travel to ireland uk passport

Cookies on citizensinformation.ie

We use cookies to collect information about how you use citizensinformation.ie. This helps us to improve your experience. You can find out more about the cookies we use in our Cookie notice . You can also read our Privacy policy . You can accept all cookies or you can chose which cookies to accept or reject. You can change your cookie preferences at any time by using the My cookie preferences link at the bottom of each page.

Cookie preferences

Cookies used by google analytics.

We use Google Analytics to measure how you use the website so we can improve it. We have configured Google Analytics to anonymise your IP address so that you are not personally identified. We gather information on:

• How you got to the site
• The pages you visit on citizensinformation.ie, and how long you spend on each page
• What you click while you are visiting the site

Visa requirements for entering Ireland

Introduction, do i need a visa, types of visa, visa waivers for uk visa holders, school student visa waiver, do i need preclearance, how to apply for a visa orpreclearance, further information and contacts.

If you are travelling to Ireland and you are not a citizen of the UK, Switzerland, or a country in the European Economic Area (the EU plus Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein), you may need to apply for a visa.

An Irish visa is a certificate placed on your passport or travel document that allows you to travel to Ireland. You still have to present your passport and documents to immigration control when you arrive at the airport or port, and an immigration officer may still refuse you entry to Ireland .

If you are travelling with children , you have to apply for a visa for your children too.

You may also have to register with immigration authorities .

Ukrainian citizens

From 25 February 2022, citizens of Ukraine do not need a visa to travel to Ireland . Read information for people who have arrived in Ireland from Ukraine .

You do not need a visa to land in Ireland if you:

• Are a citizen of the EU or the EEA (the EU plus Iceland, Norway and Lichtenstein) or Switzerland
• Have a residence card issued by an EEA country or Switzerland because you are the family member of an EEA or Swiss citizen living in a country outside of the EEA/Swiss family member’s home country (for example, you live in Germany with your French spouse)
• Have a UK short-stay visa and qualify for the short-stay visa waiver or the British-Irish Visa Scheme (see ‘Visa waivers for UK visa holders’ below)
• Are a school student who lives in an EU/EEA country and you are travelling as part of a school trip (see ‘School Student Visa Waiver’ below)
• Are a citizen of a country listed in the table below.

Note Visa free travel also applies to the following types of British nationality:

• British national (overseas)
• British overseas territories citizen (previously called ‘British dependent territories citizenship)
• British overseas citizen

Visa free travel does not apply to people who have a British passport as a ‘British protected person'.

If you are moving to Ireland to live with your Irish de facto partner, a spouse or partner who holds a Critical Skills Employment Permit, or your UK spouse or partner, you have to apply for preclearance even if you are from one of the countries listed above (this does not apply to citizens of Switzerland or the UK). See ‘Do I need preclearance’ below.

If you have a short stay visa for the UK and are an Indian or Chinese citizen, you can travel to Ireland without a visa. See ‘Visa waivers for UK visa holders’ below.

Travelling with a refugee travel document

If you have a refugee travel document issued by a country outside Ireland, you must apply for a visa to enter Ireland. Visa free travel for travel document holders is suspended until further notice.

Family members of EEA/Swiss citizens

If you are coming to Ireland to join or accompany your EEA family member , you must apply for a visa if you are from a country that is not in the list above. If you are already living in another EEA country or Switzerland because you are the family member of an EEA or Swiss citizen who is exercising their free movement rights, you do not need a visa to travel to Ireland.

If you plan to stay in Ireland for more than 3 months you must apply for residence after your arrival.

The type of visa you need depends on the purpose and length of your stay in Ireland.

Short stay visas

If you want to come to Ireland for less than 3 months, you should apply for a short stay ‘C’ visa . You should apply for this type of visa if you want to come to Ireland as a tourist or to visit someone, for a business meeting, or to attend a short course.

You cannot stay for longer than 3 months on a ‘C’ visa. You must leave Ireland and apply for another visa if you want to return.

Long stay visas

If you want to come to Ireland for more than 3 months, for example to study, for work or to settle permanently in Ireland with family members who live in Ireland, then you can apply for a long stay ‘D’ visa .

If you are granted a long stay ‘D’ visa and wish to remain in the State for longer than 3 months you must register and get an Irish Residence Permit (IRP).

You can read more information about different types of visa available on the ISD website .

Re-entry multiple entry visas

The first visa issued to you is valid for a single entry to the State. If you leave Ireland, you must apply for another visa to travel to Ireland again.

If you have had single entry visas in the past and you have obeyed the conditions of those visas, you can apply for a multiple entry visa. You can also apply if you need to come to Ireland frequently for business. A multiple entry visa allows you to travel to Ireland on more than one occasion during the period that the visa is valid.

Re-entry visas for people who live in Ireland

If you have a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP), you no longer need a re-entry visa to re-enter Ireland when traveling abroad. Children under 16 do not get an IRP. They can return to Ireland without a re-entry visa if they are travelling with parents or guardians. The parents or guardians must have an IRP.

Transit visas

If you are travelling through Ireland on your way to another country, you may need a transit visa when arriving in Ireland on their way to another country. A transit visa does not permit you to leave the port or airport. If you are a citizen of one of the following countries, you will need a valid Irish transit visa when landing in the State:

The Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme allows nationals of a number of Eastern European, Middle Eastern and Asian countries who have a short-term UK visa, to come to Ireland without the need for a separate Irish visa. The countries included in the scheme are:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• North Macedonia
• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia

Citizens of India and China , who have a short stay UK visa can travel to Ireland under the British Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) without a separate Irish visa. You can also use your Irish visa to travel to the UK. Your visa must be endorsed with ‘BIVS’.

School students who are citizens of a country that would normally need a visa to enter Ireland can apply for a waiver if they live in an EU or EEA country and are travelling as part of a school trip.

The principal of the school must complete an application form and present this form to immigration upon arrival.

If you do not need a visa to come to Ireland, you may still have to apply for preclearance. Preclearance is permission to enter Ireland to apply to reside for certain reasons. You have to apply for preclearance if you want to come to Ireland:

• To volunteer
• As a minister of religion
• As the de facto partner of a Critical Skills Employment Permit or Hosting Agreement holder
• As the de facto partner of an Irish citizen
• As the family member of a UK citizen

A de facto partnership is when you are in a relationship with someone that is like a marriage.

You can apply for pre-clearance online. If you are approved, and you intend to stay in Ireland for more than 3 months, you have to register for an Irish Residence Permit after you arrive in Ireland.

You must apply for an entry visa or preclearance online .

There is information on how to complete an online application in English (pdf) as well as in Arabic (pdf) , Chinese (pdf) , Russian (pdf) , Hindi (pdf) , French (pdf) , Turkish (pdf) and Urdu (pdf) .

You should apply at least 8 weeks before you plan to come to Ireland. Details of the photographic requirements and current processing times are on the ISD website.

Biometric data : All visa applicants residing in Nigeria must provide biometric data . Applicants residing in Pakistan, India and China must provide fingerprints.

Appeals: If you are refused a visa you can appeal the decision by writing to the Irish Immigration Service Visa office .

The standard non-refundable visa application processing fees are:

Entry and re-entry visas

A single journey visa costs €60 and will be valid for one entry to the State up to a maximum of 90 days from the date of issue.

A multi journey visa costs €100 and will be valid for multiple entries to the State up to a maximum of 5 years from the date of issue.

A transit visa costs €25.

There may also be communications charges in some cases. Information about these charges, and on the fee in your local currency, is available from your local Irish embassy or consulate.

Who does not pay the fee?

Some applicants are not required to pay a fee . This includes visa-required spouses and certain family members of EEA citizens (including Irish nationals) provided that proof of the relationship is provided with the application. In addition, applicants from some countries are not required to pay a fee. As this can change from time to time, you should check with your local Irish embassy or consulate, or with the Visa Office.  

Information about visas is available from your nearest Irish embassy or consulate .

Visa Office

Immigration Service Delivery 13-14 Burgh Quay Dublin 2 D02 XK70 Ireland

Re-entry Visa Processing Office

Immigration Service Delivery 13/14 Burgh Quay Dublin 2 Ireland

Related documents

• Visas for tourists visiting Ireland Information about coming to Ireland for a short stay (less than 90 days). 2036.3912
• Visas for people visiting Ireland on business Certain people who wish to travel to Ireland for business purposes require visas. Find out more. 1890.6954
• Student visas to study in Ireland People from certain countries who wish to study in Ireland require visas. Find out more. 1827.6844

If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

Manage cookie preferences

Get Daily Travel Tips & Deals!

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

Ireland Passport Requirements: Do I Need a Passport to Go to Ireland?

Kate H. Knapp

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

You’ve got your heart set on a trip to the Emerald Isle, but you’re not sure what you need to make this dream trip a reality. Don’t worry; it’s easier than it looks to visit Ireland. Ireland passport requirements state that you will need a valid U.S. passport with at least one blank page for an entry stamp to enter the country, and it must be valid the entire length of your stay.

Check the expiration date as soon as you book your ticket to allow plenty of time for a renewal, if necessary. Once you arrive, you may be asked to provide an onward or return ticket and proof of necessary funds to cover the cost of your trip.

Ireland Passport Requirements

Though there is no minimum time your passport must be valid before you enter the country, Ireland passport requirements state that your passport is valid during the entire length of your stay and that you have at least one blank page for an entry stamp. You may also be asked to present an onward or return ticket, as well as evidence of funds to cover the cost of your trip.

How to Get a Passport Book for Travel to Ireland

Apply for a passport as soon as international travel is confirmed. The cost will be greater if you apply for a passport within two weeks of travel time and need an expedited application. You can learn more about the requirements and documents needed to obtain a U.S. passport here .

Other Ireland Travel Requirements

Visa : No for U.S. citizens, up to 90 days

Vaccinations : No

What to Do if You Lose Your Passport in Ireland

Take every precaution to keep your passport secure, such as carrying it in a hidden passport holder, keeping it locked in a safe, and emailing copies to yourself or a loved one before traveling.

If you do lose your passport, report the loss immediately to the U.S. Embassy Dublin .

So, Do I Need a Passport to Visit Ireland?

In summary: Yes. Ireland passport requirements state that you must have a U.S. passport that is valid the entire length of your stay and have at least one blank page for an entry stamp to enter the country. You may also need to show proof of return or onward travel, along with sufficient funds to cover the cost of your trip.

More Information When Visiting Ireland

The  U.S. Department of State  provides detailed information, including travel advisories and passport validity requirements, to your destination.

For information on how to apply or renew a passport,  visit  here .

Tourism Ireland   is a great resource for things to do and places to stay, as well as everything you need to know before you go when planning a trip to Ireland.

Protect Your Passport

We recommend investing in a passport cover or wallet to protect your pages from bends, tears and spills. It’s important to keep your passport in good condition for easy inspection. 

On travel days, only take your passport out during inspection. Otherwise, keep it stowed away in a dedicated section of your bag (if you keep it in the same place every time, you won’t ever scramble to locate it). Once you arrive at your destination, find a way to stow it securely. In-room safes or safe deposit boxes at the hotel front desk are generally good options, but if neither is available, you’ll need to decide how to keep your passport secure. You might consider keeping it in an under-clothing money belt that you wear, or leaving it in the hotel or vacation rental but locking it in your suitcase with a TSA-approved lock .

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 5 Exotic Places Where You Don’t Need a Passport
• How to Renew a Passport, Global Entry, and TSA PreCheck—The Ultimate Guide
• How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Dress Up Your Passport

Shop the look.

Travel Passport Wallet

Carryall Bag

Traveler Wallet

Leather Passport Case

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Top Fares From

Don't see a fare you like? View all flight deals from your city.

Today's top travel deals.

Brought to you by ShermansTravel

Southern Italy: 8-Night Tour, Incl. Naples,...

Ohio: Daily Car Rentals from Cincinnati

Shop and Save with Country Inns...

Patricia Magaña

Trending on SmarterTravel

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

United Kingdom

Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

United kingdom - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in the United Kingdom due to terrorism.

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the United Kingdom. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

There is also a risk of isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to the United Kingdom.

If you decide to travel to the United Kingdom:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and Twitter.com/Travelgov
• Review the  Country Security Report  for the United Kingdom.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel and return to the United States.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid for the duration of your stay in the United Kingdom   (If you have onward travel to countries outside the United Kingdom, you should check the passport validity requirements for each additional country on their respective information pages.)

Must have at least one page

Not required for stays less than six months.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy london.

33 Nine Elms Lane London, SW11 7US United Kingdom Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: +(44) (20) 7891-3845 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Edinburgh, Scotland 3 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BW Scotland Telephone: 013-1556-8315 / from the United States: 011 (44)(13) 1556-8315 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  020-7499-9000 / from the United States: 011 (44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: 0131-557-6023 /from the United States: 011 (44) 131-557-6023 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Belfast, Northern Ireland Danesfort House, 223 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5GR Northern Ireland, United Kingdom Telephone: 028-9038-6100 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9038-6100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 01253-501106 / from the United States: 011 (44) 1253-501106 Fax: 028-9068-1301 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9068-1301 Email: [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• To enter the United Kingdom, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay.
• Starting June 2019, U.S. passport holders will be able to use the ePassport Gates upon arrival in the United Kingdom. U.S. citizens who had previously registered for the UK’s Registered Traveller Service (RTS) should now also use the ePassport Gates on arrival in the UK.
• If you are planning onward travel after departing the UK, note that many other countries require at least six months’ remaining validity on your passport to enter. If you are bound for Continental Europe, please see our  U.S. travelers in Europe page for additional details.
• Visas for specific categories of visitors must be obtained prior to travel. Visit the  UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website to determine if you need a visa to enter the United Kingdom. We cannot intervene on your behalf when you apply for a UK visa, nor can we advocate for your admission into the UK if you are denied entry.
• Students and prospective students should visit the  UKVI website  to determine if they need a visa.
• For some U.S. travelers, especially students, an entry stamp is required.  Please consult this website  for more information.
• Unpaid and paid workers, interns, volunteers, charity workers, and temporary workers can find information about obtaining a visa on the  UKVI website .
• Visitors traveling to the United Kingdom to get married, even if they do not plan to reside there, must obtain a visa in advance. See the  UKVI website  for visa information.
• Surcharges apply to certain categories of visas, generally those involving work, study, or residency for more than six months. More information is available on the  UKVI website  and in our Health section below.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of the United Kingdom.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible near-term attacks in Europe. The UK Security Service publishes specific reasons for any changes in the threat level and recommended actions for the public via its  UK threat levels website .

There is the potential for  isolated violence  related to the political situation in Northern Ireland. The Police Service of Northern Ireland assesses there is a continued threat of violence from dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets, and may involve the use of  firearms  and  explosives . Tensions may be heightened during the summer marching season (April to August), particularly on and around the July 12 public holiday.

Avoid areas of demonstrations  if possible, and be careful within the vicinity of demonstrations. Demonstrations occur frequently in and around city centers and areas where tourists frequent. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate to violence.

The phone number for  police/fire/ambulance emergency services  is  999  in the United Kingdom and  112  in Gibraltar. You should also use these numbers to report security threats or suspicious packages. Also see information for  contacting police from abroad .

• Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
• Be vigilant, as  pickpocketing ,  mugging,  and “snatch and grab” theft of mobile phones, watches and jewelry can occur.
• Do not leave bags unattended in restaurants, pubs, hotel lobbies, and parked cars.
• Be alert to other criminal schemes, such as  impostors  posing as undercover police officers and “fining” tourists for bogus minor offenses. A legitimate Metropolitan Police Services officer will never demand an immediate cash payment.
• Use only licensed Black Cabs or pre-ordered car services (minicabs) . Unlicensed taxis or private cars posing as taxis may offer low fares, but in some instances, travelers have been  robbed  or  sexually assaulted  while using these cars. See Transport for London for additional information on cabs and car services .
• Avoid using ATMs that look temporary in structure or location  or are located in isolated areas – they may not be legitimate. Use ATMs located inside a bank branch.

