Answers to the most often asked questions when coming to Ireland from the European Union:
CROSS-BORDER TRAVEL
Will there be delays crossing the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland with individual clients or groups of 15+?
We do not anticipate any delays in border crossings between Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI), or crossings between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Cross-border bus and rail transport services will continue to be available (further information on Gov.ie).
If we are travelling in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, will we be required to hire two drivers – one for the Republic of Ireland and another for Northern Ireland?
As long as drivers have appropriate licensing and insurance requirements and documentation for both they will be able to drive in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. EU visitors with a non-UK driving licence can drive in Northern Ireland, and there is no need for an International Driving Permit (IDP) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visiting-the-uk-as-an-eu-eea-or-swiss-citizen#driving-in-the-uk. Drivers from the EU to the Republic of Ireland with valid EU driving licences will continue to enjoy the same reciprocal arrangements.
We use our own drivers – will they be required to get an International Driving Permit(s) for travel in the Republic of Ireland or between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland?As long as drivers have appropriate licensing and insurance requirements and documentation for both they will be able to drive in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. EU visitors with a non-UK driving licence can drive in Northern Ireland, and there is no need for an International Driving Permit (IDP) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visiting-the-uk-as-an-eu-eea-or-swiss-citizen#driving-in-the-uk. Drivers from the EU to the Republic of Ireland with valid EU driving licences will continue to enjoy the same reciprocal arrangements.
Will an EU license be valid for travel in Northern Ireland?
Drivers from the EU, with valid EU driving licences, will enjoy the same reciprocal arrangements when travelling in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Visitors with a non-UK driving licence can drive in Northern Ireland, and there is no need for an International Driving Permit (IDP): https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visiting-the-uk-as-an-eu-eea-or-swiss-citizen#driving-in-the-uk.
VISA/PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
Will clients need a separate visa and/or are there additional passport requirements to travel to the Republic of Ireland from Great Britain?
EU citizens will continue to enjoy the right to travel between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. For EU, EEA or Swiss Citizens there will be no routine immigration controls within the Common Travel Area of the UK and Ireland, with none on the land border between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. However whilst EU citizens can travel to the Republic of Ireland using their National ID card, they will need to bring their passport with them when travelling to Northern Ireland https://gov.uk/guidance/visiting-the-uk-after-brexit
Will clients need a separate visa and/or are there additional passport requirements if travelling to or between both jurisdictions (the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland) in either direction?
EU citizens will continue to enjoy the right to travel between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss Citizen there will be no routine immigration controls within the Common Travel Area of the UK and Ireland with none on the border between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland: https://gov.uk/guidance/visiting-the-uk-after-brexit.
What is the Common Travel Area of the UK and Ireland?
Under the Common Travel Area (CTA), Irish and British citizens move freely and reside in either jurisdiction and enjoy the associated rights and entitlements including access to employment, healthcare, education, social benefits, and the right to vote in certain elections. The Common Travel Area pre-dates Irish and UK membership to the EU and is not dependent on it.
The Government of Ireland and the UK Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining the CTA in all circumstances. Now that the UK has left the EU, both Irish citizens in the UK and UK citizens in Ireland will continue to enjoy these rights. Ireland's reciprocal responsibilities of freedom of movement afforded to other citizens 'to, from and within Ireland' are respected by the UK under the CTA (Article 3). This includes travel to and from Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland.
INSURANCE
Will clients need to have additional/separate insurance policies for travel between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland?
Visitors should always get appropriate travel insurance with healthcare cover before they travel abroad. Your clients should consult with their insurance provider before travelling.
Healthcare is included within the EU UK agreement and the current arrangements apply. This means that your clients will continue to benefit from necessary healthcare in Northern Ireland in a manner similar to the European Health Card. Visitors should contact their local government authorities before travelling to Northern Ireland to ensure they have the appropriate documentation. https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?langId=en&catId=559&furtherNews=yes&newsId=9876
CUSTOMS/CHECKPOINTS
Will there be additional customs/immigration inspections for clients at airports/ferry ports in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and between the two jurisdictions?
Current customs and immigration practices will continue to apply at airports and ferry ports in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. EU citizens will continue to enjoy the right to travel between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss Citizen there will be no routine immigration controls within the Common Travel Area with none on the border between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland https://gov.uk/guidance/visiting-the-uk-after-brexit.
For specialist groups with equipment (e.g. musical instruments, sports equipment) will there be any additional customs requirements travelling to the Republic of Ireland from Great Britain via air/sea and for travel from Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland (and back to the Republic of Ireland)?
Current customs and immigration practices will continue to apply for those travelling with equipment from Great Britain to the Republic of Ireland via air/sea and for travel from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland (and back to the Republic of Ireland). For more information see: https://www.gov.uk/taking-goods-out-uk-temporarily
Will excise duty apply at airports?
Current excise and VAT arrangements on goods will continue to apply when traveling within the EU and to Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. For more information visit https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel or https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-vat-back-on-tax-free-shopping-in-northern-ireland
Are there cost limits on retail purchases made within Northern Ireland and returning with these purchases into the Republic of Ireland?
There will be no limit on retail purchases between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
SAFETY/SECURITY
Will clients be safe travelling into, and through Northern Ireland?
Yes, visitors will be safe travelling into, and through, Northern Ireland.
What additional insurance/security measures might be required for clients travelling into and through Northern Ireland?
We do not anticipate any requirement for additional insurance/security measures for visitors travelling into and through Northern Ireland.
FAMILIARISATION TRIPS
FAMs from Great Britain to the Republic of Ireland – what are the implications? (Additional checkpoints at point of entry? Cross-border delays? Passport/visa/immigration checks? Customs checks?)
Current practices will continue to apply to FAMs from the EU to the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Current customs and immigration practices will continue to apply at airports and ferry ports in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. We do not anticipate any delays in border crossings between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, or crossings between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Cross-border FAMs – what are the implications? (Additional checkpoints at point of entry? Cross-border delays? Passport/visa/immigration checks? Customs checks?)
Current practices will continue to apply to cross border fams on the island of Ireland. Current customs and immigration practices will continue to apply at airports and ferry ports in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. We do not anticipate any delays in border crossings between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, or crossings between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
MOBILE PHONES
Will clients be subject to additional data roaming fees if travelling from Great Britain to the Republic of Ireland, or if travelling cross-border, Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland and/or the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland?
Free mobile phone roaming will continue to operate for EU visitors with EU mobile phone contracts when travelling in the Republic of Ireland. The previous guarantee of free mobile phone roaming has ended between Northern Ireland and the EU. A number of UK mobile operators have stated that they have no current plans to change their mobile roaming policies, however this could change in future. More information is available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-your-mobile-in-eu-and-eea-countries. Please advise your clients to check with their mobile service provider to find out more about roaming charges that may be in place when travelling to Northern Ireland.