Visas and passports

Passports

Most people need a valid passport to enter the island of Ireland, including Northern Ireland but if you’re a UK or Irish citizen, you can also use official photo identification.

From 2 April 2025, everyone who does not need a visa to enter the UK and wants to travel to Northern Ireland directly or via Ireland will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) assigned to a valid passport.

This means that EU citizens will no longer be able to use their national identity card to travel to Northern Ireland. However, you can still travel to Ireland using a national identity card.

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.

Visas

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. Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a full list of countries whose citizens do NOT need a visa to visit Ireland.

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

The UK has launched an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme – an ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK, including Northern Ireland, and also to travel to Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland. If you do not need a visa to enter the UK, you will need an ETA for travel to Northern Ireland. For more information, please visit the UK Government website.

Short-Stay Visa Waiver Scheme

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

Work and Student Visas

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

Useful links