As of 2026, the requirement for a passport on a private jet depends entirely on whether your flight crosses an international border. For domestic flights within the same country (e.g., New York to Los Angeles or London to Manchester), a passport is generally not required; a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or national ID card, is sufficient. However, for international flights, a passport is mandatory for every person on board, including infants and crew. Flying private does not bypass immigration or customs laws. While you will likely use a private terminal known as a Fixed Base Operator (FBO), where the process is much faster and more discreet, you still must clear customs. In many cases, customs officers will meet the aircraft on the ramp or at the FBO to scan passports and inspect declarations. Furthermore, if the destination country requires a visa, you must have it ready before departure. Private jet operators are legally required to submit a passenger manifest to authorities, and flying without proper documentation can lead to the aircraft being grounded or passengers being deported.