Scams : Before sending any money to individuals you have never met in person, visit the  Embassy London website  for more information about  internet financial scams  and how to protect yourself.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime : Report crimes to the local police at 999 (United Kingdom) or 112 (Gibraltar) and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(44) (20) 7499-9000.

• Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim compensation programs in the United States
• The Victim Support website  is maintained by an independent UK charity to help people cope with the effects of crime
• A Northern Ireland-based independent charity maintains a similar  victim support website
• In Scotland, victims of crime should contact  Victim Support Scotland
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support if you are destitute
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

• You will be arrested if you bring pocket knives, blades, mace or pepper spray canisters, or any part of a gun into the United Kingdom . Please refer to the UK government publication  Travelling to the UK , which details the items visitors are prohibited from bringing into the United Kingdom.
• Penalties against  alcohol-related  and other  in-flight  crimes committed aboard aircraft to and from the United Kingdom are stiff and are enforced with  prison sentences . Please also see  our information on U.S. customs regulations  covering your return to the United States.
• Controlled Substances: UK law prohibits possession and trafficking of controlled substances and narcotics, including some substances that may be legal to possess under the law of certain U.S. states. More information on controlled substances is available here . Individuals who violate UK drug laws may face penalties including fines or prison sentences.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained in the United Kingdom, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Special Circumstances:

• The legal drinking age in the United Kingdom is 18. Parents and organizers of school trips should read our  Students Abroad website  to help plan a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Scotland’s “drink drive limit” law was amended to a lower level (roughly .05 BAC) and is stricter than the rest of the United Kingdom (roughly .08 BAC). This means that  driving after even one drink  can result in a charge of driving under the influence.
• The United Kingdom has very strict gun control laws, and importing firearms is extremely complicated.  Information on applying for a firearm and/or shotgun certificate can be found on the  London Metropolitan Police Firearms licensing webpage .  Licenses from England or Wales may not be valid in Scotland; please check with the appropriate authorities.  For firearms certificates for Scotland, please check with  Police Scotland .

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in the United Kingdom.

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:

• UK law requires that all public service providers (except in the transportation sector) make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure their services are available to persons with disabilities.  Nevertheless, code exemptions permit many older buildings to have steps up from the street.
• Getting around in cities may be difficult at times because sidewalks can be narrow and uneven.
• Most London Underground and UK National Rail System stations are not readily accessible for people with disabilities.  Many stations do not have elevators, and have stairways and long corridors for changing trains or exiting to the street. Many UK buses are equipped with lowering platforms for limited-mobility or sight- or hearing-disabled travelers.
• Many taxis have swivel-entry seats or retractable ramps to ease entry.
• Disabled parking permits (known as “blue badges”) are issued by local government councils throughout the country. Visit the  UK government website  for contact information. Some councils may not offer permits to temporary visitors.

The  Transport for London  and  National Rail  websites provide information for passengers with disabilities.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  women travelers .

While medical services are widely available,  free medical care  under the National Health System (NHS) is allowed only for UK residents, certain EU nationals, and some visa holders.

An NHS surcharge is assessed on certain visa applicants at the time of application.  Tourists and short-term visitors will not be assessed the surcharge, but will be charged 150 percent of the cost of any medical treatment they receive from the NHS. Unpaid balances of £1,000 or more can result in being barred from return to the United Kingdom.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills, and U.S. Medicare is not valid overseas.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides  coverage overseas . Most care providers overseas only accept  cash payments . See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas.

• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Carry  prescription medication  in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Traveling with sufficient supplies to last the duration of your trip is recommended. Mailing prescriptions is prohibitive and may be delayed or rejected by British customs.

Certain prescriptions available in the United States are classified as a "controlled drug"  in the United Kingdom and cannot be brought into the country without applying for and obtaining a prior license. This includes prescriptions for medical marijuana or products containing CBD and THC.  Please visit the https://www.gov.uk/travelling-controlled-drugs for additional information. 

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended for international travel by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions in the United Kingdom can differ significantly from those in the United States.

• In contrast to the United States, UK traffic drives on the left.  Read the  Highway Code  before driving.
• Emergency call boxes  (orange telephone booths with “SOS” printed on them) are found at half-mile intervals along motorways. White and blue poles point in the direction of the nearest call box. Call boxes dial directly to a motorway center. Use these phones rather than a personal cell phone, because motorway center personnel will immediately know your exact location.
• Generally,  pedestrians do not have the right of way  and should not expect vehicles to stop for them.

Many U.S. citizen pedestrians are injured, some fatally, every year in the United Kingdom, because they forget that oncoming  traffic approaches from the opposite direction  than in the United States.  Exercise extra care when crossing streets; remain alert and look both ways before stepping into the street.

Traffic Laws: 

• UK penalties for driving under the influence of  alcohol  or  drugs  are strict and often  result in prison sentences .
• Using a  hand-held cell phone  or similar device while driving is  illegal  in the United Kingdom. Only hands-free phones may be used. You will be  fined , or in the case of an accident,  arrested  and serve time in  prison .
• The speed limit on highways/motorways in the United Kingdom is 70 mph, or lower when posted.
• You will be  detained  and  arrested  if you cannot provide a UK address to receive a subpoena or are about to depart the United Kingdom and have to be brought to court quickly for a motoring offense.
• In Central London, a congestion charge is levied on all drivers who pass through the congestion zone. You will be  fined  or  arrested  if you do not pay the charge. See  Transport for London  for more information about driving in London.

Public Transportation:  Public transport in the United Kingdom is extensive.

• Information on disruptions to London transportation services can be found on the  Transport for London  website.
• Information about the status of National Rail Services can be found on the  National Rail Enquiries  website.
• Bus and train service information in Northern Ireland can be found on the  Translink  website.
• Bus and train service information in Scotland can be found on the  Traveline Scotland  website.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. For specific information concerning UK driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, refer to the  UK Department for Transport  website or the  Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency  website.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of the United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of United Kingdom’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to the United Kingdom should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at  www.marad.dot.gov/msci . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings website (select “broadcast warnings”).

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in the United Kingdom . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, united kingdom map, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

UK Edition Change

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• UK Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Betting Sites
• Online Casinos
• Wine Offers

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

Can I travel to Ireland from the UK? All the rules you need to know

Ireland has tightened its entry requirements for all visitors, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts

Get simon calder’s travel email, thanks for signing up to the simon calder’s travel email.

With countries around the world adjusting entry rules and travel testing requirements in the face of the omicron variant, Ireland has announced its own rule changes for visitors.

Those from Great Britain may still enter the country, but the required paperwork is set to increase.

The Irish government announced on 2 December that it would be requiring a negative test result from all travellers from abroad, regardless of vaccination status - with the change coming in from 5 December 2021.

Here’s everything we know so far.

What are the new rules?

From 5 December onwards, anyone entering Ireland from abroad must show a negative Covid test result on arrival.

Vaccinated travellers who had their second jab more than 14 days prior to arrival, and have their proof of vaccination with them, may present a result from either a PCR test (taken within the 72 hours beforehand) or an antigen test (taken within the 48 hours beforehand).

Unvaccinated travellers must take a PCR test within the 72 hours prior to arrival.

One exception is travellers from Northern Ireland who have not been outside Northern Ireland or Ireland for the 14 days prior to entry - visitors who meet this criteria do not need a passenger locator form, proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or test results upon arrival.

Children under 12 are also exempt from the test result requirement.

Test results must be from a professional-administered Covid test with results sent to travellers electronically, the rules specify, and, as with all other international travel, UK residents may not use free NHS tests.

All passengers must complete Ireland’s passenger locator form online within the 72 hours before travel.

This means the full checklist for visitors from outside the island of Ireland is as follows:

Vaccinated people aged 12 or over

Negative result from an antigen or PCR test

Proof of vaccination

Valid ID (passport or driver’s license accepted)

Unvaccinated or partly vaccinated people aged 12 or over

Negative result from a PCR test

Anyone who has been in one of seven named “scheduled states” - Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe - within the 14 days before arrival will be subject to further restrictions and testing, details of which can be found here .

From which date do I need to present a test?

The new rules kicked in from 00.01 on Sunday 5 December.

Arrivals from this time onward into Ireland must have their negative test result ready for checking at the border.

The government had announced that testing would be compulsory from 3 December onwards, but later announced that there was a 48-hour delay.

An Aer Lingus spokesperson told the Irish Examiner : “The Irish government notified airlines last night that the new Regulations will now have an operational date of 5 December and not 3 December as previously advised.

“We will implement accordingly.”

How long will the rules be in place?

Although the Irish government has not stamped the new rules with an end date, a spokesperson for Tourism Ireland told The Independent that the testing requirement will be in place for “an initial two week period and will be reviewed again then”.

Many governments are in the process of tightening travel restrictions to contain the spread of the omicron variant until more is known about its potential impact, and the efficacy of vaccines on this type of Covid-19.

Assuming Ireland is taking a similar approach, it is likely that they will review testing rules within a month or so, once more is known about the variant.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre

• Inspiration
• Destinations
• Places To Stay
• Style & Culture
• Food & Drink
• Wellness & Spas
• News & Advice
• Partnerships
• Traveller's Directory
• Travel Tips
• Competitions

Can I travel to Ireland? The rules for travelling from the UK right now

By Sarah James

Ireland is part of the common travel area. This means that, even when there were Covid-related quarantine rules for international arrivals entering   England , Scotland , Wales or Northern Ireland in place, those travelling from Ireland to the UK didn’t have to quarantine on arrival. 

Since Sunday 6 March 2022, if you are travelling to Ireland, you do not need to show any proof of vaccination or proof of recovery. You do not need to show proof of negative test or Irish passenger locator form receipt regardless of your vaccination status and are not required to quarantine or test on arrival.

So what impact does this have on holidays to Ireland right now? Here’s everything you need to know about visiting at the moment.

Is it legal to travel to Ireland?

Yes. UK residents have been legally allowed to travel for leisure to certain places from Monday 17 May, and from Monday 19 July Ireland has allowed British and US travellers, as well as EU visitors, into the country. Any UK travellers may enter Ireland without proving their vaccination status or presenting a negative test.

What are the entry requirements for Ireland?

There are no entry requirements related to coronavirus in Ireland or Northern Ireland at the time of writing (Monday 14 March 2022).

What are the lockdown restrictions in Ireland?

Since Monday 19 July, international travel has been permitted for Irish citizens and residents. Theatres and cinemas are open, as are galleries, museums, bars, cafés, restaurants, hotels, B&Bs and self-catered rentals.

What if I’m travelling from Northern Ireland?

There are no restrictions on travel to or from Northern Ireland into Ireland.

Note: It's always a good idea to check official government entry guidelines before booking or travelling anywhere, as well as to purchase travel insurance with Covid cover that is appropriate for your destination.

Embassy of Ireland, Great Britain

Please be advised that the Embassy of Ireland, Great Britain website has moved and this page is no longer being updated. The Embassy website is now available at  Ireland.ie/london .

To travel between Britain and Ireland?

• You do not require a passport to travel between Ireland and Great Britain, however some carriers/airlines require a passport as proof of identification, and the UK Government may require proof of citizenship (see entry requirements below).
• If you have  lost or mislaid your passport , we advise that you check with your airline or carrier to see what form of valid identification they will accept.
• Find out more about travelling between Ireland and Britain from  Citizens Information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

The Common Travel Area (CTA) in existence between Ireland and the UK (including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) enables British and Irish citizens to move freely within the CTA. The UK Government may require proof of citizenship so Irish citizens are advised to carry an acceptable form of identification document that shows their citizenship when travelling to Britain.

The UK Government advises that this could include:

-your valid passport or passport card  

-a copy of your passport or passport card with your identity and nationality clearly visible

-an expired passport or passport card, which Border Force are satisfied was issued to you originally

-evidence of having obtained Irish (or British) citizenship

However, this list will not be treated as exhaustive. Other documents, including providing more than one document, may be accepted .  These will be considered on a case by case basis by the UK Border Force.

Please note, however, that some airlines and other carriers require that you have a valid passport before you can travel with them. Please check with your travel company regarding their requirements before travelling.

Related Links:

Irish Embassies Abroad

Embassies in Ireland

Assistance abroad

Travel Advice

Citizens' Registration

Top Passport Questions

• Entertainment
• Crime and Courts
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service
• Cookie Policy (UK)

• CRIME&COURTS
• ENTERTAINMENT
• SOUTH AFRICA
• PRICE CHECK
• NATURE&LIFESTYLE

Ireland Mulls Scrapping Visa-Free Travel for South Africans Thanks to Zimbabweans

South African passport (Image: Swisher Report)

Ireland Mulls Scrapping Visa-Free Travel for South Africa Thanks to Zimbabwe

Ireland is considering scrapping visa-free travel for South Africans and it’s all to do with Zimbabweans exploiting a loophole.

Also read:  Zimbabwe Goes Global: Passport Services Set To Be Expanded To South Africa, UK, and US In 2024

Why is Ireland Considering Removing Visa-Free Travel for South Africa?

Irish authorities are reevaluating their visa-free policy for South African travellers amid escalating worries about immigration control. This reconsideration is prompted by individuals from countries deemed ‘unsafe’ by Ireland who exploit an unintended loophole by using South African passports to gain entry into the country.

South Africa’s classification as a ‘safe’ country expedites the asylum application process for these individuals, highlighting a significant flaw in the immigration system.

This loophole undermines Ireland’s efforts to uphold border management integrity and effectively process asylum seekers, as noted in a report by Justice Minister Helen McEntee.

“The best way to ensure the integrity of our immigration system is to ensure efficient processing of international protection applications – that gives protection really quickly to those who need it, while also demonstrating to applicants who don’t need it that there is nothing to gain from going down the asylum route,” the minister said.

Also read:  Johannesburg Zimbabwe Passport Centre To Open This Month: Here Is What You Need To Know

Zimbabweans Exploit Visa-Free Travel Loophole to Enter Ireland

Recent data from the Irish Department of Justice shows that approximately 3% of asylum applications processed this year involved individuals arriving on South African passports. This figure corresponds to 198 cases where the passport holder’s nationality did not align with their country of origin.

Such incidents have raised concerns regarding the security and authenticity of South African passports, particularly following high-profile cases involving Bangladeshi and Pakistani nationals fraudulently using South African travel documents.

Also read:  Most Powerful Passports in 2024: Here’s How Zimbabwe Ranks in the World and Africa

Impact on Diplomatic Relations and Travel

Suppose Ireland proceeds with ending visa-free travel for South Africans. In that case, it signifies a return to stricter scrutiny and visa requirements, potentially impacting diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.

Additionally, this policy change could influence South Africa’s global passport ranking.

In 2021, the Henley Passport Index ranked South Africa 57th globally in passport power, indicating the number of destinations accessible without a prior visa.

South Africans currently enjoy visa-free access to 71 countries, with 29 countries requiring visas on arrival. This ranking reflects a decline from 2020 due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.

Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates

“Tatanzwa Nema Juice”: ZiG Notes Enter Circulation

Zimbabwe gold dealer scott sakupwanya’s friend floyd mayweather arrested in dubai, chris matambanadzo.

Coming from a long line of television and radio personalities, it was only natural for Chris Matambanadzo to venture into the media space. Chris is an avid reader who fancies himself a philosopher and poet. He is passionate about anime, music and movies.

Related Posts

Parirenyatwa Group Of Hospitals Reports 44 Fake Doctors And Workers From 2023

Back To School Update: Parents Can Pay Fees Using ZiG Currency

“Work In Progress”: Billionaire Strive Masiyiwa Poses For A Rare Mirror Selfie With his Daughter Vimbai

Zimbabwe Gold Dealer Scott Sakupwanya's Friend Floyd Mayweather Arrested in Dubai

"Work In Progress": Billionaire Strive Masiyiwa Poses For A Rare Mirror Selfie With his Daughter Vimbai

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Email Us: [email protected]

Latest news, cult leader madzibaba ishmael slapped with fresh charges by norton magistrates’ court, parirenyatwa hospital unmasks another fake doctor as it intensifies raid against impersonation.

