ireland to uk travel documents

What identification documents do I need to travel?

The identification you require will vary by country and depending on your nationality. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have all documentation needed to comply with the requirements of immigration, customs, health and other relevant regulations. A failure to produce the correct documention may result in you being fined for which you are liable.

Identification Documents at a Glance

Travelling Between Britain and Ireland:   UK and Irish citizens travelling between Britain and Ireland do not need a passport to travel   but are advised to take the following as proof of identity. A valid Passport with MRZ code*, Photographic Driving License, Birth Certificate, European ID card with MRZ Code**, National ID card***, International Student Card, Health Insurance/Social Security Photographic ID Card, Photographic Bus/Train Pass or Work ID Card.

Travelling Between Ireland and France:  Valid Passport with MRZ Code* or European ID Card with MRZ Code**.  Other passport holders should check with the relevant embassy regarding passport and visa requirements.

Travelling Between England and The Netherlands:   Valid Passport with MRZ Code*.  Other passport holders should check with the relevant embassy regarding passport and visa requirements.

Travelling Between Sweden and Denmark:   Valid  Passport with MRZ Code** National ID of EU standard with an MRZ code or Nordic drivers license. For travellers from outside the EU / EEA, a passport with MRZ code is the only valid ID document, even for children.

Travelling Between Sweden, Germany, Poland and Latvia:   Valid   Passport with MRZ Code*, or a National Identification Card of EU standard with an MRZ code. 

Vehicular Transport Travelling Between Sweden, Poland and Latvia:   When travelling with a vehicle, a valid vehicle technical passport (original) must be presented at check-in. If a trailer is reserved in the reservation, the technical passport (original) must also be presented for the trailer.

* Passport valid for at least 3 months.

** A machine-readable zone (MRZ) is a code added to the personal data page of an identity document. It usually consists of 1-3 lines of letters and digits, which contain the personal information of the document holder.

*** Issued by an EU member State.

Please note:  Identification in digital form is not a valid form of identification when travelling with Stena Line.

Passengers under the age of 18 travelling without a parent/legal guardian must present a completed and printed power of attorney and valid ID. The authorisation can be downloaded in Danish or English.

___________________________________________________________________________________

PASSENGER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ON ROUTES BETWEEN BRITAIN AND IRELAND

UK and Irish citizens travelling on our routes between Britain and Ireland do not need a passport to travel to Britain or Ireland but are advised to take a form of proof of identity. A valid passport or Irish passport card, photographic driving license, International Student Card, government issued photographic ID card, health insurance/social security photographic ID card, photographic bus/train pass or work ID card with photo will usually suffice. A birth certificate will provide adequate proof of identity for children (17 years and under with no photographic identification) to travel on our sailings. Non UK/Irish citizens will require a valid passport and a visa where applicable. You should check with the relevant embassy before travelling regarding visa requirements.

Passengers who arrive at our ports in Britain or Ireland without current valid documentation may not be allowed to enter either Britain or Ireland.

PASSENGER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ON ROUTES BETWEEN IRELAND AND FRANCE

UK citizens travelling to/from Continental Europe must bring a valid passport. Remember that the name on the passport must match the name on the booking otherwise you may not be able to travel and your insurance may be invalid.

A passport for all UK citizens (including children and infants), valid for 3 months beyond the proposed date of return, is required for all trips to Continental Europe. We reserve the right to check and record details of such documentation and to refuse you permission to board if such documentation is not produced to our satisfaction. You will be required to reimburse us in full for any fines, repatriation or other removal costs, detention costs and all related expenses, which we may bear or incur by reason of your failure to produce such documentation to the relevant authorities.

It is important to have your passport close to hand for possible inspection when checking in, embarking the vessel, disembarking the vessel and when entering a country.

EU citizens in possession of an officially recognised European ID Card may use this or a valid Passport with MRZ code when travelling between Ireland and France. In some cases a visa may also be required. Remember that the name on your passport/European Union ID card must match the name on your booking otherwise you may not be able to travel and your insurance may be invalid. 

