Irish passport to the UK
Irish citizens don't need a visa or an ETA for the UK. Under the Common Travel Area you can live, work and study there.
The rules
- What you need
- Nothing. You can live and work there
- How long you can stay
- No time limit.
- Your passport
- You don't legally need a passport coming from Ireland, but most airlines and ferries ask for a valid Irish passport or passport card. From outside Ireland, travel on your Irish passport.
- Arrival card
- None needed
Quick answers
Do Irish citizens need a visa for the UK?
No. Irish citizens don't need a visa or an ETA for the UK. Under the Common Travel Area you can live, work and study there.
How long does my passport need to be valid for the UK?
You don't legally need a passport coming from Ireland, but most airlines and ferries ask for a valid Irish passport or passport card. From outside Ireland, travel on your Irish passport.
Things that could change this
- Is a child under 18 travelling with only one parent, or without their parents?If yes: Carry proof of your link to the childIf you don't seem to be the child's parent, for example you have a different surname, Border Force may ask you to prove your relationship. Bring a birth or adoption certificate, or a marriage or divorce certificate. If you're not a parent, bring a letter from a parent giving permission, with their contact details.
Good to know
eGates and no landing card. With a US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand or Irish passport you can usually use the eGates if you're 8 or over and at least 120cm tall. Children aged 8 to 17 need an adult with them. There's no landing card to fill in.
Checked 26 October 2026 against GOV.UK and Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland.
See the 4 official sources
- Common Travel Area guidance (GOV.UK (Cabinet Office))
- Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK (GOV.UK (UK Visas and Immigration))
- Entering the UK: before you leave for the UK (GOV.UK (Border Force))
- Great Britain travel advice (Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland)