You do not need a visa for United Kingdom if you have an Irish passport

No visa needed

Irish citizens can enter United Kingdom without applying for a visa in advance. Check your passport validity and any onward-travel requirements before you fly.

Travelling to United Kingdom Visa-free

Frequently asked questions

No. Irish citizens can enter United Kingdom without applying for a visa in advance.

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What United Kingdom may ask for

Not every traveller is asked for all of these. A valid passport is checked every time; the rest is a spot check at the border, and some items belong to a visa application rather than the crossing itself.

  • Passport valid for entire duration of stay
  • Recent digital photo meeting UK visa specifications
  • Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, payslips)
  • Confirmed accommodation or host invitation letter
  • Return or onward flight booking confirmation
  • Supporting documents based on visa type

Entry requirements for Irish travellers

These rules apply specifically to Irish passport holders entering United Kingdom as tourists. Each one links to the official source where available.

  • Required

    A travel document is required to enter United Kingdom

    Travelers need a valid travel document that confirms their identity and nationality to board their flight. Airlines operating between Ireland and the United Kingdom may require a passport or Irish passport card. Travelers should confirm accepted documents with their airline before travel. See the source for more details on accepted forms of identification.

    Traveling within the CTA Last checked 2026-08-06
  • Not required

    Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for England

    Travelers don’t need proof of COVID-19 vaccination before traveling to England.

    Last checked 2023-11-09
  • Not required

    Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for Northern Ireland

    Travelers don’t need proof of COVID-19 vaccination before traveling to Northern Ireland.

    Last checked 2023-11-09
  • Not required

    Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for Scotland

    Travelers don’t need proof of COVID-19 vaccination before traveling to Scotland.

    Last checked 2023-11-09
  • Not required

    Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for United Kingdom

    Travelers don’t need proof of COVID-19 vaccination before traveling to United Kingdom.

    Last checked 2026-08-06
  • Not required

    Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for Wales

    Travelers don’t need proof of COVID-19 vaccination before traveling to Wales.

    Last checked 2023-11-09
  • Not required

    Proof of pre-departure COVID-19 test is not required

    Travelers don’t need a COVID-19 test before traveling to Northern Ireland.

    Last checked 2023-11-09
  • Not required

    Proof of pre-departure COVID-19 test is not required

    Travelers don’t need a COVID-19 test before traveling to Scotland.

    Last checked 2023-11-09
  • Not required

    Proof of pre-departure COVID-19 test is not required

    Travelers don’t need a COVID-19 test before traveling to United Kingdom.

    Last checked 2026-08-06
  • Not required

    Proof of pre-departure COVID-19 test is not required

    Travelers don’t need a COVID-19 test before traveling to Wales.

    Last checked 2023-11-09
  • Not required

    Transit visa is not required

    Travelers do not need a visa to transit through United Kingdom.

    Last checked 2026-08-06

A look at United Kingdom