Do I need a passport to travel between the UK and Ireland?
The short answer
British nationals are not legally required to show a passport to enter Ireland, but the UK government advises carrying one in case you need to prove your identity. Some airlines and ferry operators have introduced a passport-only identification requirement, so check your carrier before you travel. Other nationalities are not covered by the Common Travel Area and must check visa rules.
Is a passport legally required to enter Ireland from the UK?
The FCDO travel advice for Ireland says British nationals are not legally required to show a passport to enter Ireland, but it may be useful to carry in case you need to prove your identity. British and Irish citizens can continue to travel freely between the UK and Ireland under the Common Travel Area.
The same advice says Irish immigration officers are entitled to ask for proof of British nationality in the course of their work.
Why do airlines and ferry companies ask for a passport?
The legal position and the carrier's own rules are different things. The FCDO says some airlines and ferry operators have introduced, or will be introducing, a passport-only identification requirement. Where that applies, you need to travel with a valid passport even though the law does not require one for entry.
The FCDO tells travellers to check their carrier's requirements before departure and, where necessary, travel with a valid passport. It also points to the Irish Citizens Information Board for guidance on acceptable ID.
Do I need a visa for Ireland, and what about Schengen rules?
You can visit and remain indefinitely in Ireland under the Common Travel Area rules, and British nationals do not need a visa or residency permit to live, work or study there. Ireland is in the EU but not in the Schengen area, so Schengen rules do not apply. The FCDO notes that Ireland is therefore not affected by the Entry/Exit System, and you will not need to register for it when entering Ireland.
What if I am not a British or Irish citizen?
The Common Travel Area covers British and Irish citizens. GOV.UK guidance says other nationalities travelling within it remain subject to national immigration requirements, and that you need to check whether you need a UK visa if you are not British or Irish and are travelling to the UK from Ireland.
Family members who are not Irish or British citizens are not covered by the arrangements either. The guidance also says Irish citizens can continue to use an Irish passport card to travel to the UK, and that there are different document requirements depending on whether an Irish citizen travels from Ireland or the Crown Dependencies, or from another destination.
- British citizen to Ireland: no legal passport requirement, but carry one
- Carrier rules may require a passport regardless
- Irish citizen to the UK: an Irish passport card can be used
- Other nationalities: check visa rules, the Common Travel Area does not cover you
- Anyone subject to a deportation order, exclusion decision or international travel ban cannot travel freely within the area
Sources: FCDO: Ireland travel advice, entry requirements, GOV.UK: Common Travel Area guidance. Read 5 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fly from the UK to Ireland with a driving licence?
The FCDO says Ireland does not legally require British nationals to show a passport, but it does not list accepted alternatives and says some carriers are moving to passport-only ID. Check your airline or ferry operator's own ID rules before you travel.
Does Ireland require a visa or ETA for British citizens?
No. The FCDO says British nationals do not need a visa or residency permit to live, work or study in Ireland and can visit and remain indefinitely under the Common Travel Area.
Do I need to register for the EU Entry/Exit System in Ireland?
No. The FCDO says Ireland is not in the Schengen area, so the Entry/Exit System does not apply and you will not need to register when entering Ireland.
Can Irish immigration ask me to prove my nationality?
Yes. The FCDO says Irish immigration officers are entitled to ask for proof of British nationality in the course of their work.
Do I need to declare cash when going to Ireland?
The FCDO says to declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration, and without one your money could be seized when you leave.