You will require a passport for all international travel. For domestic travel you will be required to have some form of photographic identification such as a passport or driving licence, however check with your airline before you fly for details on what they will accept. What time do I need to check-in?

Whether you need a passport to fly from Belfast in 2026 depends on your destination and your airline. If you are flying to a destination in Great Britain (London, Manchester, etc.), you are technically within the Common Travel Area (CTA), and a passport is not legally required for British or Irish citizens. However, in early 2026, Aer Lingus joined Ryanair in requiring a valid passport or Irish passport card for all flights between Ireland and the UK to "standardize boarding procedures." If you are flying with British Airways or easyJet on a domestic route, you can still use other forms of photographic ID, such as a valid UK driving license. If you are flying from Belfast to an international destination (including the Republic of Ireland or mainland Europe), a passport is mandatory for all passengers. Additionally, for non-UK/Irish citizens, the new UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) system is now fully operational, meaning you may need a digital permit linked to your passport even for domestic-looking transits. Always check your airline’s specific "Travel Docs" section before heading to Belfast International or George Best City Airport.