A passport/ European Union ID card for all EU citizens (including children and infants), valid beyond the date of return, is required for all trips to/from France.

Other passport holders should check with the relevant embassy regarding passport and visa requirements.

PASSENGER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ON ROUTES BETWEEN ENGLAND AND THE NETHERLANDS

All EU citizens (including children and infants) travelling to/from England must hold a valid passport valid beyond the date of return.

All UK citizens (including children and infants) travelling to/from the Netherlands must hold a valid passport valid for 3 months after the date of return.

PASSENGER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ON ROUTES BETWEEN SWEDEN AND DENMARK

For travellers from within the EU / EEA a valid passport with MRZ code or a National Identification Card of EU standard with an MRZ code and / or chip, issued by a national authority within the EU / EEA can be used. Nordic citizens may also use a driving license issued in a Nordic country.

This applies to all travellers but children aged under 18 years travelling with a guardian are an exception and can travel on their guardian's identification.

Please note:

• Norwegian bank cards are not a valid form of identification when travelling with Stena Line.
• Electronic driving licenses are not a valid form of identification when travelling with Stena Line.

For travellers from outside the EU / EEA, a passport with MRZ code is the only valid ID document, even for children.

PASSENGER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ON ROUTES BETWEEN SWEDEN, GERMANY, POLAND and LATVIA

On Stena Line routes between Germany & Sweden, Poland & Sweden, Latvia & Sweden and Germany & Latvia, a valid passport with MRZ code or a National Identification Card of EU standard with an MRZ code and / or chip, issued by a national authority within the EU / EEA can be used. This applies to all travellers, including children. 

The passport or ID Card must be presented at check-in. If you do not have a valid passport or ID card you will not be permitted to travel. 

VEHICLE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ON ROUTES BETWEEN SWEDEN, POLAND and LATVIA

When travelling with a vehicle, a valid vehicle technical passport (original) must be presented at check-in. If a trailer is reserved in the reservation, the technical passport (original) must also be presented for the trailer.

The above rules are Stena Line's general rules for travelling with our ferries.

Related Questions

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Travel documents for refugees

Introduction, who can get a travel document, travelling to ireland with a ‘convention’ travel document, how to apply for a travel document, further information.

A travel document allows people living in Ireland who cannot get a passport to travel outside Ireland. People who have been declared a refugee are entitled to a 1951 Convention Travel Document.

You may also be able to get a travel document if you have subsidiary protection status or leave to remain, and you cannot get a national passport from your country of nationality.

Travel documents are valid for a maximum of 3 years.

You may be eligible for a travel document if you:

• Have been declared a refugee
• Have been granted Subsidiary Protection status
• Have been granted permission to live in Ireland following a request by the United National High Commissioner for Refugees (a programme refugee )
• Have been declared stateless under the New York Convention of 1954
• You are the family member of any of the above
• Have permission to remain and need to travel because of an emergency

If you have been declared a refugee following an application for international protection, or you came to Ireland as a programme refugee, you can get a travel document.

If you were declared a refugee following an application for international protection, you can get a refugee travel document. It says “Convention of 28 July 1951” on the front cover. It is sometimes called a ‘1951 Convention Travel Document’. You can travel to most countries in the EU without a visa, and stay for up to 90 days using this travel document. You should check with the embassy of the country where you plan to travel.

Programme refugees cannot get a 1951 Convention Travel Document. Instead, you can apply for a regular travel document.

People with subsidiary protection status

If you were granted subsidiary protection following an application for international protection, ISD may give you a travel document if you cannot get a passport from your country of nationality.

This travel document is valid for up to 3 years (or until your residency is due for renewal). You generally need a visa to enter other countries. You should check with the embassy of the country where you to plan to travel.

Family members

You may get a travel document if you are a family member of someone with refugee or subsidiary protection status. You must show that you have tried to get a passport or travel document from your country of nationality.

Your children need their own travel documents.

People with leave to remain or other residency status

ISD can issue a travel document to other residents, but only in exceptional circumstances, and where you cannot get a passport from your country of nationality. For example, if you have to travel abroad for urgent medical treatment and you are unable to get a passport, ISD may issue a travel document.

You should note that travel documents take 16 weeks or more to process.

Since 19 July 2022 , if you have a refugee travel document issued by a country outside Ireland , you must apply for a visa to enter Ireland.

You can apply for a travel document online for a fee of €55.

You can also apply by post. To get a paper form, you must email your request to [email protected]

If your application is successful your travel document will be sent to you by registered post. If your application is refused you will be informed in writing. You are advised not to make any travel arrangements until you receive your travel document.

You can find information about travel documents on the website of the Irish Immigration Service Delivery.

Travel Document Unit

Repatriation Division Immigration Services Delivery 13/14 Burgh Quay Dublin 2 Ireland

Re-entry Visa Processing Office

Immigration Service Delivery 13/14 Burgh Quay Dublin 2 Ireland

Related documents

• Your rights when you travel on a ferry or cruise When travelling in the EU by ferry or cruise ship, you have rights if there are delays or cancellations. Find out more about what to do if things go wrong. 1168.4039
• Your rights when you travel by bus or coach When travelling in the EU by bus or coach, you have rights if there are delays or cancellations. Find out more about what to do if things go wrong. 1133.252
• Accommodation Recognition Payment for hosting refugees from Ukraine The Accommodation Recognition Payment is a monthly payment for people providing accommodation to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. 1133.2397

If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

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Can I travel to Ireland from the UK? All the rules you need to know

Ireland has tightened its entry requirements for all visitors, article bookmarked.

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With countries around the world adjusting entry rules and travel testing requirements in the face of the omicron variant, Ireland has announced its own rule changes for visitors.

Those from Great Britain may still enter the country, but the required paperwork is set to increase.

The Irish government announced on 2 December that it would be requiring a negative test result from all travellers from abroad, regardless of vaccination status - with the change coming in from 5 December 2021.

Here’s everything we know so far.

What are the new rules?

From 5 December onwards, anyone entering Ireland from abroad must show a negative Covid test result on arrival.

Vaccinated travellers who had their second jab more than 14 days prior to arrival, and have their proof of vaccination with them, may present a result from either a PCR test (taken within the 72 hours beforehand) or an antigen test (taken within the 48 hours beforehand).

Unvaccinated travellers must take a PCR test within the 72 hours prior to arrival.

One exception is travellers from Northern Ireland who have not been outside Northern Ireland or Ireland for the 14 days prior to entry - visitors who meet this criteria do not need a passenger locator form, proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or test results upon arrival.

Children under 12 are also exempt from the test result requirement.

Test results must be from a professional-administered Covid test with results sent to travellers electronically, the rules specify, and, as with all other international travel, UK residents may not use free NHS tests.

All passengers must complete Ireland’s passenger locator form online within the 72 hours before travel.

This means the full checklist for visitors from outside the island of Ireland is as follows:

Vaccinated people aged 12 or over

Negative result from an antigen or PCR test

Proof of vaccination

Valid ID (passport or driver’s license accepted)

Unvaccinated or partly vaccinated people aged 12 or over

Negative result from a PCR test

Anyone who has been in one of seven named “scheduled states” - Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe - within the 14 days before arrival will be subject to further restrictions and testing, details of which can be found here .

From which date do I need to present a test?

The new rules kicked in from 00.01 on Sunday 5 December.

Arrivals from this time onward into Ireland must have their negative test result ready for checking at the border.

The government had announced that testing would be compulsory from 3 December onwards, but later announced that there was a 48-hour delay.

An Aer Lingus spokesperson told the Irish Examiner : “The Irish government notified airlines last night that the new Regulations will now have an operational date of 5 December and not 3 December as previously advised.

“We will implement accordingly.”

How long will the rules be in place?

Although the Irish government has not stamped the new rules with an end date, a spokesperson for Tourism Ireland told The Independent that the testing requirement will be in place for “an initial two week period and will be reviewed again then”.