Latest Zim Profiles

• Mbida Dee Biography: Early Life | Rise To Fame | Controversies
• Musa Ncube Biography | Background, Age, Political Career, Positions Held
• Colin Mujuru Biography | Age, Club Career, Business Venture
• Nomathemba Primrose Ndebele: Championing Women’s Empowerment and Youth Development
• Brian Muza Biography | Background, Age, Education, Club Career, Awards

Mzansijuice Latest Posts

• Former Boxing Champion Dingaan Thobela “Rose of Soweto” Has Died
• Kabza De Small’s Mysterious Health Issue Sparks Witchcraft Rumours
• Cash Clash: Mohale Motaung Demands R750K from TV Producer Legend Manqele
• Babes Wodumo On Confronting Body Shaming and Embracing New Music
• Zola 7 Making TV Comeback With New Talk Show
• Local Zimbabwe News
• South Africa

© 2023 iHarare - All Rights Reserved

• INTERNATIONAL

Ireland will consider terminating visa-free entry for South Africans. Image: Unsplash

Ireland considers terminating visa-free entry for SA passports

South Africans could lose visa-free entry to Ireland, the only country in Western Europe that offers eased entry for South African nationals.

Ireland is considering revoking its visa-free travel attangements with South Africa.

South African passport holders have eased entry to over 100 countries. However, this may change if Ireland excludes SA from its visa-abolition agreements.

Ultimately, this is bad news for South African passport holders, who stand to lose a visa-free destination .

IRELAND VISA-FREE TRAVEL

In 2009, the United Kingdom introduced visa-requirements for South African passport holders.

It cited raised safety issues resulting from the misuse of South African passports.

The Republic of Ireland, however, did not end its visa-free entry scheme for South Africa.

Nonetheless, the privilege might end soon if Ireland revokes the visa-free entry arrangement.

VISA-FREE ENTRY FOR SOUTH AFRICA

Schengenvisainfo reports that Ireland will discuss ending its visa-free travel scheme with South Africa.

Ireland’s ministers will discuss axing the arrangement so Ireland can tighten up immigration.

Ireland’s Department of Justice says 198 asylum seekers arrived in Ireland on South African passports this year.

ASYLUM SEEKERS ENTER IRELAND

The scrapping of visa-free travel for South Africans comes after alleged abuse of the arrangement by individuals entering Ireland, seeking protection. 

According to the Irish Times nationals of Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo are using South African passports to enter the country.

IRELAND TO SCRAP VISA-FREE ENTRY SCHEME

Ireland will consider implementing visa requirements for South African nationals to reduce the number of people applying for protection and asylum.

Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee stated that over 80% of international protection applicants entered the country through Northern Ireland.

This number represents over three percent of the country’s total asylum applicants in 2024.

CHOOSING IRELAND OVER UK

Meanwhile, The Guardian reports that the increase in asylum seekers heading to Ireland proves that Britain’s Rwanda plan is already working.

Britain’s prime minister says that the new Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act is already deterring migrants.

Irish deputy prime minister, Micheál Martin, said the threat of deportation to Rwanda led to people coming to the Republic of Ireland.

Moenie hierdie sewe foute maak met jou versekering nie ... Kliek hier vir meer!

Latest Posts

Farewell: ‘Emotional’ Rafael Nadal knocked out of final Madrid Open

Corruption drains Nsfas of over R21 million annually

Animal Sighting: Mother giraffe helps her newborn get on its feet after giving birth (Video)

Junior Khanye: Kaizer Chiefs must stay far away from THIS coach!

‘He doesn’t drink or smoke’: Kaizer Chiefs to keep defender?

Thirty years on, Brazil pays tribute to late F1 hero Ayrton Senna

Travelling between the UK and Ireland // What Travel Documents do I need?

[Updated 12 May 2022]

Covid 19: Please refer to gov.ie for up to date documents required for travel to Ireland during the pandemic.

You’re living in the UK and heading to Ireland. There’s a moment of panic as you realise that your passport is out of date. Fear not! There are ways around it. And I’ve put everything into one handy post for you.

Firstly, Ireland and the UK are part of the common travel area, which allows the free movement of people between our nations. The one problem with this is that the island of Ireland is separated from the UK by the Irish Sea. Unless you’re a champion sea swimmer, I would not recommend trying to get there by your own steam. Enter the airlines and ferry companies.

So here’s the thing, if you were born in the UK or Ireland and are a UK or Irish Citizen you do not require a passport to travel from the UK to Ireland and vice versa. Just some sort of official ID is recommended. However, travel companies are independent entities and can operate their business how they see fit.

Ryanair are the only flight carrier to the Republic of Ireland that require a passport or passport card. They do not accept other photo ID. You can even learn this when checking in for a flight. You are given two options for the type of ID to be used: passport book and passport card.

According to Ryanair’s website: Driving licenses are not acceptable for travel with Ryanair between the UK and Ireland. No exceptions will be made. The travel documents required for domestic flights differ from country to country.

For UK passport holders, this might be of interest:

Under Photo ID needed for travelling abroad, the first point states (2.1.1) you need a valid passport.

Under 2.1.1.3.:

UK passport holders travelling into a Schengen member country (excluding Ireland) as of 1 January 2021 must make sure that their passport:

• is valid for at least three months from the date they will leave the Schengen member country, unless the person has a Schengen-issued residence permit or long-term visa.  
• should be issued within the previous 10 years upon the date of arrival. 

Here’s where you can find out about travel documentation on their website .

Aer Lingus will allow official Photo ID but they state: ‘ To travel between Ireland and Britain with photo identification other than a passport, you must have been born in Ireland or the U.K. and also be a citizen of either country’.

Here’s the list:

• Valid passport
• Driver’s licence with photo
• International student card
• National ID card/government issued photo ID cards
• Health insurance cards with photo/social security cards with photo
• Bus pass with photo
• Work ID with photo

Citizens of Ireland and the U.K. under the age of 16 don’t need a photo ID if travelling with their parent/guardian.

You can find everything on the Aer Lingus website .

British Airways

This is taken from British Airways’ website : If you are a citizen of the UK or Republic of Ireland who was born in that country you do not need a passport to travel between the two countries but you do require some form of photographic identification, such as a driving licence.

All other travellers require a valid passport to travel between the two countries.

Now here’s the thing. I spoke to someone this week who was told by a British Airways agent that a driving licence wasn’t sufficient. I decided to do a little investigating. So I went to Twitter. Here’s what happened.

. @British_Airways can you confirm when this rule was changed and why it doesn’t state that on your website? Says the opposite. pic.twitter.com/bk9fftrhYE — Nessy (@nessymon) December 12, 2016

So when I questioned this, they got someone to look into it.

@nessymon I’m sorry for the confusion, you can travel with your driving license instead of a passport. I think because it’s considered a 1/2 — British Airways (@British_Airways) December 12, 2016

@nessymon 2/2 European destination and not domestic, the common misconception is that you’d need a passport to go there. ^Linds — British Airways (@British_Airways) December 12, 2016

So there it is. Sometimes, even agents for the airlines can get it wrong. They have the right to change their rules but if they do, they need it to be stated across all their channels of information, especially their website.

You can find everything on British Airways’ website .

Flybe has gone into administration. Seemingly the operators are trying to retain the flying licence so it can sell the business.

British and Irish citizens under the age of 18 do not need a passport when travelling with a parent or guardian but it is highly recommended that they have one. Without a passport, the parent/guardian must be able to prove the relationship with the child, showing birth certificate, marriage certificate etc.

Cityjet stopped their London City – Dublin route in October 2018, this was taken over by Aer Lingus. Please refer to any Aer Lingus guidelines.

Cityjet are also happy with photo ID.

If you are citizen of the UK or Republic of Ireland and were born in that country you do not need a passport to travel between the two countries but you do require some form of valid photograph identification, such as:

Valid driving license with photograph, Irish passport card, valid government issued photo ID card.

All other travellers require a valid passport, visa where applicable, or national ID card to travel between the two countries.

Irish Ferries

Irish Ferries, by ferry or sail and rail. On the FAQs on their site they state that:

Irish Ferries recommend all passengers bring a passport with them. Irish and British citizens do not strictly require a passport to travel between the two countries – some form of identification is however required. Please note that all nationalities except Irish or British require passports. Non-EU nationals should check with the British or Irish embassy before travelling as they may also need a visa. Passengers who turn up at our ports without valid documentation may not be allowed to enter either Ireland or Britain.

