Ireland

[BumbleBee]

If you live in the UK do you need a passport to visit the Republic of Ireland? Thanks. :)

[Kermit]

Yes, Eire is a foreign country.

[BumbleBee]

I wasn't sure you see.

I asked someone who said they hadn't needed one, but another person said they had.

I found this (http://www.cntraveller.co.uk/Guides/Ireland/) which says

Visas: For citizens of most Western countries no visa is required. UK nationals born in Great Britain or Northern Ireland do not require a passport to visit the Republic

BUT I also read this:

One grey area is Ireland. The UKPA says that those travelling to Northern Ireland should check with their airline if photo ID will be considered sufficient. It says a passport is necessary for the Republic, although it adds that photo ID might be accepted at the discretion of the relevant authorities.

The FCO states:

Ireland, along with the UK, is a member of the Common Travel Area. This means that United Kingdom passport holders do not require their passport to visit Ireland for immigration purposes. However, some airlines require photo ID for travel between the UK and Ireland (and between some UK airports). Check with your airline when booking your ticket what is required. It is a good idea to take your passport anyway, just in case.

So, mixed messages there. It would seem that you need photo identification when flying, but what if you're going on a ferry? Seems pretty complicated to me. :(

[Kermit]

Northern Ireland is part of the UK, and so a passport wouldn't be needed.

Eire is a foreign country, but there are travel agreements with them I believe.

Do you have a passport? Take it to be on the safe side, really. You can get one in a week if you go to Durham office in person.

[Tim the Enchanter]

I've never flown to the Republic, but I have taken ferries from Wales and I never needed a passport then, so you should be fine. Unless you have a driving licence or something like that, you'd be best taking a passport for general identification purposes.

[BeckyBoo]

You can get one in a week if you go to Durham office in person.

its a bit pricey though innit ?

[BumbleBee]

I'm asking for my mum. My parents are going to Ireland on their motorbike (so will be taking the ferry) and my mum doesn't have a valid passport. Since my dad has just been made redundant they don't really want to pay for a passport if they don't have to, they'd rather spend that £50 or whatever on petrol.

I think she's going to end up having to get one simply because most websites are stating that photo ID is required, and she doesn't drive. Pants.

Thanks for all the help though!

[Kermit]

its a bit pricey though innit ?
Not really. It's £48 for the long service, an extra bit doesn't make much difference.