A common travel area is in existence between Ireland and the UK (including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man).
There is no formal agreement between Ireland and UK regarding the common travel area and it is not provided for in legislation. The first legal recognition of the common travel area between Ireland and the UK is contained in the Treaty of Amsterdam.
Rules
The Common Travel Area means that there are no passport controls in operation for Irish and UK citizens travelling between the two countries. Since 1997, some controls are in effect on arrivals in Ireland from the UK but this does not mean that you are required to carry your Irish or UK passport with you when you travel between the countries.
You must, however, carry an acceptable form of photo-identification, examples of which are:
- A valid passport
- A driver's licence with photo
- An international student card
- A national ID card
- A bus pass with photo
- A Garda ID with photo
- A work ID with photo