Embassy
Embassy of Ireland, London
London
United Kingdom visa requirements for Irish citizens
Irish citizens do not need a visa for the United Kingdom. Show your passport at the border.
Passport
IRL
Ireland
Going to
GBR
United Kingdom
No visa needed
Irish citizens generally need no visa or ETA to enter or stay.
- Visa
- Not required
- Fee
- Free
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
Special rules for Irish citizens in United Kingdom
Irish citizens can enter the UK without a visa
- You can enter with an Irish passport card.
- Dual citizens need a UK or Irish passport, unless exempt.
- Irish children travelling with parents need a UK or Irish passport.
- Some EEA or Swiss citizens can use their passport or ID.
What to do
Check your passport is valid for the whole stay, ideally six months beyond it.
Carry proof of onward travel and of funds; border officers can ask for both.
Note the maximum stay and count your days in the United Kingdom.
Ways into United Kingdom
Visit for a holiday or to see friends and family.
Visa not required For your passportEntry for Irish citizensIrish citizens generally need no visa or ETA to enter or stay.
- Fee
- Free
How to apply
- Carry proof of Irish citizenship and identity.
- Travel without applying for a visitor visa or ETA.
Documents required
- Irish passport or passport card
- Living in Ireland alone does not give you this right.
eVisaAccess your eVisaAn online record for people already granted UK immigration permission.
- Fee
- Free
- Processing
- 0–1 days
How to apply
- Get the UK permission you need.
- Create or sign in to your UK immigration account.
- Check your eVisa and link your current passport.
- Travel with the linked passport or travel document.
Documents required
- Passport or travel document
- Access usually works at once; allow 1 day after linking.
- Your visa sets your stay and entry rules; an eVisa adds no permission.
Sources (59)Last updated 11 November 2026
- UK Visas and Immigration
- Border Force
- Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
- British Embassy Washington
- Coming to the UK from the USA
- British High Commission New Delhi
- Coming to the UK from India
- Check if you need a UK visa
- Standard Visitor overview
- Standard Visitor application and fees
- Visitor visa national list
- Visitor immigration rules
- Visitor supporting documents
- Electronic travel authorisation overview
- Apply for an ETA
- Official ETA application portal
- ETA eligible nationalities
- ETA exemptions
- Activities allowed with an ETA
- Common Travel Area guidance
- Transit overview
- Direct Airside Transit visa
- Visitor in Transit visa
- Transit applications and documents
- Carrier visa requirements and transit exemptions
- Transit caseworker guidance
- Transit guidance version 9, including Annex A
- Processing times outside the UK
- Business visits
- Innovator Founder visa
- Student visa
- Student visa documents
- Child Student visa
- Short-term English study visa
- Short-term English study eligibility
- Short-term English study documents
- Apply for short-term English study
- Study as a visitor
- Current visa brake restrictions
- Skilled Worker visa
- Skilled Worker costs
- Skilled Worker documents
- Health and Care Worker visa
- Health and Care Worker job requirements
- Health and Care Worker costs
- Seasonal Worker visa
- Global Talent visa
- Youth Mobility Scheme
- Youth Mobility eligibility
- Family visa overview
- Partner and spouse family visa
- Family visa evidence
- EU Settlement Scheme family permit
- EU-family permit eligibility and documents
- Medical visits
- Access and use an eVisa
- Travel with an eVisa
- Marriage Visitor visa
- British-Irish visa scheme
Embassies for this trip
For lost passports and emergencies.
Trips to United Kingdom
Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.
Coming from Ireland
- Plugs D G MNo adapter
- MoneyGBP £
- Time−8h
- DrivingOn the leftSame as home
- LanguageEnglishSpoken at home too
- Emergency999 or 112 police
Planning your United Kingdom trip
Best time to go: Outdoor activities are possible all year. Summers are generally warm and damp, while winters are generally mild, but northern Scotland's mountains can have heavy snow.
- LondonThe capital has palaces, museums and major attractions such as the London Eye.
- Edinburgh and CardiffBoth cities have medieval castles, and Edinburgh is also known for its festivals.
- Bath and YorkThese historic cities offer places to explore Britain's Roman history.
- Lake District National ParkThis scenic national park is a World Heritage site recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
Scams to watch for in United Kingdom
- Cup and ball betting gameA person moves three cups and asks you to bet on which hides a ball. They secretly remove the ball, so you cannot win by following it. People who stop to watch may also be pickpocketed.
- Ticket-machine cash theftSomeone offers to help you buy a ticket. Once your money is in the machine, they reach across, cancel the purchase and take the returned cash.
- Phone snatchingThieves snatch phones, often while riding fast-moving mopeds. They may then try to access personal information and banking apps.
About United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is an island state made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Capital
- London
- Money
- British pound (£)
- Languages
- English
- Time zone
- 9 time zones
- Cars drive on the
- left side
- Calling code
- +44
Other Europe passports
Going to United Kingdom
Easier trips nearby
Places close to United Kingdom with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Are there special rules for Irish citizens visiting United Kingdom?
Irish citizens can enter the United Kingdom without a visa under the Common Travel Area.
Do irish citizens need a visa for the United Kingdom?
Irish citizens can visit, live and work in the United Kingdom without a visa.
Do british citizens need a visa for Ireland?
British citizens do not need a visa for Ireland. Show your passport at the border.
Do other Europe passports get easier entry to the United Kingdom?
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria Croatia, and 5 more can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near United Kingdom are easier for irish citizens?
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland Latvia, and 3 more let irish citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to the United Kingdom?
Check your passport is valid for the whole stay, ideally six months beyond it. Carry proof of onward travel and of funds; border officers can ask for both.
What money is used in the United Kingdom?
British pound (£). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in the United Kingdom?
English.
How strong is the Ireland passport?
It ranks #6 and reaches 156 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck