ID Pass regulation
ID Pass Application Standard
All the ID pass scheme's rules are contained in one convenient document, the ID Pass Application Standard. This guidance explains the requirements for applying for and obtaining each type of pass and can be accessed via the link below.
Temporary Escorted ID Passes
Escorted Passes are divided into two categories:
1. Visitor Passes
For one-off or occasional visitors, including engineers, maintenance workers, trainees, performers, school groups, temporary absence cover, and work experience placements.
Key rules:
Maximum 14 days' use per person within a rolling 12-month period.
Each visitor pass can be issued for a maximum of 7 days.
A minimum 3-day break is required between visitor passes.
Passes are person-specific and cannot be shared.
2. Employment Passes
For contractors, trainers, regional managers, seasonal workers, service providers, or individuals awaiting a permanent airside pass.
Part 1
Up to 14 consecutive days may be issued if the applicant provides evidence that a UK Criminal Record Check (CRC) has been applied for.
CRC Evidence Required; email confirmation/receipt
CRC application evidence must be less than 21 days old.
Part 2
If a CRC certificate is already available at application stage, a pass for up to
60 consecutive days may be issued immediately (maximum 30 day per pass application with option to apply for up to 60 consecutive days in total if required).
The CRC certificate must have been issued within 26 weeks of the employment pass start date.
If the CRC certificate is received during Part 1, a further employment pass can be issued for up to
60 consecutive days in total (including the Part 1 period).
Additional Employment Pass Rules
Part 1 (maximum 14 days) and Part 2 combined must not exceed 60 consecutive days.
There may be a short gap between Part 1 and Part 2 while waiting for the CRC certificate.
Annual Limit
An individual can hold escorted passes for a maximum of 60 days in any rolling calendar year.
Once the 60-day limit is reached, no further escorted passes can be issued until the rolling year period has elapsed.
Escort Ratios
Visitor Passes: 1 escort per 6 pass holders. However, where a Visitor Pass is being used to undertake short-term work activities, the Employment Pass escort ratio of 1 escort per 3 pass holders must be applied.
Employment Passes: 1 escort per 3 pass holders.
Pass Identification
Visitor Passes and Employment Passes will be visibly distinct to allow easy identification and ensure correct escorting requirements are applied.
Escort Training
This is required for any person who needs to carry out escorting duties, they must have received an additional briefing that meets the DfT requirements. These briefings must be delivered by a person deemed competent by the airport to cover the required elements – this will include Authorised Signatories, Staff with an Aviation Security Qualification and DfT Certified Instructors. Each organisation must record that the training has taken place.
We have produced a short video to cover the briefing content, video below: