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

Citizens Information logo

Common Travel Area between Ireland and the UK

What is the common travel area, your rights within the common travel area, border control and the common travel area, brexit and the common travel area.

The Common Travel Area (CTA) is an arrangement between the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland that gives a variety of rights to citizens of those countries. It includes more than the basic right to travel freely between both countries.

When the Common Travel Area arrangement began in 1922, it was not contained in any legislation. It was an understanding between Ireland and the UK based on their common history. Over time, some of the rights came to be included in different pieces of legislation in both Ireland and the UK.

While the Common Travel Area is recognised under the Treaty of Amsterdam, it is not dependant on the European Union and the continuing membership of both countries.

On 8 May 2019, the Irish and UK governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding (pdf) reaffirming the Common Travel Area and identifying the rights and privileges of Irish and UK citizens within the CTA. It also reaffirmed the commitment to maintain the CTA following Brexit (pdf) .

Common Travel Area rights can only be exercised by citizens of Ireland and the UK. If you are not a citizen of Ireland or the UK, you cannot exercise Common Travel Area rights.

For the purposes of the Common Travel Area, the UK covers:

  • Northern Ireland
  • The Isle of Man
  • The Channel Islands

Irish and UK citizens have the right to live, travel, work and study within the Common Travel Area. The rights of Irish citizens have been recognised in the UK’s Immigration and Social Security (EU Withdrawal) Act 2020 .

Irish and UK citizens can live in either country and enjoy associated rights and privileges, including:

  • Access to social benefits
  • Access to healthcare
  • Access to social housing supports
  • The right to vote in certain elections

The Common Travel Area does not relate to goods or customs issues. You can read about the trade agreement between Ireland and the UK in Brexit and Ireland .

There are no routine passport controls in operation for Irish and UK citizens travelling between the 2 countries.

However, you must show identification to board a ferry or an airplane, and some airlines and sea carriers only accept a passport as valid identification. You may also be asked by an immigration officer to prove that you are a citizen of Ireland or the UK, so you should carry a passport with you. You can also use an Irish passport card, or other proof that you are an Irish citizen.

If you have family members who are not UK or EEA citizens, they may need a visa to enter Ireland or the UK. A residency scheme for family members of UK citizens who move to Ireland after 1 January 2021 is now in place.

The Common Travel Area also involves some co-operation on immigration issues. A non-EEA national, for example, may be refused permission to enter Ireland if they intend to travel onwards to the UK and they would not qualify for admission to the UK. Irish immigration officers have the power to carry out checks on people arriving in the State from the UK and to refuse them entry to the State on the same grounds that apply to people arriving from outside the Common Travel Area. These checks are carried out selectively.

EU and EEA citizens travelling to Great Britain from Ireland

If you are a citizen of the EEA (the EU, plus Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein) or Switzerland, you may be asked for identification when you enter Great Britain from Ireland. You are not asked to show identification if you are entering Northern Ireland from Ireland.

You must have an EEA passport to enter Great Britain from Ireland unless you have:

  • Settled or pre-settled status in the UK, or you are awaiting a decision on your application and have received confirmation that your application is valid.
  • An EU Settlement Scheme family permit, or the equivalent from Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man
  • A Frontier Worker Permit
  • An S2 Healthcare Visitor visa
  • A Service Provider from Switzerland visa

If you are in any of the above categories, you can use an EEA or Swiss national identity card to enter Great Britain from Ireland.

Electronic Travel Authorisation

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) gives you permission to travel to the UK and is required by some nationalities before travel.

You do not need an ETA if you:

  • Are a British citizen
  • Are an Irish citizen (unless subject to a deportation order, exclusion order decision, or an international travel ban)
  • Are a British Overseas Territory Citizen (BOTC) with a BOTC passport
  • Have entry clearance or permission to enter or stay in the UK, including people who are settled

If you live in Ireland legally, you don't need an ETA when entering the UK from Ireland.

Cross border workers

Irish and British citizens can live and work in both Ireland and the UK and they can live in one country and work in the other country. For example, you might live in Ireland and work in Northern Ireland. This is called frontier working or cross-border working .

EEA and Swiss citizens who were living in Ireland and working in Northern Ireland before the end of 2020, must have a Frontier Work Permit to continue working in Northern Ireland. EEA and Swiss citizens who live in Ireland and start working in Northern Ireland from the beginning of 2021 must apply for permission to work in the UK through the UK’s points-based immigration system .

People with UK visas or residence permits

If you are a citizen of a country whose nationals need a visa to enter Ireland and you have a valid UK visa or residence permit, you may be required to have a visa to enter Ireland before you arrive in Ireland.

Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme

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

Reciprocal visa arrangements

A British Irish Visa Scheme applies to visitors from China and India. This scheme allows visitors from these countries to travel freely within the Common Travel Area (excluding the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man), using either an Irish or UK visa. British Irish Visa Scheme visas are endorsed with ‘BIVS’.

Both schemes are provided for in the Immigration Act (Visas) Order 2014 (SI 473/2014) as amended by Immigration Act (Visas) Order 2016 (SI 502/2016) .

You can read more about visa requirements for entering Ireland , or you can get further information about visa applications from Irish embassies and consulates abroad .

The UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU) has not affected the rights of Irish citizens and UK citizens within the Common Travel Area. The right to live, work and access public services in the Common Travel Area is protected.

Your Common Travel Area rights do not extend to your family. This means that if your spouse or partner, or other relative, is not an Irish or UK citizen, they may have to apply for residence in the UK .

You can read about residence rights of British citizens in Ireland.

Common Travel Area in law and the Protocol

The Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Act 2019 places many of the Common Travel Area rights in legislation for the first time. The Act empowers the relevant ministers to legislate in the areas of providing equal access to healthcare and social welfare.

The withdrawal agreement between the UK and the European Union recognises the Common Travel Area in its Protocol, which deals with Ireland and Northern Ireland . Article 2 provides for the continued operation of the Common Travel Area.

You can read more about the UK leaving the EU in our pages:

  • Background to Brexit
  • Brexit and Ireland

You can get more information on the Common Travel Area from the Department of Foreign Affairs and on legal matters and rights from gov.ie .