Many governments are in the process of tightening travel restrictions to contain the spread of the omicron variant until more is known about its potential impact, and the efficacy of vaccines on this type of Covid-19.

Assuming Ireland is taking a similar approach, it is likely that they will review testing rules within a month or so, once more is known about the variant.

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British / English: what documents do I need to travel to Ireland?.

Passport, identity card, visa... what documents do i need to travel to the emerald isle.

1. Passport or national identity card :

2. proof of return journey :, 3. travel insurance :, everything you need to travel with peace of mind in ireland.

If you’re an English or British national looking to travel to Ireland, congratulations: a wonderful adventure awaits you! But have you thought about the formalities required to enter Ireland? Do you need your passport, a visa, or simple proof of identity? Don’t panic, we’ve got you covered!

I’m English: what do I need to show to go to Ireland?

We’ll keep it simple and efficient. As a British national, you can enter Ireland and Northern Ireland on presentation of a passport or identity card .

Of course, passports are often more commonly used, but identity cards alone are sufficient to pass through the checkpoints. So there’s no need to get a passport if you don’t have one (although, admittedly, it’s still comfortable to have one)!

Just make sure your documents are valid for the duration of your stay.

Above all, don’t hesitate to check their expiration dates before planning a trip: redoing your identity papers can take time, and you’ll save yourself a lot of stress by anticipating this point!

Although it’s not an official requirement, it’s always a good idea to be able to show proof of your return trip to the UK. This could be a plane, train or ferry ticket, or other proof of your intention to leave the country at the end of your stay.

This will save you a lot of hassle, as some over-zealous inspectors could prevent you from arriving in Ireland without these documents.

Although not a compulsory document, it is strongly recommended that you take out appropriate travel insurance to cover any medical or other unforeseen incidents during your stay in Ireland.

Typically, this type of insurance covers repatriation and medical expenses.

Don’t hesitate to check your payment card guarantees: some of them already cover this type of incident. You don’t want to spend twice as much on insurance you already have!

Practical advice

Managing your official papers is crucial to a trouble-free trip to Ireland! Here’s a selection of our top tips on how to make the most of it:

• Always think ahead: even before you plan your trip, take a look at the papers you’ll need, and check their validity.
• Remember to make photocopies or scans of your papers before you leave. Take them with you or store them on your smartphone: it’s the perfect way to prove your identity in the event of theft!
• Keep your documents in one place at all times. It’s essential to avoid scares, and above all, to avoid losing them!
• Make sure you have your documents to hand when you cross the border or if you are checked by the local authorities. This means we can move faster, and the controls, which are often jammed with poorly organized people, are smoother.
• Keep your travel documents safe during your stay in Ireland. In this case, you have two options: you can keep them with you at all times, in a secret pocket of your handbag or backpack for example… or you can store your passports or ID cards in a safe if you’re staying in a hotel (as many rooms offer them). Few Bed & Breakfasts are currently equipped with such a system. Be that as it may, vigilance is the watchword: always bear in mind where you keep your papers, and avoid unnecessary risks (for example, don’t leave them in your car: you’d be in trouble if they were stolen).
• If you have any questions or concerns about your travel documents, please do not hesitate to contact the British consular authorities in Ireland for further help and advice.

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Travel Documents

If you have refugee status, subsidiary protection or have been granted residence based on being a family member of a refugee or a person with subsidiary protection status you may qualify for a travel document to allow you to travel outside of Ireland. If you have been recognised as stateless, you will also qualify for a travel document. In exceptional circumstances, migrants with other residency permissions may be granted a temporary travel document.

The application form and guidelines for applying for a travel document are available on the ISD website . The cost of a travel document is €55. The website notes that applications for Travel Documents are taking up to 22 weeks to process so please ensure that you apply well in advance of any planned travel.

The application form can be accessed  here .

1951 Convention Travel Documents - Refugees

If you have refugee status, you qualify for a 1951 Convention Travel Document. A 1951 Convention Travel Document gives you certain benefits including the ability to travel to certain countries without a visa. 

If you are travelling to Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden or Switzerland you should not need a visa for a short-stay (90 days or less). However, please contact the Embassy of the relevant country to clarify what the travel requirements are ahead of your journey, as they may change.

Please note that Ireland imposed a requirement for holders of Geneva Convention Travel Documents from these countries to enter Ireland to have visas for short stays of 90 days or less. 

You can find out more information on suspension of the operation of the Council of Europe Agreement on the Abolition of Visas for Refugees (Council of Europe) for a period of 12 months from July 2022 here .

Temporary Travel Documents

If you do not have refugee status or have been recognised as a person eligible for subsidiary protection and you do not have a national passport, the State may, in some very exceptional cases, issue you with a temporary travel document. This may be to allow you to access urgent medical treatment abroad or to help you apply for a national passport from your country of nationality. Many of Nasc’s clients experience difficulties if their passports expire as many countries do not have an embassy or a consulate in Ireland or, even if they do, they cannot print passports in Ireland. We strongly recommend ensuring that you make arrangements to have your passport renewed well in advance of its expiry.  

If you are applying for a temporary travel document, you will need to provide detailed reasons as to why you do not have a national passport and what efforts you have made to try to get a national passport. You will need to show that you have made efforts to obtain a national passport and that you has been formally and unreasonably refused by your country of origin.

Examples of the evidence that you should provide with your form includes:

• Details of the efforts you made to obtain a passport – letters/faxes/phone calls or emails to Embassy or relevant agencies seeking a passport;
• Evidence that the country you have requested the passport from will not issue you with a passport unless you present in person at an Embassy or at a passport office in your country of nationality – letters/faxes/emails from the Embassy addressed to you requiring you to travel to apply for a passport;
• Details of the efforts you made to obtain a temporary travel document or laissez-passer from your country of nationality and evidence that this request has been refused.

The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs publishes a Diplomatic List of all of the embassies and consulates accredited to Ireland. This list is updated regularly and is a useful resource to get information on where your nearest embassy is located. 

If you have been issued with permission to remain in the State on the condition that it will only be renewed once you can provide an up to date passport, we strongly recommend that you begin the process of applying for your passport as soon as possible. It may take a number of months for you to gather the relevant evidence and the application process for the travel document may also take several months.   

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Countries that allow visa-free travel with Refugee Travel Documents

• Countries that require visas for visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention
• Countries that DO NOT require visas for the visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention
• European countries that you can travel visa free with a travel document
• European countries that require a visa to travel with a travel document
• List of countries that DO NOT ALLOW ENTRANCE for the visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention
• List of countries that issue travel documents

How to Apply for a Visa

Please note that the information below changes regularly. For example, the UK leaving the EU may change the ability to travel visa-free to European countries. Therefore, you should always check the visa requirements of your country of destination before you travel.

This question comes up when you are considering travelling to one of the European or Schengen Countries or another country. Once you have obtained refugee status, you may wonder where you can travel without the need for a visa.

If you are a holder of a Refugee Travel Document issued by the United Kingdom under the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees , you can travel visa-free to a lot of countries. Different countries have their own travel restrictions and require you to have a visa even for short term visits like tourism, even if you have a Refugee Travel Document.

When you are travelling, you will need to make sure that you carry your valid UK residence permit confirming your refugee status together with the Refugee Travel Document.

N OTE: This list is subject to changes at any time . We recommend double-checking information on the current visa requirements with the embassy of your country of destination before making any travel arrangements or you can start an application with IaM and we can check for you. IaM is not liable for any immigration or other difficulties you may encounter based on the information on this page.

For countries with official sources, there will be a hyperlink, which will be highlighted in orange and underlined. You can click on it to view more information.

