'ID cards to require smaller international payments than passports'

Identity cards may prove more affordable than passports for expats living in Europe, industry experts indicate.

The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) recently explained how Brits could benefit from a proposed card scheme, which is likely to interest former UK citizens who have transferred money to live in the European Union (EU).

Sean Tipton, spokesperson for the ABTA, stated that identification cards may help to save overseas visitors money as they are expected to cost just £30, while adult passports have increased in price to £77.50.

"You don't strictly need a passport if you are an EU citizen," he said.

"It would be a cheap way to go abroad and avoid having a passport for travel in the EU."

Government figures published by the Telegraph reveal 28 million people would need to be issued with the cards in order to pay for the scheme.

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By Linsey Summers