Do you need a passport to visit Ireland?

[MadameDeMars]

I know it's a dumb question, but DD1 has been invited to go to Ireland with friends and they asked if she had a passport (which she currently doesn't!).

I didn't know that you needed a passport for Ireland. So, do you know?

TIA

You don't need a passport to get to Ireland, but if you're flying you do need photographic ID, I imagine most people would in that case use their passport.

Excellent! Thank you. It's what I thought, but they put doubt into my head. They'll be driving.

Thanks again. I can go to bed now! lol

No problem, hope she has a great time :)

Thanks Airy I'm sure she will!

This may be an even dumber question - how do they know you're British (and therefore exempt from carrying your passport) if you don't have your passport?????

it's not necessary to have a passport to travel any where in the eu anymore really, you can get by with photo id. they would know your british as you'd probably be using your drivers licence, which is british!

Passports: Valid passport required by all except:
(a) 1. persons born in the UK travelling direct from the UK (applicable to British passport holders only);
(b) 2. nationals of Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and The Netherlands holding a valid national photo identity card (it is, however, advisable to bring a valid passport).
Note: Whilst UK citizens do not require a passport or visa to enter Ireland, most carriers by air or sea now require some form of identification with photograph, usually a passport or driving license with photo. Visitors are advised to check what form of ID is required with the individual airline, ferry company or travel agent before travelling.

From Expedia...

ah but I'm not going. She's going with friends. And Jan... I know... been turning that round and round in my brain. Too be honest it aches now lol!

Ooh thank you Blackduck.

Whilst you're there.... do you think it's wise that I send a letter with my friends stating my permission for her to be with them?

Passports: Valid passport required by all except:
(a) 1. persons born in the UK travelling direct from the UK (applicable to British passport holders only);

problem is with this you have to prove you're a pssport holder, so hav to take one with you..meaning you do hve to hve one.

my friend was going to belfast and hadn't relised his pasport was 2 months out of date. nd he was refused onto the ferry..even with a driving license..

btter safe than sorry, you can pay a little more for a fst track passport renewal, so it's worth doing

photo id is pretty much standard now I think whether by air or sea carriers..ie although the law may not require it they often do

My bro went over and got into Ireland no probs - but got stuck getting back in as he has kiwi accent... (UK born brought up in Kiwiland)

MdM, yes, definitely send a letter giving permission for her to be with your friends. My parents are just back from 3 nights in Belgium with my 2 DSs, and got asked at customs in Edinburgh what their relationship to my DSs was. They were told they should have had a letter from me, giving them permission to take them out the country. (Even though by then they were bringing them back into the country, IYSWIM...)

I have a photo ID drivers licence (UK) but I'm not British....?

If you drive, no.

I didn't realise they asked you for photo ID on the ferries. I've made that crossing well over a hundred times now and have never been asked!
It has been a while since I last went though.
Maybe you could call up the ferry company and ask their advice?

Airy you keep the same mad hours as me.

Called the passport office and they said to check with the Ferry Company but that normally YES as passport was required. Proof of identity etc..... great! And her passport is waiting to be renewed. Here's hoping the ferry people accept alternative id (not that I have any for her - well nothing with a photo on anyway!_

ah I remember this from last year. They say you dont need one but you do need photographic ID so passport or photo driving licence. We went with Stena and we didnt have to show our ID at all (although I had to show it at hte solicitors office whilst we were there). It is advisable to have it just in case though.

we went last year and had our passports checked by ferry co.

babyonboard, your friend was going to Belfast? But Belfast is in the UK, surely a passport shouldn't be required?

I keep the most bazaare hours mars, comes from having a non sleeping child I think. I was bleaching my bathroom at 5am this morning! lmao
Just got this from the Irish Ferries site hth

"Ireland/Britain Routes

Irish Ferries recommend you bring your passport when travelling abroad. Irish and British citizens do not strictly require a passport to travel between the two countries - some form of identification is however required.

Photo ID, Bank Cards or bills for house utilities addressed to you are all acceptable and useful means of identification.

Please note that all other nationalities require passports"

Which is all fine.... but my DD is travelling with friends and not with me..... sigh.................

Will call the ferry company and see what they say.

Bleaching at 5am.... bloody hell woman!

MadamedeMars, I would give your friends a letter stating that you give your permission for your dd to travel with them. Will her passport be ready on time? Can you get her a national age card?

nope, passport forms still waiting to be filled in.

National age card is a good idea. And will deffo write letter.

Update... for any that care.

She's going via Irish Ferries and they've said that as long as all the adults have photo id the children are fine.

So... help me draft the letter of permission please.

So far I have:

MadameDeMars
Marsville
Marsopia
12th April 2006

To Whom It May Concern:

Re: DD1

I am writing to say that Mr & Mrs Ujimeflip (nee Watsermacallit) have my permission to take DD1 out of the country to Ireland on holiday with them.

Do I need to say anything else?