Do you need a passport to book a flight?

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. 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This is good news if you want to book a flight early to get a great price but realise, say, that your passport is out of date. If you’re waiting for a new or replacement passport, you can still book your holiday.

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.

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 don’t need to have the passport to hand, you will need to have it to travel. 

If the child doesn’t yet have a passport, make sure you leave enough time between booking and travelling to apply for one. 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. They will need their passport details to check in, and their actual passport to fly – if travelling internationally. 

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. 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. 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 and your payment details.

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. 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.

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. 

The only exception to the ‘international’ travel rule is Ireland, which UK citizens can also fly to without a passport. 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 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.

How did I create this guide to passports and booking flights?

All the passport information I’ve collated here comes from official government sources. I’ve backed this up with extensive checks of individual airlines to review their specific booking regulations. The destinations I’ve included are all accessible within the British Isles without needing a passport. Remember though, if you’re travelling through an airport or port, you’ll still need photographic ID.

The foregoing article was last updated on 6th of February 2025. 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.

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