Related documents

  • Studying in the UK including Northern Ireland Many people leave to study in Northern Ireland and elsewhere in the UK where there are different application procedures and fees. 1952.3397
  • The Schengen Area What countries are in the Schengen Area, and what does it mean for travellers to and from Ireland? 1938.6621
  • The euro area The euro is the national currency of 19 EU member states. This document explains how it operates. 1884.0728

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

ireland travelling to uk

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

It appears JavaScript is disabled. For this site to function correctly, please enable JavaScript in your browser.

Brexit & Duty Allowances

Frequently asked questions.

At 11pm on December 31st, 2020, the United Kingdom left the European Union Brexit transition phase. Below are some frequently asked questions relating to travel as a result of Brexit.

Now that the UK has left the EU, what does this mean for flights between Ireland and the UK?

Passenger flights between Ireland and the UK continue to operate after Brexit without any noticeable difference to the travelling public. This is due to the Common Travel Area (CTA), which grants free movement between Ireland and the UK to Irish and UK citizens. 

The only real changes will be the availability of Duty- Free and which Customs Channel you use. 

However, other measures not related to Brexit, such as Covid-19 restrictions/bans on flights from the UK may arise. It is always best to check the status of your flight with your airline prior to departure. Passengers travelling with pets can find information here .

If I’m departing from an Irish airport to the UK how will my journey change?

Both the Irish and UK Governments have committed to maintaining the Common Travel Area (CTA). Under the CTA, Irish and UK citizens can move freely between the two jurisdictions. As a result, there has been no change to a passenger’s departing journey from an Irish airport since the transition period ended on December 31, 2020. The only difference is that you are now able to purchase Duty-Free products on your outbound journey as the UK is no longer in the EU.

If I’m arriving into Ireland from a UK airport how will my journey change?

On arrival in Ireland, UK, Irish and EU citizens should continue to proceed through the “EU/EEA/CH and UK” immigration channel at Passport Control. All passengers arriving from UK destinations should use the Green Customs Channel (rather than the Blue Channel). If you need to make a Customs declaration you should use the Red Customs Channel. 

I am a UK visitor planning to fly to Dublin Airport, what new rules do I need to be aware of?

The only difference in your journey through Dublin Airport is that you should use the Green Customs Channel, or the Red Customs Channel if you need to make a declaration.

If you are a UK citizen, you have free movement between the UK and Ireland as part of the Common Travel Area (CTA). 

In general, travel to the EU from the UK has changed from January 1, 2021.

Things you may need to do before you go include: checking your passport; getting travel insurance that covers potential healthcare requirements; checking if you have the correct driving documents if required; organising pet travel - contact your vet at least one month before you go. There may be further requirements if you are travelling for business. See  www.gov.uk .

How will Brexit impact security screening at Dublin Airport?

There have been no changes to security screening for passengers since January 1, 2021.

What has changed for passengers from Northern Ireland travelling through Dublin Airport?

As Ireland and the UK are part of the Common Travel Area (CTA), Irish and UK citizens can continue to travel freely between Ireland and the UK. 

Will I still be able to travel to/from the UK with ID that isn’t a passport?

Ireland and the UK are part of the Common Travel Area (CTA), which means Irish and UK citizens can travel freely between the two countries without a passport. However, all airlines require some form of ID and most airlines do require that you have a valid passport for travel. We advise all passengers to check with their airline regarding the type of ID which the airline accepts. 

Will there be bigger queues for passengers at Dublin Airport as a result of Brexit?

Given the uk has left the eu, what are the implications for the eu traffic lights system.

The EU traffic lights approach provides for regions across the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) to be categorised as green, orange, red or grey, on the basis of the risk levels associated with COVID-19. For as long as the ECDC continues to include data for the UK, arrivals from Britain will also be subject to the same traffic light categorisation and restrictions as for EU countries. For more on the EU coordinated approach to travel measures go to www.dfa.ie .

If I am travelling from Dublin Airport to London Heathrow to connect to a long-haul flight, will I be affected?

Since January 1, 2021, the UK and EU are operating under new rules. Passengers can continue to use Heathrow to travel from the UK to the EU and beyond regardless of the decision of ongoing discussions, but there may be some extra steps you will need to take prior to travel which your airline can advise on.

How has code-sharing been affected by Brexit?

Has duty-free shopping returned for people travelling between ireland and the uk at dublin airport.

Yes, since January 1, 2021, all passengers travelling from Ireland to the UK can avail of Duty-Free prices on alcohol and tobacco products, as these are the only categories subject to excise duty by the Irish government. 

What Duty-Free allowances will people have on flights to the UK? (How much Duty-Free product can I bring from Ireland to the UK?)

How much duty-free product am i allowed to bring on my return journey from the uk back into ireland, i am an irish resident flying to the uk and i want to buy duty-free on my way out at dublin airport. can i use shop and collect, are there any implications for online shopping on theloop.ie arising from brexit, are there any implications for uk products normally stocked in the loop in dublin airport e.g. scotch whisky or tobacco, can i continue to bring back food gifts from the uk into ireland, are there changes if i’m bringing my pet with me to ireland from the uk, i have irish permanent residency but i am a non-eu citizen, how will brexit impact me, i’ve read about road haulage trucks parked at dublin airport which is connected to brexit. why is that.

At the request of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Dublin Airport has made a portion of the Blue Car Park available for the parking of trucks to mitigate potential congestion at Dublin Port. This will be used as an overflow facility for Dublin Port if required. It is intended that these Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) will use the facility for short-term parking.

Sign up now and get 10% off your next purchase on theloop.ie

As well as other great airport offers, discounts and news.

  • Be the first to hear about competitions and special offers
  • Receive regular updates and news about Dublin Airport
  • Enjoy 10% off your next purchase on theloop.ie

Get in touch

  • Follow us on Twitter @DublinAirport
  • Message us on WhatsApp
  • 01 944 0440

WeChat QR Code

Qr Code

Scan QR code with the WeChat app to visit Dublin Airport WeChat

Irish Star

Ireland safer destination than 10 European countries, including UK, after US gov travel advisories

I reland is safer than 10 European countries including the UK following increased US travel advisories. Ireland has been placed on Level 1 of the Travel Advisory Levels meaning "normal precautions" should be taken when jetting there.

Level 2 advises people in the US to exercise increased caution, Level 3 asks people to reconsider travel, and Level 4 urges people not to travel to a particular destination at all. Minor alerts have been issued for Ireland over the past few months, the most severe being the potential for terrorist attacks due to increased tensions around the world.

In comparison, the UK has been operating at Level 2 since July last year due to terrorism. The advisory states: "Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the United Kingdom. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs... hotels, clubs, restaurants , or places of worship".

Read more: American woman traveled 5,000 miles to meet the love of her life in Ireland

Read more: Ireland celebrates 100 years of diplomatic relations with US as Tánaiste arrives in Washington DC

There is also a risk of isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland . US travelers to the UK are advised to be aware of their surrounding when in tourist hotspots and crowded public venues, monitor local media for breaking events, and even prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.

Spain, France, Italy, and Germany join the UK at Level 2, all due to terrorism and some due to civil unrest. Russia and Ukraine have been placed at Level 4, meaning US travelers should steer clear.

"Do not travel to Russia due to the unpredictable consequences of the unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, the potential for harassment and the singling out of US citizens for detention by Russian government security officials," the advisory says. The "arbitrary enforcement of local law, limited flights into and out of Russia, the Embassy’s limited ability to assist US citizens in Russia, and the possibility of terrorism" are also cited.

US citizens residing or travelling in Russia should depart immediately and exercise increased caution due to the risk of wrongful detentions, the advisory adds. Travel to Ukraine is also cautioned against due to the ongoing war.

"All US citizens should carefully monitor US government notices and local and international media outlets for information about changing security conditions and alerts to shelter in place," the advisory explains.

"Those choosing to remain in Ukraine should exercise caution due to the potential for military attacks, crime, civil unrest, and consult the Department’s latest security alerts." Other countries more dangerous than Ireland include Belarus, also at Level 4, Belgium, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina,

It comes after Ireland was listed among the safest countries in the world according to the 2023 Global Peace Index. Ireland took the number three spot on the list while the US only made it to 131. The Global Peace Index is produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) and is considered the world’s leading measure of global peacefulness.

Factors like the number of homicides, access to weapons, the jailed population, the number of violent demonstrations, and terrorist activity are also recorded for the index. The lower the score a country has, the more peaceful it is considered to be. The only countries that top Ireland on the list are Iceland and Denmark.

For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .

Minor alerts have been issued for Ireland over the past few months

Are you 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

MyICallOut_FindTheThings_EN_Desk_Above-Left

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

 alt=

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 heart to add items to your board!

Emptyboard

Board settings

Collection cover image.

Visible to people you share your board with

my-ireland-butterfly-killarney-national-park-county-kerry

Share board

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

ireland travelling to uk

Sign in Sign up Forgot your password?

Create an account.

Access My Ireland across all 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
  • Find travel inspiration based on your location
  • Get local weather forecasts and essential 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.

location-ios-step-1

  • 2 Select the icon below.

location-ios-step-2

  • 3 Select Website Settings.

location-ios-step-3

  • 4 Change Location status to Allow.

location-ios-step-4

Notifications

Travel times.

Tell us when you are travelling to Ireland and we'll show you tailored reccomendations during of your trip.

img-calendar

  • Recommended events during your stay
  • Helpful travel reminders and updates

You have unsaved changes. Save before leaving?

We take your privacy very seriously and only ever process your data with your permission. 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?

  • Created date 19 July 2023

Delete account

Sorry you’re leaving. 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.

Delete your account

  • No. Keep my account
  • Yes. Delete my account

visaspassports-hero-v2

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

star-wars-last-jedi-malin-head-county-donegal

Ireland in your inbox

Sign up to receive free email newsletters from Tourism Ireland, including regular tailored updates on holiday ideas and insider tips.

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 .

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.

stand-up-paddle-boarding-killaloe-clare

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 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.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme and travel to Northern Ireland

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 travel to Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland. However, British and Irish nationals, and eligible residents of Ireland, will NOT require an ETA to travel within the Common Travel Area. For further information, please visit the UK Government website.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)

Getting to Ireland from Great Britain after the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is introduced will be as easy as ever. Thanks to the Common Travel Area, visitors from Great Britain will not need an ETIAS to travel to Ireland.

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.

  • Inspiration
  • Destinations
  • Places To Stay
  • Style & Culture
  • Food & Drink
  • Wellness & Spas
  • News & Advice
  • Partnerships
  • On The Move
  • Travel Tips
  • Competitions

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

By Sarah James

Classiebawn Castle Ireland

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.

Devil Horns Ireland

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).

article image

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.

article image

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.

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
  • 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
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Travel & Outdoors
  • Sports & Fitness
  • Sustainable Living
  • Climate Videos
  • 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

The Gap of Dunloe, County Kerry, Ireland

Simon Calder’s Travel

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
  • Deutschland

UK Travel Guide & Ireland Tours

Panorama of Quiraing mountains sunset at Isle of Skye, Scottish highlands, United Kingdom

UK & Ireland: What to know before you go

From preparing and packing for your vacation to important information you’ll want to be aware of during your stay, here are our essential Ireland and UK travel tips.

Enchanting Travels UK & Ireland Tours London city lifestyle woman relaxing in Westminster summer park, red bus and big ben tower. Urban girl outdoors.

Traveling to the UK and Ireland 

Before flying to the UK or Ireland, make sure you’ve organized all your belongings, travel documentation and flight details at least a day in advance of your journey. Remember that liquids larger than 100ml must be placed in your hold luggage with the exception of essential medication, special dietary products and any baby food or milk. 

Make sure you check your airline carrier’s rules on luggage allowances before leaving home to avoid any extra charges. There are some items that the UK and Ireland prohibit you from bringing in. Take a look at the official  UK Government website  and the Ireland Revenue website for lists of banned or restricted goods.

best time to visit Switzerland

Traveling around the UK and Ireland

If you’re hiring a car in the UK or Ireland, remember that vehicles drive on the left hand side of the road. In London, some public bus services run throughout the night and the underground operates 24 hours on weekends. Purchase an Oyster Card pass if you’re planning on using the tube, buses, ferries or overground trains in London as it’s cheaper and quicker than buying paper tickets. 

While the UK and Ireland are generally safe, it’s still a good idea to remain vigilant when handling money or valuables in public places. If you need assistance or advice on where to visit, you should find tourist information centers in most cities and large towns throughout the UK and Ireland.

UK Travel Guide & Ireland Tours

Things to remember

Bank holidays.

A great UK travel tip is to make a note of any Bank Holidays before you visit as they can affect which businesses are open and how busy certain areas become. Major holidays include Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and Easter. You’ll also find there are several public holidays in May and August.

July and August tend to be the busiest months to visit the UK or Ireland as they’re when most locals take their holidays. While the weather tends to be milder, you may want to book your vacation outside of these times if you’d prefer fewer crowds (especially at big tourist attractions).

Legal drinking age

In both the UK and Ireland, you must be 18 to legally drink alcohol. If you’re 16 or 17 and accompanied by an adult, you can drink beer, wine or cider with a meal at a venue that’s licensed to sell alcohol.

Emergency contacts

If you find yourself in an emergency situation, you can contact the police, ambulance or fire services in the UK or Ireland by calling 999. Calls are free of charge.

UK Travel Guide & Ireland Tours

Currency, Cash and Cards

The UK’s official currency is the British Pound (also known as Pound Sterling or GBP) and its exchange rate between other currencies fluctuates daily. While Northern Ireland also uses the British Pound, it’s important to note that the Republic of Ireland’s currency is the Euro. 

If you need to exchange money when you’re in the UK or Ireland, you’ll find Bureau de Changes or Money Exchanges at airports and on the high streets of most major cities and towns. You’ll also find larger Post Office branches offer a money exchange service. When buying British Pounds, make sure you have your passport, travel documents and proof of address for identification. 

Most hotels, restaurants, shops and tourist attractions in larger cities and towns in the UK and Ireland will accept credit/debit card or contactless card payments. If you’re visiting a more rural town or village, though, it can be a good idea to bring some cash with you just in case. 

You can easily withdraw money from an ATM if you have an AMEX, Visa or MasterCard, however, you should check with your individual bank or card company to see what fees they charge for overseas withdrawals. It can also be a good idea to notify your bank in advance if you’re travelling to the UK or Ireland and are likely to be using your account. 

Enchanting Travels UK & Ireland Tours british pound coin and small money pouch

Language and Communication

The United Kingdom’s official first language is English, a dialect derived from a mix of Latin and Germanic languages that were brought to the region a millennia ago by the Anglo-Saxons. There are also over 10 other recognized indigenous dialects that have developed and evolved over multiple centuries of history. These include:

  • Welsh  – the second official language of Wales that traces its roots back to the Celts. Many road signs in Wales are written in both English and Welsh.
  • Gaelic  – this is also a Celtic language, with two variations of it spoken in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
  • Scots  – another of Scotland’s native dialects that stems from Northumbrian Old English.
  • Ulster Scots  – a variation of the above that’s spoken by some communities in Northern Ireland.
  • Cornish  – the historical dialect of Cornwall that was widely used in the region during the Middle Ages.

In Ireland, English and Irish Gaelic are the two official languages. Most people speak both, although certain areas adopt Irish as their first language. These include Galway and Connemara, a district in west Ireland known for its fresh seafood and tuneful traditional music. It’s also home to the largest population of Gaelic speakers in the country. If you’re driving around Ireland during your vacation, you’ll find all street and road signs are written in English and Gaelic.

It’s important to remember that not everyone speaks like the Queen in the UK! Accents, words and common phrases can vary dramatically depending on where you go. Many are very broad so you may need to politely ask people to repeat what they’ve said or speak slower to properly understand them.

Enchanting Travels UK & Ireland Tours London

Popular Trips to UK and Ireland

UK Travel Guide & Ireland Tours

England and Scotland: Historical Cities of the North and South

Step back in time as you soak in the history of iconic cities in England and Scotland. Over the course of 17 days, you will unearth the hidden gems of bustling London, discover the UNESCO-listed city of Bath on leisurely walking tours and stroll down the tree-lined avenues of Oxford and Cambridge. Delve deeper into…

Fanad light house on the north coast of Donegal Ireland. This was taken just before sunset

Grand Tour of Ireland

Embark on a comprehensive tour of the Emerald Isle! Beginning in cultural Dublin, take a heritage walk through its famous landmarks and take in a traditional dinner accompanied by live entertainment at a proper Irish pub! Discover Belfast’s blend of history and modernity as your zip through the city in your private black cab! Travel…

Enchanting Travels-Europe Tours- Hairy Scottish Yak on the road, Isle of Skye

Scotland: Heritage Cities and Loch Ness

Explore Scotland’s largest urban sprawls and experience the countryside and famous Loch Ness on this private tour. In Edinburgh, acquaint yourself with Highland history as you walk down the Royal Mile and explore the Old Town. Take a tour of the surrounding countryside and discover medieval abbeys that date back to the time of the…

Enchanting Travels UK & Ireland Tours Westminster palace and Big Ben, London, UK

Classic England

Discover the classic highlights on this private and tailor-made England tour. Beginning in London, explore landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Castle, the London Eye, museums, art galleries, and vibrant food and cultural scenes on privately guided tours. Explore Stonehenge with your own expert and then travel to the UNESCO-listed city of Bath, famous for…

Landscape of Gap of Dunloe drive in The Ring of Kerry Route. Killarney, Ireland

Road Trip: Highlights of Ireland

Explore the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture of Ireland at your own pace on this overland tour. Drive past dramatic wildernesses and majestic mountains, amble in the rugged islands and white sand beaches of the Wild Atlantic Way, hike in the hauntingly beautiful Connemara National Park, and discover lively festivals, pubs and authentic Irish culture…

Mountains in Highland,Scotland

Road Trip: Highlights of Scotland

Experience the vibrant cities, quaint towns, rolling Highlands, and tranquil lakes of Scotland at your own pace. Discover ancient history and architecture, hike in the rugged Isle of Skye, see the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, and vast lochs as you drive through this spectacular land peppered with quaint rural villages, castles, forts and whiskey distilleries!

Best Places To Visit

UK Travel Guide & Ireland Tours

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Bath is all about soaking in history, quite literally! Named after the well-preserved Roman-era baths found here, the city continues with its spa tradition to this day.

UK Travel Guide & Ireland Tours

A famous port city, Belfast today is sought after for its elegant Victorian landmarks, glitzy waterfront attractions, and fabulous gastronomic experiences.

UK Travel Guide & Ireland Tours

Cambridge is a university town located along the River Cam in eastern England. With its stunning architecture, cobbled streets and rich history, this city is quintessentially English. The University of Cambridge is at the heart of the town and the area is dotted with college grounds and imposing buildings.

UK Travel Guide & Ireland Tours

Celebrate the Cotswolds, a wonderful collection of rural counties in south-central England, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, best explored on historic walking trails and driving along the picturesque Cotswolds Romantic Road.

UK Travel Guide & Ireland Tours

County Clare in western Ireland is known for its natural beauty and culture, from the showstopper Cliffs of Moher that features crashing Atlantic swells, to the lively Irish culture that reels you into intimate gatherings.

County Clare

UK Travel Guide & Ireland Tours

The quaint town of Donegal, in Co. Donegal, is perched by the mouth of a serene bay against the stark Blue Stack Mountains, part of the Wild Atlantic Way coastal route. Prehistoric ruins, ringforts and defensive structures speak to its history as an important settlement.

A vacation to the UK or Ireland opens up a world of wonders, from prehistoric relics to magnificent Medieval castles. Discover the highlights from our experts.

Whether you choose to go to a pub for a few pints or sit Centre Court at Wimbledon, there are plenty of ways to delve into British and Irish culture. Here are the top tips from our experts.

Haggis or Bangers and Mash? Fish and Chips or the classic Shepherd’s Pie? Eat your way through the UK and Ireland with these foodie tips!

From the Blog

Enchanting Travels UK & Ireland Tours Christmas in London - festivals and events in the UK and Ireland

Must-see Festivals and Events in the UK and Ireland

Discover the must-see festivals and events in the UK and Ireland, from the Glastonbury Festival to Bloomsday, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and more!

What Our Guests Say

The Tower Bridge in London

The Enchanting Difference

Authentic & unique.

Our award-winning, licensed local guides provide incredible insights and exclusive experiences for you.

Personalized & Private

Our experts completely customize your private tour to match your interests and preferences.

High-Quality Experiences

All our accommodations and services are personally tested by our team.

Fully Supported Travel

You’ll have a personal and dedicated trip coordinator, backed by 24/7 support in case of emergencies while you’re traveling.

Financial Protection & Flexibility

Your booking is flexible and completely secure with us.

Safe & Secure

Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.

Do you have a vacation in mind? Personalize your itinerary with our Trip Builder.

Immigration Advice Service

Mon - Sun, 8.30 am - 6 pm

Find our Ireland Office

Travelling to the UK from Ireland

If you’re looking to travel to the UK from Ireland, you may have to adhere to certain rules and restrictions, depending on your status.

For more information about travelling to the UK from Ireland, including advice on how to apply for a visa if you need one, get in touch with one of our immigration experts today. Call us on  (+353) 061 518 025  , or contact us online today.

Request a call back from our immigration experts

Page contents, overview of travelling to the uk from ireland, travelling to the uk as an irish citizen, travelling to the uk as an eu/eea citizen, travelling to the uk as a non-eu/eea citizen, additional permission to enter requirements, how can ias help.

Ireland and the UK both benefit from special arrangements that allow for ease of travel between the two countries.

The most notable instance of these is the Common Travel Area (CTA), which affords a range of freedoms and benefits for citizens of either country.

However, it’s important to note that the CTA only applies to Irish and UK citizens. People who are not citizens of either country may still have to adhere to certain rules and restrictions when travelling to the UK from Ireland.

This includes people who are citizens of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), as well as those from outside the EU/EEA.

Reviews.io Logo

As previously mentioned, the Common Travel Area between the UK and Ireland grants a range of benefits to UK and Irish citizens.

This means that if you’re an Irish citizen looking to travel to the UK, you’ll be able to do the following:

  • Travel to and from the UK without being subjected to routine passport controls
  •  Live, work and study in the UK without restriction
  • Access public funds
  • Access public healthcare
  • Vote in certain elections

Despite these freedoms, you should note that you may still have to show valid identification when boarding a plane or ferry to travel to the UK.

You may also well be asked by an immigration officer to show proof of your Irish citizenship, such as your Irish passport or Irish passport card.

Note that you will not have to show any identification when travelling from Ireland to Northern Ireland.

If you’re an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you will be able to travel to the UK for short trips and holidays from Ireland for up to 6 months without having to apply for a visa.

You will need to show your EU/EEA or Swiss passport in order to enter the UK from Ireland.

You may also be asked to prove that:

  • You’re visiting for tourism
  • You have enough money to support yourself and your dependents
  • You have adequate accommodation to stay in during your stay
  • You’ll leave the UK at the end of your stay

Certain individuals may be able to use an EU/EEA or Swiss national ID card to enter the UK instead of a passport. These include anyone with the following:

  • Settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man’s settlement schemes
  • An EU Settlement Scheme family permit, or the equivalent from Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man
  • A frontier worker permit
  • S2 Healthcare Visitor status
  • A Swiss national with a Service Provider from Switzerland visa

You will, however, need to apply for a visa if you plan to work, get married, or study long-term in the UK.

Get in touch if you require assistance with your trip to the UK from Ireland. Contact Us

If you’re travelling to the UK from Ireland as a non-EU/EEA citizen, you may need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa .

Whether or not you’ll need a visa will depend on your nationality.

If you are from a visa-exempt country, you won’t need a visa to visit the UK from Ireland for short periods of time. However, you will need to show a valid passport or travel document when crossing the border into the UK.

All foreign nationals will need to apply for a visa if you plan to work, get married, or study long-term in the UK.

Some travellers from Ireland may need to seek additional permissions in order to travel to the UK.

These include if:

  • You arrived in Ireland from outside of the CTA and did not obtain immigration permission to enter Ireland
  • You’re a visa-required national who doesn’t have a valid UK visa, or a visa granted under the British-Irish Visa Scheme
  • You entered Ireland unlawfully from outside the CTA
  • You entered the UK unlawfully and went directly from there to Ireland
  • Your permission to enter or stay expired before you left the UK and since then you haven’t been given permission to enter or stay in the UK
  • You’re the subject of an international travel ban
  • You were refused admission or subject to a removal decision under specific regulations (unless you were later given permission to enter or stay)

If any of these apply to you, you must either apply for a visa before you travel, or apply for permission to enter from a Border Force Officer at the UK border.

However, note that Border Force Officers may not be present when you enter the UK from Ireland, as there are usually no immigration controls in place for these journeys.

Travelling to the UK from Ireland can be a simple process for many.

However, certain travellers will need to take additional precautions and pay attention to travel advice in order to make the journey.

If you’re unsure about the steps you need to take to travel to the UK from Ireland, or you need help establishing your eligibility for one of the approved categories, IAS can help.

We are immigration experts dedicated to helping each and every one of our clients with their immigration needs. Whether you need help applying for UK visas, need clarification on UK government guidance, or you’re looking to immigrate to the UK long-term, we can help.

For more information about the services we provide and what we can do for you, reach out to us on (+353) 061 518 025  , or contact us online today.

Take the first step. Request a Fact Finding + FREE Consultation Contact Us

Last modified on November 11th, 2022 at 5:12 pm

Advice Package

Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.

Application Package

Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Fast Track Package

Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.

Document Check Package

Document checking service that ensures your documents are sufficient to prove your eligibility.

The Advice Package

With our untimed Advice Session, our professional immigration experts will review your case and provide you with comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.

The Application Package

With our Application Package, your dedicated caseworker will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your advisor will then complete and submit your forms to the Department of Justice & Equality on your behalf.

The Fast Track Package

Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our team and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.

The Document Check Package

Our Document Checking Package is a service for those who need to submit their application but choose to do so on their own but want help with ensuring their documents are in line with the requirements for the visa. Our immigration consultants will check your documents in this case.

Related pages for your continued reading.

Eu treaty rights in ireland, tourist visa, training visa, short stay 'c' visas, long stay 'd' visas.

We offer immigration advice sessions as face to face appointments at all of our UK offices, or via the phone. Learn more

Immigration Advice Service in Ireland is operating exclusively as an immigration consultancy and not as a law firm in Ireland.

Caution October 19, 2023

Worldwide caution, update january 10, 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:

Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Ireland - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Ireland.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Ireland.

If you decide to travel to Ireland:

  • 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 .
  • Review the  Country Security Report  for Ireland.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
  • 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 Ireland

Must have at least one page

10,000 Euros or equivalent

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Dublin 42 Elgin Rd Ballsbridge Dublin 4 Ireland Telephone: +(353) (1) 668-8777 Emergency after-hours telephone: +(353) (1) 668-8777 Fax: +(353) (1) 668-8056 Email: [email protected]

Destination Description

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

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Visit the  Embassy of Ireland’s  website for the most current visa information.

  • You must have a valid passport to enter Ireland. U.S. citizens can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days.
  • There is no minimum passport validity requirement for U.S. citizens entering Ireland. We recommend you have a passport that is valid for the duration of your stay, evidence of sufficient funds to support your stay in Ireland, and a return airline ticket.
  • An increased number of U.S. citizens have been refused entry to Ireland or granted a limited stay because they failed to sufficiently demonstrate their travel intent to Irish immigration officials at the port of entry. You may be asked to provide evidence of sufficient funds to support your stay in Ireland regardless of your purpose of travel. For any travel other than tourism, please ensure you obtain the appropriate documentation prior to travel. You can find more information at the  Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service website  or by contacting your nearest  Irish Embassy or Consulate in the United States .

We cannot intervene on your behalf when applying for a visa or residency permit, nor can we assist if you are denied entry into Ireland.

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

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

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

  • High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
  • Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
  • Places of worship
  • Shopping malls and markets
  • Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

Crime: Although Ireland has a low rate of violent crime, you should always follow common sense personal security practices and maintain awareness of your surroundings when traveling.

  • Rates of theft and petty crime have risen in recent years, and thieves often target tourists. In rare cases, these crimes involve physical assault or violence, more commonly in Dublin city center and in popular tourist areas.
  • Rental cars are frequently targeted. They are easily identifiable by the rental company stickers on the rear window of the vehicle. If possible, remove these stickers and always lock your car when leaving it unattended. Do not leave valuables unattended in vehicles. When visiting city center areas, park your car in a secure car park and retain the parking ticket on your person.
  • Keep car doors locked while driving. Don’t leave luggage or valuables visible inside a parked car and don’t leave luggage on a roof rack. When picking up and dropping off your rental car, do not leave the keys in the ignition while loading or unloading luggage.
  • When using ATMs, protect your PIN at all times and look closely at ATMs for evidence of tampering before use. Criminals may use small electronic devices attached to the outside of ATMs called “skimmers” to steal the ATM or credit card data.
  • In busy areas, thieves use distraction techniques at ATMs, such as waiting until the PIN has been entered and then pointing to money on the ground or asking for loose change. While the ATM user is distracted, another person will quickly withdraw cash and leave. If you are distracted in any way, cancel the transaction immediately.
  • When using credit cards to pay at restaurants, a portable card reader should be brought to your table. Restaurant staff should not take your card elsewhere to process a charge.

