Travelling to Ireland from the uk. No passport

[Holly03]

Ok so the plan was to head over for st Patrick’s day last minute but I’ve just sent my passport off and it won’t be back until at least next week. What other photographic id have people used? I’m really struggling with what I can use

How are you travelling? If it’s by plane the carrier might require you to have a passport as ID

But if not then driving license?

How are you traveling? If it's with Ryanair, they won't accept any other photo ID, only passport. Aer Lingus will accept driving licence etc.

Many airlines will only accept a passport. Why don't you contact the airline youre going with and ask them.

You absolutely do not need a passport to travel to ROI. I use my driving license for UK domestic & ROI flights. It’s called the ‘common travel area’.

But some airlines will only let you on the plane with a passport regardless of what happens when you arrive in Ireland.

@ClassicLib No, you don’t for travel into Ireland, but some airlines will require one before they let you get on one of their planes, regardless of where you are flying to.

You are right that it's the common travel area, but some airlines can still insist on passports only. We are travelling back soon with Ryanair, and I've had to get passports for my children. Previously when we've travelled with Aer Lingus they haven't needed them.

Yes, you don't need your passport to get through border security in Ireland, but you will need to get on the plane if you are flying Ryanair. Actually you can't even complete online check-in without a passport that will be valid for the dates of travel.

I stand corrected. Ryanair don’t comply with the law and since Brexit do require passports for travel between UK & ROI. Apologies.

I'm pretty sure they did prior to Brexit as well.

I stand corrected. Ryanair don’t comply with the law and since Brexit do require passports for travel between UK & ROI.

It's not since Brexit, they have required this for many years. At least 10, probably much longer.

I went via ferry and used my driving license. Its makes no sense what way you are travelling.

Sorry to jump on the thread... I had a related question: we're travelling to Ireland with my nine year old at the start of August. She has a passport but it's due to expire at the end of Sept. Most places require at least 3 months on a passport for entry, but I assume she will be ok based on the above? It's the common travel area so just for the purpose of ID? It would be a shame to spend the £126 to fast track renewal plus the hassle of getting to Newport if it's not actually necessary... Thanks for any insight, advice and experience.

It depends who you are traveling with - if you're flying with Ryanair you wouldn't be able to check in, but if you're going with another carrier you might be fine so check with them. You would have no problem at passport check though.