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.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season