Ireland is actually quite easy, regarding documentation, for visitors from North America, Australia, and the EU to travel to for vacation.

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What Documents Do You Need to Enter Ireland?

Most visitors need only a valid passport to enter the Republic of Ireland. Your passport must be valid for the length of your trip to Ireland. Your passport must also have at least one blank page for your entry stamp.

Citizens of the United Kingdom can also use official photo identification.

EU citizens can use their national identity card to travel through Ireland, as long as they arrive and depart via an airport or ferry port in the Republic of Ireland. For travel to Northern Ireland, an EU citizen will need to obtain UK Electronic Travel Authorization (information below). If an EU citizen travels to or from Northern Ireland directly, a passport and ETA are required.

TIP: be sure to check what form of ID is required by your travel provider (airline, ferry, cruise) before traveling.

Americans and all non-EU citizens entering Ireland with a passport can remain in Ireland for 90 days if their passport is valid for that period.

If you plan to stay longer than 3 months you must apply to extend your visitor permission. More information can be found on the Irish Immigration website








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Does My Child Need a Passport to Travel to Ireland?

Regulations for adults apply to children as well. Children must have a valid passport to visit Ireland.

Children from the UK or EU must have valid travel documents.

Obtaining Your First US Passport (for US citizens only)

Obtaining a passport is relatively painless, quite akin to getting a driver's license as both agencies are run by the US government and require standing in slow moving lines and a wait period until you actually receive the passport.

An adult US Passport is valid for 10 years.

You can make the process move a bit quicker if you arrive prepared:

1. Photos can be done before hand or can be taken at the post office. You can have passport images taken at Walgreens and many independent photo labs for under $20.  AAA members can have them taken free of charge.
   Do not take the images at home; the government is very particular about size, background, head size, smiling, etc.)
   
   
2. Download and fill out the necessary paperwork. Download US passport forms here.
   
   
3. Remember your forms of ID: proof of US citizenship (Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state; Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth; Naturalization Certificate; Certificate of Citizenship) and present identification (valid drivers license; government or military ID; naturalization certificate).  You should also bring a photo copy of each document.
   
   
4. Children require passports, too, with a bit more paperwork.  Both parents must be with the child when the passport is applied for.  Additional paperwork includes evidence of parental relationship (certified birth certificate or adoption decree), present IDs for both parents + photocopies and parental consent. 
   Note:  Children's passports are valid 5 years and do cost less.
   
   
5. First time applicants will pay an application fee + an execution fee.  If applying at a post office you will also pay shipping charges. 
   Additional fees can include expedited processing and delivery.
   Renewals are a single fee.
   
   
6. Plan ahead.  Though a passport should only take 4-6 weeks to reach you, it can take longer.  I recommend a 2-3 month window.

US passport renewal for adults over the age of 25 can now be done online.
Children must visit a passport office for passport renewals.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Ireland?

24 countries currently require a tourist visa to enter Ireland. Requirements vary for these countries and the best information to understand what citizens of these countries need to visit Ireland is found at the Visit Ireland – Tourist Path page of the Irish Immigration website.

Giants Causeway is just one of the highlights of Northern IrelandWhat Documents Do I Need to Enter Northern Ireland?

As in Ireland, most visitors arriving in Northern Ireland are required to have a valid passport and can remain up to 6 months as a tourist.

You will also need to apply for UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) prior to your visit.

This digital permit allows you to visit the UK for short stays. You apply using a mobile device or online, pay a small fee (currently £10), and receive approval electronically. Once approved, it’s linked to your passport, and it is recommended you have it before you travel.

How to Apply for a UK ETA

1. Go online: Visit the official UK government website or the use the ETA app for your mobile device. iOs – Android
   
   
2. Complete the application form: Provide personal details, passport information, and travel plans.
   
   
3. Upload documents: You may need to upload a passport photo or other supporting documents.
   
   
4. Pay the fee: There’s a small processing fee, usually payable by credit or debit card.
   
   
5. Receive your ETA: After submission, you’ll receive an electronic authorization, often within 48-72 hours. It will be linked to your passport.

A UK ETA is typically valid for up to 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you can make multiple visits to the UK, usually for stays of up to 6 months at a time.

The new UK ETA requirement does not affect travel to the Republic of Ireland. If you’re flying directly to Ireland from North America, you won’t need a UK ETA, as Ireland is not part of the UK and has its own immigration rules.

However, if you plan to visit Northern Ireland (which is part of the UK) or travel to Ireland via the UK (e.g., through London), you will need a UK ETA to enter. This means:

• Direct travel to Ireland: No ETA needed.
  
  
• Travel via the UK or visiting Northern Ireland: A UK ETA is required.

Travelers should plan accordingly based on their itinerary.

The UK ETA will also apply to EU citizens who plan to visit the UK. Here's what it means for them:

• Requirement: EU citizens will need to obtain an ETA before traveling to the UK, even for short stays.
  
  
• Process: It's similar to other non-visa nationals—applying online, providing personal details, and paying a small fee.
  
  
• Validity: An ETA will likely be valid for multiple visits over 2 years or until their passport expires.

This is a significant change, as EU citizens previously could enter the UK without any pre-authorization. If you are an EU citizen be sure to plan ahead to ensure you have an approved ETA before travel.

Here are a few more key points visitors should know about the UK ETA:

1. Eligibility: The ETA applies to travelers from visa-exempt countries (like the U.S., Canada, and EU nations). Those who need a visa for the UK won’t use this system.
   
   
2. Application Timing: Apply at least a few days before your trip. While approval usually takes 48-72 hours, applying early ensures no last-minute issues.
   
   
3. Linked to Your Passport: Your ETA is electronically linked to the passport you used during the application. If your passport expires, you'll need to reapply with the new one.
   
   
4. Multiple Entries: The ETA allows multiple short stays over its validity period (up to 2 years), typically up to 6 months per visit for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
   
   
5. Entry Requirements Still Apply: Having an ETA doesn’t guarantee entry. You’ll still need to meet UK entry requirements, such as proving the purpose of your visit and demonstrating sufficient funds.
   
   
6. Exclusions: It’s not required for travelers with a valid UK visa or residents of Ireland traveling to the UK under the Common Travel Area agreement.
   
   
7. Transit Travelers: If you’re transiting through a UK airport on your way to another country, an ETA is required, even if you don’t leave the airport.

For more information on visiting the UK as a Standard Visitor and visa requirements refer to the visas & immigration page at GOV.UK.

Do I Need Travel Insurance to Visit Ireland?

My advice on travel insurance: if you can't afford to lose the money a cancelled trip will cause, then you should probably look into trip insurance.

You can buy travel insurance to cover practically anything you will encounter on a vacation.

Read the policy carefully before you buy. You can expect to pay between 5-10% of your total trip cost for a decent policy. Look for the “Cancel for any reason” clause; you'll pay more for it, but it may be worth it if you can't take your trip- for any reason.

Do You Need Travel Insurance for an Ireland Vacation? Click here to find out.

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