Countries that require visas for visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention:

• Afghanistan
• Bosnia and Herzegovina  
• Czech Republic
• Dominican Republic
• Jamaica * (depending on the country of origin of the traveller)
• Kazakhstan  
• Norway * (1951 Convention travel documents issued by Malta, Ireland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland have visa-free access to Norway )
• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia 
• Thailand*  (depending on the country of origin of the traveller)
• Turkey   (unless for official visit)
• United Kingdom

Countries that do not require visas for visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention:

• Liechtenstein 
• Netherlands* (depending on the country of origin of the traveller)
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Tunisia * (depending on the country of origin of the traveller)
• Vatican city

European countries that require a visa to travel with a travel document:

European countries that you can travel visa free with a travel document:.

• Liechtenstein
• Monaco* (To be confirmed after Brexit)
• Netherlands* (Depending on your nationality)

List of countries that DO NOT ALLOW ENTRANCE for the visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention:

• UAE – Dubai
• Qatar – Doha

List of countries that issue travel documents:

• Netherlands *
• Republic of Ireland
• United States of America

All the above countries issue refugee travel documents in one form or another. They allow you to leave the country that issued them and return with the same documents. Some countries allow you to travel to other countries without the need for a visa. Whereas, you may need to obtain a visa for other countries. These arrangements are usually due to agreements between countries.

Please note that in some instances, you may lose your refugee status if you travel to the country from which you sought refuge. You will need to check with the country that issued your travel documents.

Getting a Travel Visa

A travel visa is an official document, usually stamped or affixed into the bearer’s passport, that grants the right to legally enter, remain within, or leave a foreign country. A  Schengen visa , for example, allows you to travel to any of the  Schengen countries  as well as other  non-Schengen countries  that allow travellers to enter their countries with a Schengen visa.

Travellers without a valid travel visa will be refused entry into a country. And, if the individual enters the country through illegal means and is later discovered, may be punished and deported.

Each country has their own processes for applying for a visa. Generally, you will need to fill in an application form and submit any requirements that the consulate or embassy asks for, and some even require you to appear for an interview .

There are many factors that could add to your visa being approved or rejected by the consulate, and many find the process of applying for a visa stressful for this reason. You can choose to do this on your own, or get a service like IaM to help you either make the application or check the application that you filled out yourself.

If you want to make your own visa application to any of the Schengen countries , check out our blog posts for our detailed guides:

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For the latest visas & uk immigration updates..

Do you have a refugee travel document and plan on travelling? Comment below.

IaM  can help with your visa application to the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a  US visa , a  UK Visa , or  visa to Europe , including help with appointment booking obligations,  IaM  can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at  IaM .

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51 Responses

Great article Very informative Just one suggestion in title if you can add UK

Hello, Can I still travel to these countries visa free with a refugee travel document after brexit? Thanks

We are in the process of updating this post. Check with the embassy first to know where you want to go.

The French embassy has been ignoring my email enquiries and their visa centre as well. I am stuck and do not know if I can still travel to France visa free with my refugee blue travel documents with Brexit. Has anyone travelled during this year 2021? did you need to apply for a Schengen visa or did you travel visa free? That would help a lot if someone could share their experience. Many thanks

i tried to go to france but they send me back

Yes, on our list it says France requires visa.

Greece need a visa as the embassy confirmed

Hi all, I am currently stck in Georgia that entered the UK red list and in need for a buffer place to spend the ten days before flying back to the UK. I would appreciate any suggestions for a visa free destination.

Hi. You can check the UK amber list ( https://immigrationandmigration.com/uk-travel-update-uks-amber-travel-list/ ) or green list ( https://immigrationandmigration.com/uk-travel-update-new-countries-on-the-green-list/ ).

What type of visa do I need to visit a Switzerland for about 2 weeks to visit a friend. And can I travel to Switzerland from Sudan . I live in the uk and I have a refugee travel document. I’m traveling to Sudan in few days then if possible will travel to Switzerland.

You will need a Schengen visa to visit Switzerland to visit a friend. You can check the list above if you are required to apply for this visa.

Hi , I have a Uganda travel document the Geneva Convention 1951 July 28 If I travel Europe I need visa or not

Read the blog post above.

Can I still travel to Malta with a refugee travel document from the UK without a visa? I have contacted the relevant embassies but have not had any replies yet.

