Ireland Travel Requirements

To enter the Irish Republic as a visitor, the preparation and paperwork involved varies based on the traveler's nationality. Travelers fall into two broad but distinct categories--European Economic Area citizens and non-EEA citizens. There is also a category for travelers who are entering via what is known as the Common Travel Area, a group of areas including Great Britain, Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

Passport

Each traveler wishing to enter Ireland must hold a valid passport. Those who are entering through the Common Travel Area are not subject to passport control.

Visa Waiver

Certain non-EEA countries such as the United States have reciprocal agreements with Ireland that allow citizens to visit without first having to apply for a visa; this is the visa waiver program (VWP). To use the VWP the traveler needs to be a citizen of a participating country, have no overstays and no criminal convictions.

Visas

If a traveler is ineligible for the VWP, entry clearance must be obtained prior to landing in Ireland. Applications may be made online or by visiting the nearest Irish consulate.

Customs

Value added ax (VAT) is charged on all goods sold within the European Union and travelers will not be charged extra if VAT has already been paid. Customs requires travelers leaving the EU with more than €10,000 to file a declaration. Products such as meat, dairy, produce, alcohol, firearms, cigarettes, animals and agricultural media must be imported under license only.

Pets

Pets may be brought into Ireland only under the Defra pets plan. All noncompliant animals must remain in quarantine while in Ireland for at least six months.

References

• Visa Requirements for Entering Ireland
• Customs Regulations
• Pets

Resources

• Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform Line 1: Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service