New UK Entry Rules: What Irish Passport Holders Need to Know When Crossing Borders

Charlie UK Immigration 1 May 2025 | | 0

If you're planning to travel to the UK this year using an Irish passport or residency, take note—new travel rules mean you may need to show extra documentation at the border.

The UK has started rolling out its new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for visitors who don’t need a visa for short stays of up to six months. This includes tourists, business travellers, and even those just transiting through the UK.

From 2 April 2025, most European nationals will be required to obtain an ETA before entering the UK. This applies to people without a UK visa or existing immigration status.

However, there are important exemptions:

British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA.
EU Settlement Scheme holders are also exempt.
Residents of Ireland don’t need an ETA if they’re travelling within the Common Travel Area (CTA), but they must carry proof of residence in Ireland.

What Documents Count as Proof of Irish Residence?

If you're a legal resident of Ireland, you don’t need an ETA—but you must carry original, valid proof of residence. Acceptable documents include:

Irish driving licence or learner permit
Medical card or GP visit card
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Irish Residence Permit
Certificate of Permanent Residence
National Age Card
Diplomatic identity card

Note: Children under 16 are not required to carry proof of residence.

The document you provide must meet the following criteria:

It must be an original
It must be issued by the Irish government
It must be valid at the time of travel

What About Northern Ireland?

The border between Ireland and Northern Ireland is unique—while it separates two different jurisdictions (the Republic of Ireland and the UK), it is part of what’s called the Common Travel Area (CTA). This arrangement predates both the EU and Brexit. British and Irish citizens can move freely, reside, work, and access public services in each other’s countries without immigration restrictions.

People can generally drive, walk, or travel by bus across the border without encountering any checkpoints, much like traveling between counties.

Although there are no routine immigration checks when crossing from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland, travellers still need to comply with UK Immigration Rules. That means eligible non-Irish, non-British visitors heading to any part of the UK, including Northern Ireland, may still need to apply for an ETA.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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