PASSPORTS & IDENTITY CARDS

The Identity & Passport Service (IPS) came into being on 1 April 2006 incorporating the UK Passport Service and Home Office ID Cards Programme.  It is responsible for issuing passports and will issue ID cards at some point. Biometric passports (e-passports) are being issued at all UK passport offices in the UK and at overseas consulates. Since May 2007 a programme has been rolled out requiring all adults applying for their first UK passport to undergo a face-to-face interview. This is a precursor to the Identity Cards scheme.

The National Identity Scheme delivery plan was announced in March 2008.  The scheme will commence in late 2008 with the introduction of ID cards for non-European Economic Area nationals entering the UK to live and work.  Effective 2009 the Government intends targeting people working airside at airports.

ABTA's Position

ABTA is involved in travel industry working groups on passports and identity cards. We support the concept of identity cards particularly if they become a cheaper and more effective means of facilitating intra-EU travel. Any solutions should be cost effective and not act as a disincentive to travel. Easy accessibility for the public to IPS offices is important. ABTA is working with IPS pointing out the six weeks’ lead time necessary for interviews.

ABTA continues to be involved in all issues affecting UK residents visiting the US, and works closely with the US Embassy.

ABTA shares the airlines' concern that, as airline staff working airside are already required to have airport ID cards, to require them to have a national ID card is unecessary.

Last updated: 8 April 2008