They have kindly added a section on this whole Brexit fiasco. It states:

If the UK leaves the EU with no deal, the Common Travel Area (CTA) arrangements are protected, and our current advice continues to apply.

Useful means of identification when travelling on these routes include:

• Photographic Driving License
• International Student Card
• Government issued photographic ID cards
• Health insurance/social security photographic ID cards
• Photographic bus/train pass
• Place of work photographic ID
• Birth certificates (for under 18’s with no photo ID)

Note: travelling to France from Ireland has different requirements.

Stena Line provide a number of ferry routes to / from Ireland and Britain.

From their FAQs:

I’M A BRITISH CITIZEN, DO I NEED A PASSPORT TO TRAVEL?

British or Irish citizens travelling on our Irish Sea routes do not need a passport to travel to Britain or Ireland but are advised to take a form of identity. A driving licence, citizenship card or utility bill will usually suffice. A birth certificate will provide adequate proof of identity for your child to travel on our sailings.

Again travelling to mainland Europe from Ireland or Great Britain has different requirements.

Flights to Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is part of the UK, so flights to there, even with Ryanair are UK domestic flights. You only need photo ID, not a passport.

So if you can’t get a flight to the Republic of Ireland, especially if you live in the northern part of the country, a trip to Belfast could well be your best and easiest option.

Easyjet really do go easy on you. They do need photographic ID but here’s the thing. An expired passport can be used up to five years after it’s expiry date.

From their website:

Photographic ID is required on all domestic flights.

Children under the age of 16 do not need to show ID on domestic flights (excluding Italy). The adult they are travelling with can vouch for the infant’s/child’s identity.

Here’s a few examples of photographic ID that is accepted:

• A valid passport – an expired passport can be used up to a maximum of five years after expiry
• Valid photographic EU or Swiss national identity card
• Valid photographic driving licence, provisional or full
• Valid armed forces identity card
• Valid police warrant card/badge

On International routes a passport will be required.

Check their website:

Passport Renewal

If you’re really stuck you could try get a passport renewed at the Irish or UK passport offices but in most cases, emergency passports are only issued if there’s a bereavement in the family.

Emergency Travel Documents are only issued to people to get home, for example, if you live in Ireland and you’ve had your passport stolen in London.

The Irish Passport Office in the UK is based at 114a Cromwell Road London SW7 4ES

You need to go to the passport office itself. Your individual situation will determine whether they can help you within the timeframe you require. You can find out more details from the Department of Foreign Affairs website.

You can now also renew child and adult passports online . They normally take about ten working days and then whatever length of time it takes for postage. Do remember, if you are renewing your passport or changing your name and you need to send documents to a Dublin address to be verified, the ten days starts from when they receive the required documentation. But realistically you shouldn’t be booking a flight without valid ID / passport anyway.

If you hold a UK passport, you can renew it at one of the offices around the UK. You can find out more here .

Passport Cards

Seeing as the UK has now left the EU, they are no longer accepting EU national identity cards from mainland Europe for travel into the UK. However, thanks to the Common Travel Area, you can still use your Passport Card to travel to the UK from Ireland, if you’re an Irish citizen.

From the gov.uk website: Irish citizens can continue to use a passport card to travel to the UK .

Visas to Ireland and the UK

If you’re not from the UK or Ireland and travelling between the two countries, it’s up to you to check you have the correct visas and documentation to enter the individual countries.

You may need a visa to travel to Ireland if you are a non-EU/EEA & non-Swiss national. You can check on inis.gov.ie . Just scroll for your country.

If you think you may need a visa to travel to the UK, you can check the British government website here .

Happy trails!

All information is correct as of December 9 2019. nessymon.com takes no responsibility for changes or incidents due to changes. Please always contact your travel provider for the most up to date information.

Image sources: Pixabay

Comments are closed.

Britain 'comfortable' with Irish proposal on returning migrants

• Medium Text

Sign up here.

Reporting by Padraic Halpin in Dublin Editing by Peter Graff

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

Britain has sent its first asylum seeker to Rwanda under a voluntary scheme, The Sun Newspaper reported on Tuesday, saying the unnamed migrant was flown out of the country on Monday.

World Chevron

United Airlines says flights to Tel Aviv are cancelled up to May 9

United Airlines on Wednesday extended the cancellation of its daily flight from Newark, New Jersey to Tel Aviv in Israel up to May 9, saying it was completing a safety assessment.

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Visas and immigration
• Travelling to the UK

Entering the UK

Before you leave for the uk.

Check what documents you’ll need to enter the UK.

You’re a British citizen

You can enter the UK with one of the following identity documents:

• a Gibraltar identity card

If you’re travelling from Ireland to Northern Ireland

You do not need any documents to enter.

If you’re travelling from Ireland to England, Scotland or Wales

A Border Force officer may ask to see proof of your identity and nationality. You can use any documents that show your identity or nationality, for example:

• a passport (current or expired)
• proof that you’ve been given British citizenship - such as a UK citizenship certificate
• a Gibraltar identity card (current or expired)
• a copy of your passport or Gibraltar identity card that clearly shows your identity and nationality

You can use more than one document - for example, a driving licence with a citizenship certificate. If you’re using an expired passport or identity card, it must be recent enough that it’s clear that it’s yours.

You’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

• an Irish passport card
• a national identity card issued by an EU country , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, if you’re eligible to use one

Your identity document should be valid for the whole of your stay.

If you’re travelling with a passport or national identity card, it should be registered on your UK Visas and Immigration account if any of the following are true:

• you have settled or pre-settled status
• you used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document when applying for a visa

You may be delayed at the border if your passport or national identity card is not registered on your UK Visas and Immigration account .

Travelling with a national identity card

You cannot use a national identity card from an EU country , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein to enter the UK unless you:

• have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme , or Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man’s settlement schemes
• have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit, or the equivalent from Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man
• have a Frontier Worker permit
• are an S2 Healthcare Visitor
• are a Swiss national and have a Service Provider from Switzerland visa
• are an EU, EEA or Swiss national aged 18 or under travelling as part of a French school group using a France-UK school trip travel information form

Check if you need a visa to come to the UK .

If you’re waiting for a decision on your application for settled or pre-settled status

You can still use your EEA or Swiss national identity card to enter the UK if all of the following are true:

• you’ve applied for settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man’s settlement schemes
• you’ve been issued with confirmation your application is valid
• you’re not applying as a joining family member

You may also need to show evidence that you were living in the UK by 31 December 2020 .

If you have not applied for settled or pre-settled status but are planning to

You must enter the UK with either:

• an EU Settlement Scheme family permit

Your family permit or visa could be issued by the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man.

You do not need any documents to enter Northern Ireland.

You may need a visa if you’re planning to stay in the UK - for example, to work or study.

A Border Force officer may ask to see proof of your identity and nationality.

If you’re an Irish citizen, you can use any documents that show your identity or nationality. For example:

• proof that you’ve been given Irish citizenship - such as a certificate of naturalisation
• an Irish passport card (current or expired)
• a copy of your passport or Irish passport card that clearly shows your identity and nationality

You can use more than one document - for example, a driving licence with a certificate of naturalisation. If you’re using an expired passport or Irish passport card, it must be recent enough that it’s clear that it’s yours.

If you’re not an Irish citizen, you’ll need to use either a passport or a national identity card, if you’re eligible.

Find out more about travelling to the UK from Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man .

You’re from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

You must have a valid passport to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay.

You may also need a visa, depending on which country you’re from.

Check if you need a visa to come to the UK . You must have your visa before you travel to the UK.

You may also need a visa if you’re ‘transiting’ or travelling through the UK , for example you’re changing flights at a UK airport.

If you need a visa, you’ll need to show your airline or transport provider (your ‘carrier’) either:

• a valid visa
• a ‘visa exemption document’ such as a UK-issued biometric residence card or EU Settlement Scheme family permit

Before you travel, check that your visa is valid and will not expire before you enter the UK.

If you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme

If you would usually need a visa to come to the UK , you’ll need to show your carrier one of the following visa exemption documents:

• a UK-issued biometric residence card
• an EU Settlement Scheme travel permit

If you do not have an exemption document, you may be able to prove your immigration status online using the view and prove service . Check if your carrier allows this before you travel.

If you have a pending application to the EU Settlement Scheme you must have a valid visa or visa exemption document to travel to the UK.

If you’re travelling from Ireland

You do not need any documents to travel from Ireland to Northern Ireland. You may need a visa if you’re planning to stay in the UK - for example, to work or study.

If you’re travelling from Ireland to England, Scotland or Wales, a Border Force officer may ask to see your passport. It should be valid for the whole of your stay.

If you’re travelling from Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man

You only need to show your documents if you’re stopped by a Border Force officer. They may ask to see proof of your:

• permission to come to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, if you need it - for example, a visa, biometric residence permit (BRP) or work permit

You do not have to use a passport, Irish passport card or identity card to prove your identity. You can use other documents instead - for example, a driving licence or armed forces identity card.

Travelling with children

You may be asked at the border to prove the relationship between yourself and any children travelling with you, if you do not seem to be the parent, for example if you have a different surname.

You can prove this with:

• a birth or adoption certificate showing your relationship with the child
• divorce or marriage certificates if you’re the parent but have a different surname from the child
• a letter from the child’s parent giving permission for the child to travel with you and providing contact details, if you’re not the parent

Before you board

Your carrier will check your passport and other travel documents. They’ll send this information electronically to Border Force .

You can ask to see the information about you that’s been sent by carriers.

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Hundreds of Heathrow Border Force officers to start four-day strike

More than 300 workers will take action over plans to introduce rosters that could force 250 of them out of jobs

Hundreds of Border Force officers at Heathrow airport will begin a four-day strike on Monday in a dispute over working conditions.

The Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) said more than 300 of its members will walk out from 5am on Monday to 7am on Friday.

The union said the workers, based at Heathrow terminals two, three, four and five, are protesting against plans to introduce rosters they say would force about 250 of them out of their jobs at passport control.

The union’s general secretary, Fran Heathcote, said: “It’s disappointing that despite talks last week, the Home Office is not prepared to grant any flexibility to their new roster.

“None of our dedicated and highly experienced members in the Border Force want to take strike action but the way they’ve been treated by their employer leaves them with no option.

“The Home Office still have time to prevent tomorrow’s strike if they agree to abandon this unworkable new system.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are disappointed with the union’s decision to strike but remain open to discussing a resolution with the PCS.

“The changes we are implementing will bring the working arrangements for Border Force Heathrow staff in line with the way staff work at all other major ports, provide them with more certainty on working patterns and improve the service to the travelling public.

“We have robust plans in place to minimise disruption where possible, but we urge passengers to check the latest advice from operators before they travel.”

The Home Office has not applied to use a recently passed law aimed at guaranteeing a minimum level of service during strikes.

after newsletter promotion

Lisa Webb, Which? consumer law expert, said: “Travellers will understandably be concerned about upcoming strikes and what this could mean for them. If you are travelling in or out of Heathrow on these days, be prepared for longer queues and delays.

“Travellers should also ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance from the date they book their trip and check the policy carefully: not all will cover them in the event of strikes by airline or airport staff, for example.”

• Heathrow airport
• Air transport
• Home Office

More on this story

Underpaid and overstretched: Essex yoga instructors ballot to strike over pay

Thousands of public sector workers stage 24-hour strike in Northern Ireland

Junior doctors in England plan ballot for more strikes

‘Nobody wants to be here’: cheers and sadness on junior doctors’ picket line

Junior doctors’ strikes have ‘fractured’ relationship with consultants, say NHS trusts

Oxfam’s first ever strike suspended after charity offers ‘improved pay deal’

Oxfam shop and office workers strike for first time

UK anti-strike rules may breach international law, MPs and peers warn

Senior doctors in England reach pay deal with government

Most viewed.

British prime minister Rishi Sunak ‘not interested’ in deal with Ireland to return asylum seekers to UK

Helen mcentee pulls out of british-irish conference after meeting with uk minister was postponed.

British prime minister Rishi Sunak has said Britain will not accept the return of asylum seekers from the Republic who entered the State via the North. Photograph: Sean Gallup/Getty Images

British prime minister Rishi Sunak has said Britain will not accept the return of asylum seekers from the Republic who entered the State after travelling from Britain via the North.

Mr Sunak said he was “not interested” in striking a deal with the Government over the issue, as he linked the UK’s refusal to accept the return of refugees from the Republic to France’s refusal to accept the return from Britain of refugees who travelled on small boats from French beaches.

The UK prime minister’s decision to categorically rule out accepting refugee returns from Ireland comes as the Irish Government prepares emergency legislation to facilitate the deportation to Britain of asylum seekers who arrive via the North.

But speaking to ITV in Essex on Monday morning, Mr Sunak said he makes “absolutely no apology for doing everything I can to tackle illegal migration”.

Asylum seekers being moved from Mount Street tents

Asylum-seeker question sparks a serious political row

Garda Border policing unit allowed to ‘wither’ to just two members

I’ve been stopped entering a pub and told ‘we don’t rent to Poles’. But Ireland is my home now

“We’re not going to accept returns from the European Union via Ireland when the EU doesn’t accept returns back to France, where illegal migrants are coming from. Of course we’re not going to do that. I’m determined to get our Rwanda scheme up and running because I want a deterrent,” said the prime minister.

Mr Sunak’s comments came after it was confirmed Minister for Justice Helen McEntee pulled out of the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference meeting in London today, her spokeswoman has confirmed.

The move follows the cancellation by the British side of a meeting that Ms McEntee was due to have on the margins of the BIIGC meeting with home secretary James Cleverly.

“The Minister will meet with senior officials in Dublin today and regrets she won’t be in attendance at the BIIGC, which will be attended by the Tánaiste. The Minister looks forward to her meeting with the Home Secretary being rescheduled soon,” a spokeswoman said in a statement this morning.

However, it is understood that a number of her senior officials are already in London, having travelled there to attend the intergovernmental conference.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin will represent the government alone at the meeting.

A scheduled meeting between Ms McEntee and her UK counterpart James Cleverly was postponed at the last minute late on Sunday evening.

In a statement, a spokesman for Ms McEntee said that the meeting with British home secretary James Cleverly, which had been due to be held in London on Monday afternoon, “has been postponed, and will be rescheduled in the near future”.

It is understood that the home office told the Irish Department of Justice that an unavoidable diary clash had arisen.

The meeting between the two ministers was due to take place against the backdrop of a diplomatic spat between London and Dublin over the flow of migrants across the border, estimated at more than 80 per cent of all international protection applicants by the Department of Justice.

However, the chief executive of the Irish Refugee Council has questioned this figure. “We don’t know how the Department of Justice came to the 80% figure and, as far as we know, has not published its methodology,” said Nick Henderson.

“Just because a person has not applied for protection at an airport or port it does not automatically mean the person has crossed the border from Northern Ireland. A person may pass through immigration control and then apply for protection at the IPO.”

Daniel Holder, director of Northern Ireland’s Committee on the Administration of Justice, said he is “sceptical” of the claims.

“When you look at what the Department of Justice said, they said the border wasn’t monitored routinely and the 80% seems to be based on the fact that a lot of international protection applications are happening in-country, in the Mount Street office rather than happening at ports and airports.

“But there’s a broad range of reasons why that would be the case. A lot of people make their asylum claims in-country and not at ports, they don’t realise you need to do it at port.”

On Sunday, Taoiseach Simon Harris said that Ireland would not provide a “loophole for anybody else’s migration challenges” after Mr Sunak suggested increased flows into Ireland were evidence that his government’s controversial plan to relocate asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing was working.

He added: “Every country is entitled to have its own migration policy. But I certainly don’t intend to allow anybody else’s migration policy affect the integrity of our own.”

Political sources in Dublin speculated that the meeting may have been postponed in order to allow for the situation to calm down. The two ministers had been set to discuss ways of making the Common Travel Area function better, as well as cracking down on abuse of it. However, it is thought that the British side has also found the Irish interjections to be unhelpful while the Irish side consider Mr Sunak’s comments to be unnecessarily inflammatory.

