British / English: what documents do I need to travel to Ireland?

If you’re an English or British national looking to travel to Ireland, congratulations: a wonderful adventure awaits you! But have you thought about the formalities required to enter Ireland? Do you need your passport, a visa, or simple proof of identity? Don’t panic, we’ve got you covered!

I’m English: what do I need to show to go to Ireland?

1. Passport or national identity card :

We’ll keep it simple and efficient. As a British national, you can enter Ireland and Northern Ireland on presentation of a passport or identity card.

Of course, passports are often more commonly used, but identity cards alone are sufficient to pass through the checkpoints. So there’s no need to get a passport if you don’t have one (although, admittedly, it’s still comfortable to have one)!

Just make sure your documents are valid for the duration of your stay.

Above all, don’t hesitate to check their expiration dates before planning a trip: redoing your identity papers can take time, and you’ll save yourself a lot of stress by anticipating this point!

2. Proof of return journey :

Although it’s not an official requirement, it’s always a good idea to be able to show proof of your return trip to the UK. This could be a plane, train or ferry ticket, or other proof of your intention to leave the country at the end of your stay.

This will save you a lot of hassle, as some over-zealous inspectors could prevent you from arriving in Ireland without these documents.

3. Travel insurance :

Although not a compulsory document, it is strongly recommended that you take out appropriate travel insurance to cover any medical or other unforeseen incidents during your stay in Ireland.

Typically, this type of insurance covers repatriation and medical expenses.

Don’t hesitate to check your payment card guarantees: some of them already cover this type of incident. You don’t want to spend twice as much on insurance you already have!

Practical advice

Everything you need to travel with peace of mind in Ireland!

Managing your official papers is crucial to a trouble-free trip to Ireland! Here’s a selection of our top tips on how to make the most of it:

Always think ahead: even before you plan your trip, take a look at the papers you’ll need, and check their validity.
Remember to make photocopies or scans of your papers before you leave. Take them with you or store them on your smartphone: it’s the perfect way to prove your identity in the event of theft!
Keep your documents in one place at all times. It’s essential to avoid scares, and above all, to avoid losing them!
Make sure you have your documents to hand when you cross the border or if you are checked by the local authorities. This means we can move faster, and the controls, which are often jammed with poorly organized people, are smoother.
Keep your travel documents safe during your stay in Ireland. In this case, you have two options: you can keep them with you at all times, in a secret pocket of your handbag or backpack for example… or you can store your passports or ID cards in a safe if you’re staying in a hotel (as many rooms offer them). Few Bed & Breakfasts are currently equipped with such a system. Be that as it may, vigilance is the watchword: always bear in mind where you keep your papers, and avoid unnecessary risks (for example, don’t leave them in your car: you’d be in trouble if they were stolen).
If you have any questions or concerns about your travel documents, please do not hesitate to contact the British consular authorities in Ireland for further help and advice.