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Ireland tells UK visitors it’s business as usual after Brexit
Ireland is informing UK tourists they will not need a passport after Brexit.
The move follows a recent survey by tourism Ireland, which shows half of Brits aren’t aware of the Common Travel Area agreement, which has been in place since 1923, allowing citizens of Great Britain and Ireland to freely travel between the two islands without a passport and without visa restrictions.
British tourists only need to show photo ID, such as a driving licence, on arrival in the country. The only exception is Ryanair customers, who do need a passport to travel on the airline.
Over half of Brits planning a short break in 2020 said they would be interested in going to Ireland.
This year, Galway has been named European Capital of Culture 2020; several European Championship football matches are taking place in the country; the Taste the Island festival is being held and there are new Game of Thrones tours.
Tourism Ireland CEO Niall Gibbons said: "Brexit doesn’t change the ease of getting to Ireland or the warmth of the welcome.
"These fascinating findings show not only that Ireland remains as popular as ever in 2020, with many people interviewed saying they are interested in visiting this year, but also that more could be aware of the benefits of the Common Travel Area.
"Since 1923, it has enabled easy access to Ireland and freedom of movement for both British and Irish citizens."
In 2018 there were over 4.7 million visitors to the island of Ireland, accounting for over 40% of the total number of visitors.
There are currently 1,600 flights per week from 23 British airports to the island of Ireland and ferry services with Irish Ferries and Stena Line.
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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