UK citizens don't need a passport or visa to travel to the island of Ireland. You can use official photo identification. EU nationals can use a national identity card or a valid passport to enter the Republic of Ireland.

Effective February 25, 2026, there has been a significant change in ID requirements for flying between the UK and the Republic of Ireland. While the "Common Travel Area" technically allows British and Irish citizens to travel without a passport, major airlines like Aer Lingus and Ryanair now mandate a valid Passport or Irish Passport Card for all passengers. Driving licenses and other forms of photo ID are no longer accepted for boarding on most routes. If you are flying between Belfast and London (within the UK), a driving license is still sufficient, but if you are crossing the international border to Dublin, the "Passport-only" policy is strictly enforced to ensure consistency and speed up boarding. Additionally, in 2026, non-British/Irish nationals must ensure they have an approved UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) if their journey involves entering the UK. Always check your specific airline's "Travel Docs" section 48 hours before flying, as being denied boarding due to an incorrect ID type is a common issue this year.