Ryanair visa checks: What you need to know

If you're living in the UK on a visa and planning to fly with Ryanair, one of Europe's popular low-cost airlines, understanding their visa check process is essential to make sure you have a hassle-free check-in and make your flight.

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What you need to know about Ryanair visa checks

Ryanair visa checks refer to the verification process that Ryanair conducts to ensure that passengers traveling to certain destinations have the necessary visas or travel authorisations. This check is carried out before passengers are allowed to board the flight. If a passenger does not have the required visa or authorisation, they may be denied boarding.

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Visa checks are for non-UK and non-EU/EEA citizens 🛂

All citizens who aren't travelling on a passport from the UK or the EU/EEA must have their travel documents checked and stamped at the Ryanair visa/document check desk before going through airport security. Your boarding pass will display the information for routes that require mandatory visa checks.

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Visa checks are the first thing to do at the airport ☝️

All visa checks must be done before you travel through airport security. You should check your departure time and ensure you have planned to allow sufficient for all these visa checks.

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Boarding passes aren't unavailable until after visa check 🎫

If you are required to do a visa check, you will need to arrive at the check-in desk early. You won't be able to print a boarding pass or get a boarding pass on the app, instead you will receive a temporary pass directing you to the check-in desk.

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You need to arrive at the airport early ⌚️

Ryanair state on their website, "We advise all passengers to allow more time for visa checks at the airport. The check-in and Visa/Document Check desks are open at least 2 hours before your departure time and close strictly 40 minutes prior to the scheduled time of departure. If you have not had your visa check done before this deadline, you will not be allowed to travel, and you will not be entitled to a refund of the missed flight."

What you need to do to prepare

Because visa checks are compulsory for Ryanair flights, you will need to take additional steps to prepare for your flight.

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Check-in online before arriving at the airport 🧑‍💻

Although you won't be able to print or download a boarding pass you will still need to check-in online before your flight. Ryanair charge a £50 fee to checking-in at the airport.

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Arrive at the check-in desk 1.5hrs before your flight ⏱

Visa checks will add extra time to your pre-departure time at the airport. Lines can be long (especially at Stansted and Luton airports) so to make sure you don't miss your flight, arrive at the airport at least 1.5hrs before scheduled departure giving you enough time to complete your visa check and make your way through security. The visa check line is the same as the baggage drop-off line which can take anywhere between 10 and 40 minutes.

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Bring your passport and BRP 🪪

Once at the check-in desk, Ryanair staff will ask to see your passport and Biometric Residence Permits (BRP) to complete the visa check.