Do I need a passport to go to Ireland?

Rightly called the Emerald Isle, Ireland is a brilliant green all year round and promises spectacular scenery. From Cork to Donegal, from Dublin to Belfast, it’s easy to be charmed by the beauty of this truly unique country.

But did you know? This beautiful island is not part of the Schengen area, and its northernmost part of the UK is even outside the borders of the European Union. So what documents should you bring with you if you’re going to Ireland on vacation? Do you need a passport? Identity card? Residence permit?

No need to worry! By reading this article, you’ll find out everything you need to know about entry procedures, whether by plane or boat. A hassle to leave behind as you set off on your vacation!

Article overview:

• Is Ireland in the EU?
• When do I need to present a passport to enter Ireland?
• Driving in Ireland: what do I need to know?
• Documents and advice for travelling to Ireland by boat
• Key points to remember

Is Ireland in the EU?

A magnificent sunset on the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland. Source : iStock

The simple answer is “yes”! The Republic of Ireland is indeed part of the European Union. However, a distinction must be made between the island of Ireland, the Republic of Ireland andNorthern Ireland.

The island of Ireland

This defines the whole of the Emerald Isle and its smaller sister islands, such as the Skellig Islands (famous as the setting for Star Wars XIII). This is Ireland’s ancestral territory.

The Republic of Ireland

Often defined simply as “Ireland”, this is the largest part of the island. It is an independent country with Dublin as its capital.

• European Union: yes
• Currency: euro (€)
• Schengen area: no

Northern Ireland

It’s the smallest part of Ireland in the north-east, opposite Great Britain. As it belongs to the United Kingdom, its national capital is London, although it claims Belfast as its regional and cultural capital.

• European Union: no
• Currency: Pound sterling (£) preferred, but some shops accept payment in euros (€)
• Schengen area: no

Are there any physical borders in Ireland?

No! Ireland is an exception to the EU. Although you can enter and leave the EU on Irish soil, no physical border has been established post-Brexit. So you won’t need to show any papers when crossing the border. That said, and although a high degree of tolerance is observed, you will technically need to have a valid passport to travel around Northern Ireland.

When do I need to present a passport to enter Ireland?

Did you know? The Irish flag was strongly inspired by the French tricolor! Source : iStock.

This is where things get a little tricky! A passport is required in certain cases, depending on where you enter Ireland and your country of origin. But don’t worry, it’s not that complicated!

You are a citizen of the European Union

• You must present your valid EU national identity card before boarding your plane or ferry if your destination is in the Republic of Ireland (Dublin, Rosslare, Cork, Galway…). The Irish don’t have identity cards, only passports! So don’t panic if you’re asked for your passport even though you’re from the EU. Simply present your identity card.
• A valid passport is required to fly to any destination in Northern Ireland (Belfast, Londonderry).

Important: since April 2, 2025, EU citizens need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to travel in the UK, including Northern Ireland. If you want more information, read our article dedicated to the British ETA.

Tip: if you’re exploring Ireland but don’t have a passport or ETA, we recommend you stay in the Republic of Ireland. And don’t worry! It’s already full of breathtaking destinations!

You are not from the EU or the UK

• The conditions for re-entry to Ireland depend on your country of origin. Ask your Department of Foreign Affairs for advice so you don’t miss out on any information!
• Generally speaking, however, you’ll need to present a valid passport and be able to stay in Ireland for 90 days as a tourist.

Driving in Ireland: what do I need to know?

Ferry linking the main Irish island to the small island of Valentia. Source: iStock.

Perhaps you’ve decided to reach the Irish coast by ferry from France or the UK, or are planning to rent a car at the airport? If so, here’s everything you need to know about exploring the Emerald Isle on four wheels!

Bring the same documents as in France

• Driver’s license: Unsurprisingly, you’ll need a driver’s license to get behind the wheel (located on the right-hand side of the car, by the way). Don’t forget to take it with you, especially if you don’t drive on a day-to-day basis! Any EU national license or international permit is valid for driving in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
• Car registration
• Insurance papers

In Ireland, we drive on the left

Be careful getting off the ferry! The Irish drive in the left-hand lane. It’s a tricky one, but you shouldn’t have too many problems with it. As you leave the airport and the port, there are plenty of signs to remind you, and it’s virtually impossible to make a mistake when driving into town.

Tip: take extra care when driving in the countryside, and when pulling out of a stop sign or parking lot. It’s also easier to get used to driving your own car. Consider coming by ferry if you prefer to drive your own vehicle!

Speed limits

In the Republic of Ireland, the speed limit on freeways is 120 km/h, and 100 km/h in the countryside. We advise you not to take the latter literally, and to reduce your pace: the roads can be quite rough!

And be careful if you’re driving into Northern Ireland: speed limits are indicated in miles per hour, not km/h! The speed limit on the freeway is generally 60 mph.

Documents and advice for travelling to Ireland by boat

St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, one of Ireland’s main ports. Source : iStock

Ferries are one of the most popular ways for European people to visit Ireland, especially in spring and summer. And rightly so! From France, you can go on adventures with your families in your own car.

Advantages of sailing to Ireland

• You can bring your own vehicle
• You can bring more personal belongings with you
• You leave a smaller ecological footprint than by plane
• Cruising is fun! The boat is a fascinating experience!

Do I need my passport or identity card to take the boat?

Ferry travel is subject to the same conditions as air travel. They therefore depend on the passenger’s country of origin and destination. If you are traveling within the European Union and are a citizen, remember to carry your identity card (and those of your children) at all times.

The best routes from France to Ireland by boat

Ireland is mainly accessible from France via the ports of Rosslare and Dublin, the capital. Two shipping companies offer several departures from Cherbourg, on different days and at different times, providing a wide range of options for crossing.

• I want to know more about the Cherbourg-Rosslare route
• I want to know more about the Cherbourg-Dublin route

Irish Ferries, the reference for sailing between France and Ireland

Known for the comfort of its ships, Irish Ferries is Ireland’s flagship shipping company. Winner of numerous awards, including Best Ferry Company for the Irish Travel Industry Award 2025 and the ITTN Awards 2024, Irish Ferries connects France, the UK and Ireland by sea, offering passengers a unique experience.

Their ships allow you to travel with your vehicle, and feature comfortable cabins for the whole family! On their ships, you’ll also find a variety of dining and entertainment options to make your crossing an integral part of your vacation.

How about it? See you on board?

Want to find out more about this crossing? Visit our page dedicated to France-Ireland ferry trips!

Do I need a passport to go to Ireland: to remember

A spectacular sunset on the rugged coast of Valentia Island, Ireland. Source: Ferryscanner.

If you are from the EU :

• Identity card for travel to the Republic of Ireland by boat and plane
• Passport and ETA for Northern Ireland
• No checks will be made when crossing the land border between the two Irish states, but you must have your papers in order.

If you are not from the EU :

• Passport, and visa if required to enter Ireland, regardless of the means of transport used to enter.
• No checks will be made when crossing the land border between the two Irish states, but you must have your papers in order.
• Refer to your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information.

In both cases

• The currency of the Republic of Ireland is the euro; that of Northern Ireland, the pound sterling.
• If you come by ferry with your car, please bring your driving license, vehicle registration and insurance papers.

Got your papers ready? Then off to Ireland!

If you follow the advice in this article, you shouldn’t have any problems getting into and around Ireland! Now all you have to do is decide how you’re going to get there.

With Ferryscanner, book your ferry tickets from France to Ireland and make your trip a memorable adventure on the waves! Download the Ferryscanner app to have your tickets with you at all times and manage your ferry crossings wherever you go!