Identity cards will make overseas travel cheaper for Brits

The introduction of an identity card scheme would make it cheaper for Brits to take flights to destinations in Europe, a travel body has claimed.

According to ABTA - The Travel Association, the government is trialling the Identity Card Scheme in certain parts of the country.

Holidaymakers who take flights within the European Union (EU) do not strictly need a passport if they are EU citizens, the organisation explained.

In other parts of the EU, identity cards are used but British citizens do not have another officially recognised proof of identity.

Sean Tipton, spokesperson for ABTA - The Travel Association, said: "So in the long-term, if identity cards prove successful and they are rolled out for everybody then it would be a cheap way to go abroad and avoid having a passport for travel in the EU.

He added that the majority of British holidays are within the EU which creates potential money-saving opportunities in the future.

Earlier in the year, the Identity and Passport Service and Foreign and Commonwealth Office increased the adult passport fee for Brits to £77.50.

Posted by Andrew, 29 October 2009 16:46

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