Skip the visa application. Prepare for your trip.
Start with your passport and entry documents, then check the arrival formalities.
Before you travel
Check the passport and supporting documents listed below. Keep copies accessible during your journey.
When you arrive
Have your travel documents ready for the destination’s entry checks.
During your visit
Irish citizens do not need UK immigration permission to enter or remain in the UK under the Common Travel Area, including a visitor visa, residence permit or ETA. They can also live and work in the UK without separate permission. If you are subject to a deportation order, exclusion decision or international travel ban, you must apply for permission. Document requirements depend on whether you travel from Ireland or elsewhere; check the official guidance for your route.
Check your trip dates
Count your travel days and compare your passport expiry with the entry rule.
What to prepare for your trip
Check each item as you prepare it. Labels show which documents are required, conditional, or recommended.
Your circumstances may require additional documents. Ticks track preparation, not eligibility or admission.
Details that can change your plans
Irish citizens travel under the Common Travel Area
Irish citizens do not need UK immigration permission, a visa or an ETA to enter or remain in the UK under Common Travel Area arrangements. Limited exceptions apply, including some deportation orders, exclusion decisions and international travel bans.
United Kingdom at a glance
- Capital
- London
- Currency
- GBP
- Calling code
- +44
Questions for this route
Do travelers with an ordinary passport from Ireland need a visa for United Kingdom?
Irish citizens do not need UK immigration permission to enter or remain in the UK under the Common Travel Area, including a visitor visa, residence permit or ETA. They can also live and work in the UK without separate permission. If you are subject to a deportation order, exclusion decision or international travel ban, you must apply for permission. Document requirements depend on whether you travel from Ireland or elsewhere; check the official guidance for your route.
How long can I stay in United Kingdom?
Irish citizens do not need UK immigration permission to enter or remain in the UK under the Common Travel Area, including a visitor visa, residence permit or ETA. They can also live and work in the UK without separate permission. If you are subject to a deportation order, exclusion decision or international travel ban, you must apply for permission. Document requirements depend on whether you travel from Ireland or elsewhere; check the official guidance for your route.
How much passport validity do I need?
Valid for your entire stay.
What if I’m going to work, study or stay longer?
This guide is for a short tourist visit on an ordinary passport. It does not establish eligibility for employment, study or residence. Use the destination’s official guidance for your actual purpose.
Does my country of residence change the answer?
Passport nationality and legal residence are different. This page starts with your passport. Residence can change where you apply and which application channel is available; an existing visa or residence permit may also create an exception. Check the official eligibility guidance for your circumstances.
Official websites
Use these government websites to confirm requirements and complete any application.
Check ETA eligibility
Nationality, existing permission and transit exceptions.
Check residence rights
Irish citizens do not need UK immigration permission to enter or remain in the UK under the Common Travel Area, including a visitor visa, residence permit or ETA. They can also live and work in the UK without separate permission. If you are subject to a deportation order, exclusion decision or international travel ban, you must apply for permission. Document requirements depend on whether you travel from Ireland or elsewhere; check the official guidance for your route.
Check UK visitor conditions
Allowed activities and whether you need a different visa.
About this guide
This guide covers short tourist visits on an ordinary passport. Your nationality, residence, travel document and purpose can affect the entry conditions. Check the linked official guidance before travel; the border authority decides admission and your permitted stay.
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