Do you still need an ID card to fly?
From July 10, 2025, for some flights it is no longer mandatory to show your ID card at the airport. This new regulation has sparked debate and has now been confirmed by official sources. In this article, we clarify what actually changes for departing passengers, who the new rule applies to, and why it’s still advisable to always carry a valid document with you.
Not always required: when the ID card is no longer needed
Starting July 2025, it will no longer be mandatory to show your ID card at the gate for:
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Domestic flights
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Flights to Schengen countries, such as Spain, Greece, Austria, Croatia, Portugal, and others
A valid boarding pass, either digital or paper, will be enough. The identity check will already have been completed during online or automatic check-in, according to the new system coordinated by ENAC and the Ministry of the Interior.
When a physical document is still required
The ID card (or passport) remains necessary in the following cases:
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Flights to non-Schengen countries (e.g., United Kingdom, Morocco, Egypt)
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Certain routes with reinforced requirements (e.g., France, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden)
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Random checks by police or customs officers
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Returning to Italy from another EU country
Moreover, even if the document is not required at the gate, it is always advisable to carry it.
What is really needed at check-in and security
Currently, to travel you need:
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Boarding pass (digital or printed)
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A valid document in the cases listed above
Online check-in is mandatory for many low-cost airlines, but this does not eliminate the need for identification documents in cases not covered by the new rules.
And in case of disruption? Your rights remain valid
If you miss your flight due to identification issues not caused by you, or if you face a delay, cancellation, or overbooking, you may be entitled to compensation of up to €600 under Regulation EC 261/2004.
You can rely on DelayFlight24, which offers free verification of your right to compensation and provides fast, complete legal assistance. Check if you are entitled to compensation
Conclusion: ID card not always required, but still important
With the new rules introduced in summer 2025, it is no longer always necessary to show an ID card at the gate, but only for domestic and Schengen flights. In all other situations, it remains mandatory.
For safety, always carry a valid document with you and check your airline’s rules before departure. And if something goes wrong, remember you can claim your rights with the help of DelayFlight24.