A Government source in Dublin added that the British government is 72 hours away from an election, suggesting that there is a political element to the move.

It comes as Ms McEntee puts the finishing touches to legislation that will allow returns of asylum seekers who have come across the Border. Ireland will begin sending asylum seekers back to the UK immediately after emergency legislation is passed enabling returns to restart, under the plans.

It is understood the Government is considering whether people coming here from the UK could be sent back there or to their original home country following processing here, which sources said could act as a significant disincentive.

Mr Sunak’s comments sparked a sharp reaction among Coalition figures over the weekend, who believe the Conservative government in the UK is happy to emphasise the flow into Ireland for political gain.

It comes as the Irish Refugee Council raised concerns over Government plans to fast-track returns of asylum seekers coming from Nigeria after a spike in applications from the country – many of whom are thought to be coming from the UK.

Mr Henderson said that the State had the power to accelerate applications, its view was they could not be treated the same as if it were from a person whose home country is on a designated list of safe countries where the process is streamlined.

“Our view is that these practices cannot automatically apply to an application from a person from Nigeria, just because those applications are being prioritised: it is not a designated safe country.” He said the Government had considered putting the country on the safe country list in 2023, but had not done so.

A Government source said that, from a human rights perspective, a faster processing time was a positive development.

Mr Henderson said access to legal aid must be made available to those undergoing accelerated processing, and if it were not, “we would have great concerns”. - Additional reporting PA

• Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
• Find The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
• Listen to our Inside Politics podcast for the best political chat and analysis

Mark Paul is London Correspondent for The Irish Times

Jack Horgan-Jones

Jack Horgan-Jones is a Political Correspondent with The Irish Times

Pat Leahy is Political Editor of The Irish Times

IN THIS SECTION

‘it shows you can achieve anything in this country’: derry’s first black mayor prepares to take office, ireland’s plan to return asylum seekers to uk raises fresh questions, multiple ‘compliance failings’ in rté, governance report finds, ireland plans to return asylum seekers to uk ‘within weeks’ under legal change, large household size makes ireland clear outlier in europe - esri report, woman ordered to remove walls, gates and foundations erected without planning permission, ‘i have not had contact with my siblings for many decades, nor did i attend my parents’ funerals’, eu ban on smoky flavourings for ham and crisps will cause ‘major economic harm’, ‘as i opened our bedroom door, there was a neighbour going past. she had blood on her hands’, latest stories, test drive: byd’s seal-u suv to come with hybrid power, dozens arrested at columbia university as new york police put end to gaza protest, paul auster, author and literary star from brooklyn, dies at 77.

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Information
• Cookie Settings
• Community Standards

Are you sure you want to sure you want to leave the feed?

Oops... something went wrong!

Looking for inspiration? Planning a trip? Or just want to scroll yourself happy? We'll show you an Ireland that's tailor-made for you.

• #Landscapes
• #CultureandHeritage
• #OutdoorActivities

Oops, no internet connection

While offline, you can still add items to ‘My Board’. New travel reccomendations will only show up once you’re back online.

See what Ireland has in store for you

Items without a physical location are not shown in map view.

Looks like your board is empty

Look out for the little heart icon around Ireland.com, simply tap the icon to start adding items to your board!

Board settings

Collection cover image.

Visible to people you share your board with

Share Board

Share a link to your ‘My Ireland’ board and inspire friends, co-travellers and family. Only you can add or remove items from your board.

Forgot your password?

Create an account.

Access My Ireland across all of your devices by logging in.

Sign up Not got an account?

Terms of use | Privacy policy

Login Got an account?

Location access

• View offers and deals nearby you
• Get travel inspiration based on your location
• Local weather warnings and useful travel information

Enable location access

Location access on ios.

• 1 Open the website settings for this website in your browser
• 2 Select Location settings
• 3 Choose “Allow
• 1 Open the My Ireland website

• 2 Select the Icon below

• 3 Select “Website Settings

• 4 Change “Location” to “Allow”

Notifications

Travel times.

Tell us when you are going to be travelling Ireland, and we will show you tailored recommendations for the duration of your trip.

• Tips for events happening during your stay
• Helpful travel reminders and updates

You have unsaved changes. Save before leaving?

We take your privacy very serious and only ever process your data with your persmission. If possible this is handled anonymously and we will never store your data for longer than is required. For more information on how we handle your personal data please read our Privacy Policy.

Remove Data

To securely remove all data associated with your profile please contact our Data Protection Officer.

Reset your Board

This will remove all the items you have previously liked from your board. Please note, you can’t undo this action.

Are you sure you want to reset your board?

This will completely reset your board and all associated data permanently. This cannot be undone.

• Created date 19 July 2023

Delete account

Sorry you’re leaving. But you gotta do what you gotta do. Just a reminder, if you delete your account, you won’t be able to post in Community. And it’s permanent so you can’t “undo” it in the future.

Visas and passports

Here's what you need to know about Ireland’s visa and passport requirements.

Ireland’s visa and passport requirements vary for different nationalities so check with your local embassy or consulate before you travel

Ireland in your inbox

Sign up to receive free email newsletters from Tourism Ireland, including vacation ideas, insider tips, news, and events.

We will use your email address to send you personalised content straight to your inbox based on how you interact with this website and our advertisements on other websites.

Something went wrong...

Success! Thank you for subscribing to our Newsletter!

I understand that by signing up, I will receive personalised email content based on my use of Tourism Ireland’s website, emails and Tourism Ireland’s advertising on other websites, cookies and tracking pixels. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking 'unsubscribe' in our emails. Find out more information on "How we handle your personal data" in our privacy policy .

I would like to receive information and special offers by email from carefully selected travel partners. For more information please see our privacy policy .

Most people need a valid passport to enter the Republic or Northern Ireland but there are some exceptions:

• If you're a UK citizen, you can also use official photo identification.
• If you're an EU citizen, you can use your national identity card to travel throughout the island of Ireland (including Northern Ireland), as long as you are arriving and exiting the island via an airport or ferry port in the Republic of Ireland. If you’re travelling direct to Northern Ireland from the EU or travelling on to Great Britain from Northern Ireland, you’ll need a passport. 

Air and sea carriers require some form of photo identification (usually either a passport or driving licence), so ALWAYS check what form of ID is required with your individual airline, ferry company or travel agent before travelling.

While e-passports are commonly used now, you don't need one to enter Ireland.

Killaloe, County Clare

Stand-up paddle boarding with Soulkite

Whether you need a visa to enter Ireland depends on your citizenship.

Currently, if you’re a citizen of a European Economic Area (EEA) member state (27 countries of the European Union, together with Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) and many other countries including Great Britain, the USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, you don’t need a visa to visit the Republic or Northern Ireland. South African visitors can visit the Republic of Ireland without a visa, but need a UK visa in order to enter Northern Ireland. Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a full list of countries whose citizens do NOT need a visa to visit Ireland .

If your country is not on this list, contact your local Irish embassy/consulate before you travel to find out your visa requirements. If you’re planning on travelling to Northern Ireland, contact your local British embassy/high commission or consular office.

The UK is launching an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme – an ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK, including Northern Ireland, and also to travel to Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland. The roll-out of the ETA scheme will not happen until the end of 2024 (with the exception of some Middle Eastern countries). For more information, please visit the UK Government website.

Short-Stay Visa Waiver Scheme

This scheme allows visitors from certain countries who have a valid UK visit visa to also visit Ireland without the need for an Irish visa. The scheme is valid until October 31st, 2026 and you can get a list of participating countries from the Irish Immigration Service.

Work and Student Visas

Wondering about a working holiday in the Republic of Ireland? You can talk to your local Irish embassy or consulate about a Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA). And if you’re interested in studying in Ireland, you can find out more from INIS. If you want to work or study in Northern Ireland, contact UK Visas and Immigrations.

Useful links

1. Department of Foreign Affairs

The Irish government website gives information on visas and passports, and contact details for embassies.

2. Citizens Information Board

Ireland's statutory body is a great source of information about what you need to travel to Ireland.

NI Direct: Visas

This is where you will find information and advice on visa requirements for Northern Ireland.