The UK is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, offering a huge range of diverse cities, towns, beaches and countryside to explore for local citizens via day trips or longer breaks. But do you need a passport to fly within the UK to visit these nations? Let’s take a look.
Do you need a passport to fly within the UK?
No, UK citizens don’t need a passport to fly within the UK but you do need a form of valid photo identification to prove who you are. Airlines and operators require government-issued photographic ID (such as a passport or driving licence) to confirm your identity for boarding.
However, if you’re a non-UK national (for example, a US citizen) and want to fly from London to Scotland, you will need to have a valid passport in order to fly between the two nations. Non-UK nationals normally must present a valid passport to travel between UK destinations to confirm identity and nationality, and where applicable they must also be able to show immigration permission or visa if required.
Passport Needed?
No (for UK citizens)
Blank pages needed
None
Passport validity
Not required (for UK citizens on domestic flights)
Visa tourist needed
No (for UK citizens)
What are the ID documents accepted for domestic flights?
Examples of ID documents you can use for UK domestic flights as a UK citizen are:
- Full or provisional driving license
- Armed force identity card
- Police warrant card or badge
Of course, you can still use your passport if that’s your preference. Be sure to check the ID requirements of the airline you’re flying with. You don’t want to risk bringing the wrong document and missing your flight!
Forms of ID accepted on domestic flights for UK citizens
7 UK destinations to (re)discover
Living in the UK means most of us have access to cities, beaches and sprawling countryside with just a few hours’ road trip. Ready to go? Here are some of my favourite spots to visit around the UK that I’ll go to time and time again.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Best period to visit: May-September
Average temperature: 14C-18C
Best food: Cranachan is a Scottish dessert made with oats, cream, whisky and raspberries.
A hidden gem not to miss: Greyfriars Kirkyard is a 16th century cemetery that is said to be where JK Rowling found the names for characters in the Harry Potter novels.
More info: Edinburgh guide
The Lake District, England
Best period to visit: April-October
Average temperature: 10C-19C
Hidden gem not to miss: Aira Force is a popular waterfall in Ullswater, Tthose looking to take a dip should walk further upstream to find wild swimming spot High Force.
Best food: Grasmere gingerbread – and dunking it into a cup of tea is my best tip.
Tenby, Wales
Best period to visit: July and August for the warmest weather
Average temperature: 19C-21C
Hidden gem not to miss: St Catherine’s Island is a tidal island at the end of Castle Beach and is home to a Napoleanic fort.
Best food: Fish and chips, best enjoyed when sat on the beach.
Manchester, England
Best period to visit: March-October (or December, if you’re looking for Christmas markets).
Average temperature: 10C-20C but try to lean into the unpredictability of weather in the north of England.
Hidden gem not to miss: Ezra & Gil for all-day brunch in the Northern Quarter.
Best food: Eccles cake, a small, round flaky pastry pie filled with sweet currants.
More info: Manchester guide
Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
Best period to visit: April-September
Average temperature: 10C-16C
Hidden gem not to miss: Dunseverick Falls, waterfalls that empty into the sea across a picturesque rocky shoreline.
Best food: Irish coffee, a hot drink made with Irish cream liqueur, Irish whiskey and whipped cream. Enjoy with any cake you can get your hands on!
Port Isaac, England
Best period to visit: April to September
Average temperature: 13C-20C
Hidden gem not to miss: Head to The Cornish Cove Tearoom for scones, cream and jam (I slather on cream first – but this is deemed controversial for some).
Best food: A Cornish pasty, a shortcrust pastry parcel usually filled with meat and vegetables.
Rye, England
Best period to visit: All year round
Average temperature: Below freezing to 25C
Hidden gem not to miss: The Rye Emporium antique shop, or the sandy Camber Sands beach just a stone’s throw away
Best food: Burgers from restaurant Hoof (and the sticky toffee pudding for dessert is an absolute must).
Frequently asked questions
Some airlines (like easyJet and Loganair) accept expired passports up to five years after expiry for domestic flights, but policies vary. Always check your airline’s specific ID requirements before travel and consider carrying an additional valid photo ID.
If your ID isn’t accepted, you may be refused boarding and could forfeit the ticket cost. Airlines require acceptable photo ID for domestic flights, so always verify your airline’s ID list before you travel.
The foregoing article was last updated in January 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.
