British passport · Ireland
Do British citizens need a visa for Ireland?
In brief
No. British citizens have free movement in Ireland (Common Travel Area).
Ireland visa fee for British citizens: none: free movement needs no visa.
British citizens have the right to live, travel, work and study in Ireland, with access to social benefits, healthcare and social housing supports and the right to vote in certain elections. Citizens Information Board · checked
There are no routine passport controls between the UK and Ireland, but you must show identification to board a plane or ferry (some carriers accept only a passport) and an immigration officer may ask you to prove you are a UK citizen, so carry your passport. Citizens Information Board · checked
The Common Travel Area (CTA) is comprised of the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and Ireland. Within the CTA, Irish and British citizens can travel freely.
Immigration Service Delivery, Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration (Ireland)
Checked 2 Nov 2026Source: Immigration Service Delivery, Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration (Ireland)Report a change
Independent reference, not a government website. We don't issue visas or sell visa services.
ContentsIn brief
At a glance
| Access | Free movementCommon Travel Area |
|---|---|
| Stay | British citizens have the right to live, travel, work and study in Ireland, with access to social benefits, healthcare and social housing supports and the right to vote in certain elections.2 |
| Official fee | None |
| Official processing | Nothing to apply for |
| Where to apply | Nothing to apply for |
Do British citizens need a visa for Ireland?
Immigration Service Delivery, Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration (Ireland) lists the UK among the countries whose nationals have free movement (Common Travel Area).
“The Common Travel Area (CTA) is comprised of the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and Ireland. Within the CTA, Irish and British citizens can travel freely.”
Conditions and exceptions
British citizens have the right to live, travel, work and study in Ireland, with access to social benefits, healthcare and social housing supports and the right to vote in certain elections.
Irish and UK citizens have the right to live, travel, work and study within the Common Travel Area. ... Irish and UK citizens can live in either country and enjoy associated rights and privileges, including: Access to social benefits Access to healthcare Access to social housing supports The right to vote in certain elections
Citizens Information Board · checked
Fee
Free movement needs no visa, so there is nothing to pay.
Processing time
Nothing to apply for: free movement needs no visa.
Documents and entry checks
What changed
- Brexit did not change these rights: the Irish and UK governments reaffirmed the Common Travel Area in a Memorandum of Understanding signed on 8 May 2019. Citizens Information Board · checked
- Ireland is not in the Schengen area, so the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) does not apply when you enter Ireland. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · checked
- Checked against the official sources on this page: the rule above still holds.
FAQ
Is Ireland visa-free for British citizens now?
Yes: British citizens have free movement in Ireland (Common Travel Area). British citizens have the right to live, travel, work and study in Ireland, with access to social benefits, healthcare and social housing supports and the right to vote in certain elections. Checked on 2 Nov 2026 against Immigration Service Delivery, Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration (Ireland).
How much does an Ireland visa cost for British citizens?
Free movement needs no visa, so there is nothing to pay.
Can I get an Ireland visa in 7 days?
There is nothing to apply for: free movement needs no visa.
Other trips on a British passport
Sources
Official sources only. Each was checked on the date shown.
- Immigration Service Delivery, Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration (Ireland): entry rule and documents
- Citizens Information Board (Ireland): entry conditions, documents and changes
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (GOV.UK foreign travel advice): changes