport.
At which step of the process do you need your passport?
You’ll need your passport details to check in for your flight and collect your boarding pass, whether that’s online or in person. Airlines collect this information to submit Advance Passenger Information to immigration authorities, which is required before you can board international flights. It’s not until you’re at the airport that you’ll need your physical passport. Some countries will need to see it at security, but you’ll definitely need it for immigration and to board your flight.
The timeline breaks down like this: you can book without passport details (though some airlines may request them), you must provide passport details at check-in (usually 24-48 hours before departure), and you must present your physical passport at the airport for security, immigration, and boarding.
What information is required to book a flight?
If you’re asked to provide passport details to book a flight, it will likely be your passport number. Sometimes you may be asked for the issue and expiry dates as well, plus your nationality and the country that issued your passport. Most airlines won’t require you to enter your passport details during the booking process. In the rare cases where they do ask, it’s usually optional, though certain routes or nationalities may have stricter requirements. Some but not all airlines also let you change your passport information after your booking. It’s always best to check first.
The other information you’ll need to book is straightforward: your travel dates, times and to/from locations, the full names of everyone travelling (exactly as they appear on their passport for international flights), contact details including email and phone number, and your payment details. Make sure names match travel documents precisely, as even small discrepancies can cause problems at check-in.
Can you travel without a passport?
You can’t travel to or from the UK internationally without a valid passport. However, you can travel domestically within the Common Travel Area to the nations of the UK. That includes England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Crown Dependencies, including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Under the Common Travel Area agreement, British and Irish citizens can travel freely between these areas, though carriers may still require photographic ID for boarding.
The only exception to the ‘international’ travel rule is Ireland, which UK citizens can also fly to without a passport thanks to the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you’re flying without a passport, you will need another form of accepted photographic ID to navigate airport security. That could be a driving licence, government ID, or even a student ID. It varies for different airlines and airports, so make sure to check your specific carrier’s ID requirements properly in advance.
The 5 best places to visit without needing a passport
No passport? No problem. The British Isles are among the most popular tourist destinations in the world for good reason. Here are five epic places where you don’t need a passport to book a holiday.
South Downs, England
Best period to visit: Summer
Average temperatures: 18-25°C
Hidden gem to not miss: In the incredible South Downs National Park, the undulating white cliffs of the Seven Sisters are one of the UK’s most spectacular walks. Stop off at tiny Birling Gap for a swim in the Channel and incredible seasonal scones at the café.
Portmeirion, Wales
Best period to visit: Late spring into early summer
Average temperatures: 15-19°C
Hidden gem to not miss: There is nowhere else quite like the eccentric village of Portmeirion. This strange creation from architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis brings a dash of Mediterranean flair to the stunning surrounds of the Dwyryd Estuary.
Scottish Highlands
Best period to visit: Autumn
Average temperatures: 8-15°C
Hidden gem to not miss: The magic autumn foliage colours that erupt around the Scottish Highlands’ myriad lochs. My favourite is stunning Loch Awe and the view set against the ruins of Kilchurn Castle.
Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
Best period to visit: Late spring and early autumn
Average temperatures: 10-17°C
Hidden gem to not miss: Brace yourself to cross the 300-year-old Carrick-a-Reade rope bridge, suspended some 30 metres above the rocks and roiling ocean. The reward for your bravery is the stunning view back along the Causeway Coastal Route.
Iveragh Peninsula, County Kerry, Ireland
Best period to visit: Late summer into early autumn
Average temperatures: 12-16°C
Hidden gem to not miss: Take the ferry from Portmagee to Skellig Michael, arguably Ireland’s most majestic spot. A wild and windswept UNESCO World Heritage island, it found fame among sci-fi fans as Luke Skywalker’s sanctuary in the later films.
Frequently asked questions
Contact the airline or use the “manage booking” option on their website to add or correct passport details. Have your booking reference and new passport info ready. If you booked through an agent or third-party site, contact them first, as some airlines charge for changes.
Report the loss to local police (if abroad) and your passport office or embassy immediately. Apply for an emergency or replacement travel document. Inform your airline and check if they need proof of your application to allow you to travel.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and destination. Some countries require a visa before travel, others allow visa on arrival. Always check the destination’s official government site and get any required visas before your flight, since airlines can refuse boarding without them.
Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond your return date, but rules vary. Always check the destination’s official guidance and renew if your passport is close to expiry to avoid being denied boarding or entry.
Typically you need your current passport, a completed renewal form, two recent passport photos, any name-change documents (if applicable), and the renewal fee. Check your government passport office for the exact form, photo rules and payment methods.
Processing times vary by country and service level. For example, US routine processing takes approximately 4-6 weeks, expedited 2-3 weeks. UK standard services can take several weeks. Always check your government passport office for current estimates and expedited options.
The foregoing article was last updated in February 2026. It does not contain legal advice and is for informational purposes only. KAYAK does not guarantee, and accepts no legal liability arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency, or completeness of any of the information contained in this article and/or any of the content linked to within it. Always check the official government website of your departure and arrival destinations prior to travel for up-to-date information.
