Passport cards The Irish passport card is a travel document that you can use for travel in the European Union, the European Economic Area (which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and Switzerland instead of the passport book. It is similar in size to a credit card.

If you are a citizen of Ireland or the United Kingdom, you have several alternatives to a traditional passport book for travel within the Common Travel Area (CTA), which includes Ireland, the UK, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands. For Irish citizens, the most convenient alternative is the Irish Passport Card, which is a credit-card-sized document valid for travel throughout the European Union, the EEA, and Switzerland. If you are traveling specifically between Ireland and the UK by sea or air, some carriers (like Aer Lingus or ferry companies) may accept a National Identity Card (for EU citizens) or even a valid photo driving license or an official government ID card, though this is strictly at the discretion of the carrier and applies only to the CTA. However, it is vital to note that for travel to the United States or any country outside the EU/EEA, a standard passport book is mandatory. Additionally, while the CTA technically allows for travel without a passport for Irish and British citizens, many airlines still require "valid photo identification" for security purposes. Always check your specific airline’s "Travel Documentation" page, as they may have stricter requirements than the government's border policies for the specific route you are flying.