New UK travel rules for Irish passport holders as key document needed
New travel regulations have been rolled out across the UK this month, affecting tourists.
Those journeying to countries within the UK will now need to secure an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This rule applies to visitors who don't require a visa for short stays of up to six months or those without existing UK immigration status.
Even those transiting through the UK and crossing the border will need an ETA, depending on their nationality. From 2 April 2025, European nationals are required to obtain an ETA before heading to the UK, reports RSVP Live.
However, there are exceptions. British and Irish citizens are exempt from these rules, as are people with status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also do not need an ETA.
While legal residents of Ireland don't need digital permission, they're advised to bring proof of residence in Ireland. Acceptable documents include:
Irish driving licence
Irish learner permit
Medical card
GP visit card
European Health Insurance Card
Irish Residence Permit
Permanent Residence Certificate
National Age Card
Diplomatic identity card
These documents must be original, issued by the Irish government, and valid at the time of travel. For those under 16, there's no need to bring proof of residence in Ireland.
The rules differ slightly for Northern Ireland due to the absence of immigration checks at the border with the Republic of Ireland. The UK doesn't enforce regular immigration checks on journeys within the Common Travel Area, including the Ireland-Northern Ireland land border.
However, everyone entering the UK, including Northern Ireland, must comply with the UK's Immigration Rules, which may include obtaining an ETA if eligible. British and Irish citizens are exempt from needing an ETA.
Non-Irish residents of Ireland from countries that don't require a visa to visit the UK (such as European and US nationals), won't need an ETA when travelling to the UK– including Northern Ireland – from within the Common Travel Area, provided they can prove their residence status. Full guidance is available on GOV.UK. If they're travelling to the UK from outside the Common Travel Area, they'll need an ETA before they travel, once required for their nationality.
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