No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\n","slug":"warnings-and-insurance","title":"Warnings and insurance"},{"body":"This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Ireland set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Irish Embassy in the UK.
\n\nBritish 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.
\n\nSome airlines and ferry operators have introduced, or will be introducing, a passport-only identification requirement. Check your carrier’s requirements before departure and, where necessary, travel with a valid passport. Check the Ireland Citizens Information Board for guidance on acceptable ID.
\n\nIrish immigration officers are entitled to ask for proof of British nationality in the course of their work.
\n\nYou can visit and remain indefinitely in Ireland under the Common Travel Area rules. British nationals do not need a visa or residency permit to live, work or study in Ireland.
\n\nAlthough Ireland is in the EU, it is not part of the Schengen area, and Schengen rules do not apply.
\n\nAs Ireland is not in the Schengen area it is therefore not affected by the new Entry/Exit System (EES) that will be introduced in Schengen countries from 12 October 2025. You will not need to register for EES when entering Ireland. Read more information on the EU Entry/Exit System and to understand which countries are in the Schengen area.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Ireland guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into and out of Ireland. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nRead about travelling to the EU with your pet and check the Irish entry requirements for pets.
\n\nDeclare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Ireland cannot be ruled out.
\n\nDemonstrations, political gatherings, or marches can take place with little or no warning, particularly in cities.
\n\nWhilst most demonstrations are peaceful, they can cause disruption, including to transport routes. If you’re near areas where they are taking place, you should remain aware of what is happening around you and follow the advice of the police and local authorities.
\n\nTake precautions to reduce the risk of bag-snatching or pickpocketing. Avoid carrying valuables and large amounts of money. Lock your vehicle and park where possible in a secure car park. Most incidents occur in the larger cities.
\n\nPossession of even small quantities of drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties.
\n\nYou should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport. Do not offer to carry any items for anyone else when entering or leaving Ireland.
\n\nAirports in Ireland have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Ireland, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Ireland guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.
\n\nIf you are visiting Ireland, you may be able to use your Blue Badge in some circumstances. Check local parking rules.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nDial 112 or 999 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Ireland.
\n\nYou can use a UK prescription to get medicines, including special food required for medical reasons, from pharmacies in Ireland. You will have to pay in full for any prescription medicine.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. If you have questions, contact the Irish Embassy in the UK.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nBritish people who live in the UK can access state healthcare when visiting Ireland. See guidance for visitors on healthcare in Ireland. FCDO has a list of medical providers in Ireland.
\n\nSee guidance on healthcare if you’re living or studying in Ireland.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nTelephone: 112 or 999 (ambulance, fire, police)
\n\nYou can get support from Tourist SOS if you are a victim of crime.
\n\nTelephone: +353 (0)1666 93 54
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Ireland on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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