International Financial Scams: See the  Department of State  and FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime:

  • Report crimes to the local police at 999 or 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(353) (1) 668-8777.
  • U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.
  • Remember that 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
  • Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
  • Provide a list of  local attorneys
  • Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States
  • The  Irish Tourist Assistance Service (ITAS)  is a free nationwide service offering support and assistance to tourists who are victimized while visiting Ireland. If you are a tourist victim of crime, report the incident to the nearest Garda (Irish police) station, and they will help you contact ITAS.
  • Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
  • 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. See our webpage for more information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage.

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. Individuals practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing.

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

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

Special Circumstances: Most Irish banks will not accept U.S. $100 bills. Many Irish financial institutions no longer accept or cash traveler’s checks. ATMs are widely available, but some, particularly in rural areas, may not accept debit cards from U.S. banks.

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

  • Faith-Based Travel Information
  • 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 Ireland.

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

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what is offered in the United States.

  • Government Buildings: Irish law requires access to government buildings for persons with disabilities, and this requirement is enforced. Under Irish law, public service providers should ensure the service is accessible to those with mobility, sensory, and/or cognitive impairments.
  • Parking:  On-street parking, public building parking lots, and internal parking lots always have a certain number of disabled spaces available. A permit is required to use these spaces, and information on applying for the permit can be found on the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland website . Local authorities and commercial premises, such as shopping outlets, have no legal obligation to provide external disabled parking facilities for their customers.
  • Buses and Trains: The majority of buses and trains in the main city areas of Ireland are now equipped for those with limited mobility, sight, or hearing disabilities, although some train stations and pathways may not be as easily accessible.
  • Mainline and Suburban Trains: Special portable ramps permit boarding from platforms to the carriages. These ramps are available at all terminal points and major junctions and stations that have staff on duty. They are also available on some trains. Travelers are advised to contact  Irish Rail  in advance to ensure such facilities are available. The website for  Dublin Bus  provides information on its travel assistance scheme. Regional and intercity bus services are provided by  Bus Eireann .
  • Private Businesses: Accessibility in private businesses – such as hotels, bed and breakfasts, shops, and restaurants – varies widely. Travelers should inquire about accessibility issues with businesses before making reservations.
  • Disability Allowance: People who live in Ireland and meet the medical conditions for a disability allowance may apply for free travel passes; there is also a blind/invalidity pension from the Irish Department of Social Protection for those who qualify.

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

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Patients who do not receive benefits from Ireland’s Department of Social Protection are expected to pay all costs up-front at the time of treatment and apply for reimbursement from their insurance provider later.

  • Modern medical facilities and highly skilled medical practitioners are available in Ireland.
  • Expect long waits for access to medical specialists and admissions to hospitals for non-life-threatening medical conditions. It is not unusual for emergency room services to be very busy or for post-treatment admissions to include a long wait (sometimes overnight) on a gurney in a hallway.
  • We advise you carry your medical history, along with a detailed list of any medication you currently take (including dosage and brand name) in your wallet or purse and luggage.
  • Most types of over-the-counter medications are available but many U.S. brands are not. Some medications available over the counter in the United States may require a prescription in Ireland.
  • Irish pharmacists may not be able to dispense medication prescribed by U.S. physicians and may direct you to obtain a prescription from an Irish doctor.
  • A list of Irish general practitioners in each area of Ireland may be obtained from the website of the  Irish College of General Practitioners .
  • Ambulance services are widely available.

For emergency services in Ireland, dial 112 or 999.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

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 providers for overseas coverage . Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on the type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Government of Ireland to ensure the medication is legal in Ireland.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended 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)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:

  • Cars drive on the left side of the road in Ireland . If you do not have experience driving on the left, you should be especially cautious as tourists driving on the incorrect side of the road are the cause of several serious accidents each year.
  • Road conditions are generally good, but once you exit the main highways,  roads are likely to be narrow, uneven, and winding . Roads are more dangerous during the summer and on holiday weekends. Drivers should be attentive to cyclists and pedestrians, particularly in urban areas.
  • Most intersections in Ireland use circular “roundabouts” instead of traffic lights, and it is important that drivers pay close attention to signs and yield the right of way to those already in the roundabout.
  • Most rental cars in Ireland have manual transmissions ; it can be difficult to find automatic transmission rental cars.

Traffic Laws: Police periodically set up road blocks to check for drunk drivers . Penalties for driving under the influence can be severe.

  • At stoplights,  turning on a red light is illegal ; you must wait for either a full green (any direction turn permitted) or directional green light (which could be straight, left, or right) before proceeding with caution.
  • You may use your existing U.S. driver’s license in Ireland for a temporary stay ; this can be for any period of time up to one year. Some insurance and car rental companies may request an International Driving Permit in addition to your existing driver’s license. To apply for an International Driving Permit, please contact the  American Automobile Association . You are required to apply for an Irish driver’s license if you become a resident of Ireland.
  • Travelers planning to drive to Northern Ireland are subject to UK traffic laws while in Northern Ireland . Traffic signs may be different than in the Republic of Ireland. Consult the United Kingdom Country Information page for more information on traffic laws in Northern Ireland.

Public Transportation: Taxi rates vary with time of day and location. Ask your hotel for the number of a call-dispatched taxi service if you plan to be out during less busy times.

  • Intercity bus and train services are generally good.
  • Local bus service in the cities is generally adequate, although many buses are crowded, frequently run late, and lines do not necessarily link easily. Pay close attention to bus stop locations in both directions, as the drop-off and pick-up locations could be several blocks away from each other.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Visit the website of the  Irish Tourism Board  and the website for the  National Roads Authority of Ireland , which is responsible for road safety.

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

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Ireland should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings website .

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 Ireland . 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, ireland map, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

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.

Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.

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

United Kingdom

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:

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.

ireland travelling to uk

beta This is a test version of the layout of this page. Take the survey to help us improve it

  • Help and services around the world
  • UK help and services in Ireland

Travelling to Ireland

Includes travel advice and how to get married abroad.

Subscriptions

  • Get emails for this topic Travelling to Ireland

Getting married abroad

Requirements, paperwork and processes for weddings and civil partnerships overseas - registration, restrictions, fees

Ireland travel advice

Latest FCDO travel advice for Ireland including on entry requirements, safety and security and local laws and customs.

Reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad

How to minimise your risk, and what to do if there's a terrorist attack.

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.

IMAGES

  1. UK & Ireland Travel Guide

    ireland travelling to uk

  2. See the Best of England: A Three Week Itinerary #travelengland

    ireland travelling to uk

  3. 6 Awesome Things To Do In Cahir, Ireland

    ireland travelling to uk

  4. Britain and Ireland Experience (15 Days) by Costsaver with 28 Tour

    ireland travelling to uk

  5. Ireland Road Trip

    ireland travelling to uk

  6. Planning a vacation in Ireland? Two women share their favorite 3

    ireland travelling to uk

COMMENTS

  1. Great Britain

    Ireland and the UK are part of the Common Travel Area and under the CTA Irish and UK residents can move freely between the two countries to live and work and have access to public services - including healthcare. Healthcare cover is provided under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), which provides a framework for continued access ...

  2. Travelling to the UK from Ireland, Isle of Man, Guernsey or Jersey

    Information for people travelling to the UK from Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, and information for people passing through the UK on the way to Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle ...

  3. Entry requirements

    British citizens do not need a visa to visit Ireland. Ireland, along with the UK, is a member of the Common Travel Area (CTA). UK nationals do not need a visa or residency permit to live, work or ...

  4. Ireland travel advice

    advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks. information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers. Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign ...

  5. Common Travel Area between Ireland and the UK

    The Common Travel Area (CTA) is an arrangement between the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland that gives a variety of rights to citizens of those countries. It includes more than the basic right to travel freely between both countries. When the Common Travel Area arrangement began in 1922, it was not contained in any legislation.

  6. gov

    Travelling and Visiting. Irish and British citizens continue to enjoy the right to travel freely throughout Ireland and the UK in the same manner as before. There is no requirement for Irish and British citizens to carry passports when travelling within the Common Travel Area.

  7. Brexit FAQs

    Passenger flights between Ireland and the UK continue to operate after Brexit without any noticeable difference to the travelling public. This is due to the Common Travel Area (CTA), which grants free movement between Ireland and the UK to Irish and UK citizens.

  8. Irish border: Changes made to travel authorisation scheme

    The news comes after the UK government announced changes to its new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. The ETA is a permit which non-British and non-Irish citizens will generally need ...

  9. Ireland safer destination than 10 European countries, including UK

    Ireland is safer than 10 European countries including the UK following increased US travel advisories. Ireland has been placed on Level 1 of the Travel Advisory Levels meaning "normal precautions ...

  10. Ireland FAQS: practical information for your Ireland trip

    Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) From the end of 2024, all travellers (except British and Irish nationals, and eligible residents of Ireland) will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK, including Northern Ireland, and also travel to Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland. Photo identification

  11. Visas and passports

    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 travel to Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland. However, British and Irish nationals, and eligible residents of Ireland, will NOT require an ETA to travel within the Common ...

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

    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 ...

  13. Entering the UK: Overview

    It should be valid for the whole of your stay. You may also need a visa to come into or travel through the UK, depending on your nationality. Check which documents you'll need to come to the UK ...

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

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

  15. UK Travel Guide

    Traveling to the UK and Ireland. Before flying to the UK or Ireland, make sure you've organized all your belongings, travel documentation and flight details at least a day in advance of your journey. Remember that liquids larger than 100ml must be placed in your hold luggage with the exception of essential medication, special dietary products ...

  16. Travelling to the UK from Ireland

    Travelling to the UK as an EU/EEA Citizen. If you're an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you will be able to travel to the UK for short trips and holidays from Ireland for up to 6 months without having to apply for a visa. You will need to show your EU/EEA or Swiss passport in order to enter the UK from Ireland.

  17. Brief info for U.S. Visitors to the United Kingdom

    The State Department's Background Notes: United Kingdom gives basic statistics on the UK, a brief account of U.S./U.K. relations and some background on U.K. government and politics. The State Department also from time to time issues travel warnings and country specific information on travel to particular countries.

  18. 17 Ireland Travel Tips You Need to Know [in 2024]

    Table of Contents. 17 Ireland Travel Tips to Know Before Visiting. Tip #1 - Be Prepared for Every Season …. In the Same Day! Tip #2 - Know the Difference Between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Tip #3 - You May Need Euros and Pounds. Tip #4 - Rent a Car to Fully Experience Ireland's Countryside.

  19. Ireland International Travel Information

    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.

  20. Entering the UK: At border control

    UK border control - passport checks ... If you're travelling from Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, you'll only need to show your documents if you're stopped by a Border Force ...

  21. England to Ireland

    The journey time between England and Ireland is around 12h 47m and covers a distance of around 539 km. This includes an average layover time of around 1h 54m. Operated by London Underground (Tube), Avanti West Coast, Stagecoach Merseyside & South Lancashire and others, the England to Ireland service departs from Charing Cross station and ...

  22. Ireland to Uk

    Rome2Rio makes travelling from Ireland to Uk easy. Rome2Rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Find all the transport options for your trip from Ireland to Uk right here. Rome2Rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from ...

  23. Waiting lists: Surgeon says special hubs needed to tackle backlog

    Northern Ireland's latest hospital waiting times show that more than 341,000 people are waiting for a first consultant-led appointment across four of Northern Ireland's five health trusts.

  24. Entering the UK: Before you leave for the UK

    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.

  25. Guide to Northern Ireland: 5 lesser-known reasons to visit

    Meet the people that make Northern Ireland larger than life, making it so rich in history and culture, and make it a must-visit destination this year. For more information, visit ireland.com

  26. Willy Wonka-inspired experience sparks outrage and online mockery ...

    Families attending a Willy Wonka-inspired event in Glasgow, Scotland were promised "optical marvels" and "extraordinary props" for a £35 ($44) ticket, but when they arrived they found a ...

  27. Travelling to Ireland

    Ireland travel advice. Latest FCDO travel advice for Ireland including on entry requirements, safety and security and local laws and customs.