Answers to the most often asked questions when coming to Ireland from the rest of the world (outside GB/EU):
CROSS-BORDER TRAVEL
Will there be delays crossing the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland with individual clients or groups of 15+?
We do not anticipate any delays in border crossings between Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI), or crossings between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Cross-border bus and rail transport services will continue to be available (further information on Gov.ie).
If we are travelling in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, will we be required to hire two drivers – one for the Republic of Ireland and another for Northern Ireland?
Current practices for non-EU and non-British drivers, who don't hold a valid UK or EU license, will continue to apply when driving in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
We use our own drivers – will they be required to get an International Driving Permit(s) for travel in the Republic of Ireland or between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland?
Current practices for non-EU and non-British drivers, who don't hold a valid UK or EU license, will continue to apply when driving in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Will a EU license be valid for travel in Northern Ireland?
Current practices for non-EU and non-British drivers, who don't hold a valid UK or EU license, will continue to apply when driving in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
VISA/PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
Will clients need a separate visa and/or additional passport requirements to travel to the Republic of Ireland from Great Britain?
Immigration requirements, as appropriate, will continue to apply to non-EU and non-British citizens. Non-EEA nationals should be in possession of a valid travel document and, if required, an Irish entry visa or transit visa for Republic of Ireland http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/inis/pages/irish+short+stay+visa+waiver+programme or http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/British%20Irish%20Visa%20Scheme
Will clients need a separate visa and/or additional passport requirements if travelling to or between both jurisdictions (Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland) in either direction?
Immigration requirements, as appropriate, will continue to apply to non-EU and non-British citizens.
INSURANCE
Will clients need to have additional/separate insurance policies for travel between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland?
Visitors should always get appropriate travel insurance with healthcare cover before they travel abroad. Your clients should consult with their insurance provider before travelling.
CUSTOMS/CHECKPOINTS
Will there be additional customs/immigration inspections for clients at airports/ferry ports in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and between the two jurisdictions?
Current customs and immigration practices will continue to apply at airports and ferry ports in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
For specialist groups with equipment (e.g. musical instruments, sports equipment) will there be any additional customs requirements travelling to the Republic of Ireland from Great Britain via air/sea and for travel from Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland (and back to the Republic of Ireland)?
Current customs and immigration practices will continue to apply for those travelling with equipment from Great Britain to the Republic of Ireland via air/sea and for travel from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland (and back to the Republic of Ireland). For more information see: https://www.gov.uk/taking-goods-out-uk-temporarily
Will excise duty apply at airports?
Traveling to the EU from a non-EU country, passengers can bring goods free of VAT and excise duties with within the current limits if they are not for resale. The same rules apply if when traveling from the Canary Islands or other territories where EU rules on VAT and excise do not apply. For more information visit https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/
SAFETY/SECURITY
Will clients be safe travelling into, and through Northern Ireland?
Yes, visitors will be safe travelling into, and through, Northern Ireland.
What additional insurance/security measures might be required for clients travelling into and through Northern Ireland?
We do not anticipate any requirement for additional insurance/security measures for visitors travelling into and through Northern Ireland.
FAMILIARISATION TRIPS
FAMs from Great Britain to the Republic of Ireland – what are the implications? (Additional checkpoints at point of entry? Cross-border delays? Passport/visa/immigration checks? Customs checks?)
Current practices will continue to apply to FAMs from non-EU and non-UK countries to the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Current customs and immigration practices will continue to apply at airports and ferry ports in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. We do not anticipate any delays in border crossings between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, or crossings between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Cross-border FAMs – what are the implications? (Additional checkpoints at point of entry? Cross-border delays? Passport/visa/immigration checks? Customs checks?)
Current practices will continue to apply to cross border fams on the island of Ireland. Current customs and immigration practices will continue to apply at airports and ferry ports in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. We do not anticipate any delays in border crossings between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, or crossings between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
MOBILE PHONES
Will clients be subject to additional data roaming fees if travelling from Great Britain to the Republic of Ireland, or if travelling cross-border, Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland and/or the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland?
The previous guarantee of free mobile phone roaming has ended. A number of UK mobile operators have stated that they have no current plans to change their mobile roaming policies, however this could change in future. More information is available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-your-mobile-in-eu-and-eea-countries. Please advise your clients to check with their mobile service provider to find out more about roaming charges that may be in place before travelling.