Hi. We have updated our list. You can check which countries you can travel to visa-free.

Hi CHesca , thanks alot for this information so i have read that Malta does not require visa for Blue refuggee TravelDocument . just some one stuck in Istanbul and have to go to malta to do the 10 days there . thanks

You’re welcome. Glad to help.

Hi , I have a Japanese travel document the Geneva Convention 1951 July 28 If I travel Europe I need visa or not

Check the list above or contact the embassy for more info.

Hi , thank you for this helpful article but can you please confirm about Turkey and Tunisia as I can see them in countries DO NOT require visas for the visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention. do you have any link to show this new update I checked Turkish official website and I think they still ask Refugee travel document holders to apply for visa. please let me know!

many thanks

You can check with the embassy to be sure if you will need a visa or not.

I,m a refugee in Namibia. I have acceptance status and my traveling document. I would like to visit Canada or Austria. Please how will I get the Visa.

Hi. You can start your application with us here: For Austria: https://immigrationandmigration.com/schengen-visas/ For Canada: https://immigrationandmigration.com/canada-visas/

Hi, I been in Portugal in June 21, could I still travel to Portugal with my travel document from UK? Thank you very much.

Check the article above.

Hi I live in the UK having travel documents. Can I travel to paris without visa please let me know Thanks

You can check the list above for France.

Hi Juan, can I check if your comment means you travelled to Portugal in June 2021 visa free? I have a flight to Portugal tomorrow and I was under the impression that I could travel without a visa with the same travel document mentioned in the article. Thanks

I would also be interested in this question in regards Portugal.

Has anyone with refugee travel document indeed travelled to USA WITHOUT a visa or do we actually need a visa to get in?

According to our list, USA requires a visa.

My first inquiry: HI, my UK Refugee Travel Documents will expire in 14/11/2021 (that is bit less than 3 months from now). Can I still use it to travel to Europe (Greece or Lithuania)?

My second inquiry: about a week ago I contacted Lithuania (by email) asking if I could visit Lithuania using my Refugee Travel Document (above) visa-free. They confirmed that I COULD! However, in the list above Lithuania is under the “Countries that REQUIRE visas for visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention”. Can you explain how this works please?

You need to make sure that your travel document is valid if you plan to travel. As we have put up in the notice, these restrictions can change at any time so we recommend you check with the embassy.

I hold a UN Convention Refugee Travel Document issued in the UK, and I am preparing to visit a country that does not require visa from me. I wonder if I need to present my Biographic Residency Permit Card (BRP) at the custom alonsige the travel document?

Yes you will need that to enter the UK.

I have refugee uganda refugee i need to visit canda how will i go there please help me.

Hello, I have a blue passport (1951) issued by Belgium, I live with in Brussels, I would like to go to south Africa, I would like to know if I need or apply for a visa to go there some days of vacation?.. Thanks

You can check our list above and/or check with the embassy to be sure.

Just been to the Portugal Consulate, Refugees now need a Visa to travel to Portugal.

Hi Baba, is this with the 1951 travel document??

Is this with travel document and valid biometric card?

Hi I have Uk travel document (black) I want travel Eastern Europe do I need visa or just buy ticket and travel also if not which country accept it ?

Check the list above.

Do I Require visa with UK travel Document and biometric card for Portugal? I am Albanian citizen, but I reside in the UK.

Hi Eduart, Albanian citizens do not need a Schengen visa to travel to Portugal or any Schengen countries.

You forgot to mention Canada in your list of countries that issue travel documents. Here’s the details about how to get a Canadian travel document: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/travel-documents-non-canadians.html

Hi, Anyone been able to travel to Italy recently? I tried to go from Birmingham to Milan with Ryanair and they denied me boarding even though I printed embassy website and consulate email confirming that visa is not required. Ryanair’s handling agent at Birmingham Airport, Swissport use IATA TravelCentre to check for visas

Hi I am a Zimbabwean national who holds a UK refugee travel document and I just wanted to check if South Africa definitely does not require a visa as the last time a friend travelled there about ten years ago they did require one. At that time it did state that we needed one on their website but this is no longer stated so am guessing this has changed. Checked with the embassy but referred me to vfs global.

Regarding my earlier enquiry just got an email from VFS global South Africa desk and the agent stated that a visa would need to be applied for prior to travel if I hold a UK refugee travel document as a Zimbabwean national.

Hi , I have a uk travel document the Convention of 28 july 1951 and i wanted to check if i need a visa to travel to belguim. Thanks

Belgium is listed above in one of the countries that you need a visa. Check out how to apply for a Belgium visa .

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• If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents. The letter should say "I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
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GETTING ONBOARD

Required travel documents.

GETTING ONBOARD WITH

THE RIGHT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

It’s your responsibility to ensure you have all the proper documentation to board the ship and enter each of the countries your cruise visits. We’ll require government-issued identification to board. And government authorities may require you to have a visa or meet other requirements.

Select your departure port below to find out exactly what you need. But be aware – government requirements may change.

Don't Get Caught Without The Right Travel Doc

Passports are Best A passport is the best ID document for travel. Make sure yours doesn't expire for 6 months after your cruise ends. Learn more

Caution: Birth Certificates U.S. Citizens can cruise with a U.S. birth certificate on most sailings from the U.S. But your birth certificate needs to meet the requirements. Learn more

Names Must Match If you've had a name change, and the name used across your documents does not match, you will need to take an extra step. Learn more

Cruising With Kids That Aren't Yours When a minor (age 17 and under) travels without their legal guardian, an accompanying adult must present a notarized form signed by the child's guardian. Learn more

Visas May Be Required Some countries require an entry visa or electronic visa based on your nationality. Learn more

Don't Pack Your Docs Please keep all travel documents on your person at the terminal; you’ll need to present them at check-in.

Select where you're sailing from

Popular homeports:, full list of all homeports:, travel document requirements for sailings from u.s. homeports (excluding honoulu, hawaii & seward, alaska).

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from the U.S. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

Accepted Identification for U.S. Citizens & Permanent Residents

Note: U.S. Cruises that visit Colombia or Panama If your sailing visits Colombia or Panama, see your protocols here .

In order to sail, a guest must meet the requirements of ONE of the check boxes below.

All documents must be original – no photocopies. Your name must match across documents. What if I had a name change?

• U.S. Passport Book OR U.S. Passport Card
• Royal Caribbean strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport. Learn why a passport is best.
• Passports must be valid at least 6 months after your cruise ends
• Read more about passport requirements.
• U.S. Birth Certificate AND Valid Government Issued ID (State ID Card, Driver’s License OR Military ID)
• U.S. Birth Certificates must be the original or an official document issued by the government.
• Read more about birth certificate requirements.
• Guests age 15 and under are NOT required to have a photo ID, just the birth certificate.
• Permanent Resident Card (Alien Resident Card "ARC" OR Green Card) AND Valid Passport from Country of Citizenship
• Guests must bring their physical Permanent Resident Card and it must be original – no photocopies.
• Passports must be valid at least 6 months after your cruise ends.
• Guests age 16 and older whose ARC has no photo must present a valid government issued photo ID
• Barbados & Martinique require ARC guests to provide a valid passport.
• Any additional requirements are the responsibility of the guest.
• U.S. Naturalization Certificate AND Valid Government Issued ID (State ID Card, Driver’s License OR Military ID)
• Original U.S. Naturalization Certificate or a certified copy.
• Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) that is not expired
• Enhanced Driver's Licenses are only available from the following states: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington State.
• An Enhanced Driver’s License is different from a REAL ID compliant id. An EDL will have a flag on the front.
• U.S. Passport Book
• Visa may be required based on Passport Country of Origin. Learn More

Additionally, visas or travel permits may be required to enter some countries.

• Electronic Travel Authorization will be required based on disembarkation port.
• Learn more about visa requirements.

Accepted Identification for Canadian Citizens

• Canadian Passport Book – Required if traveling to the U.S. by air
• Enhanced Driver's Licenses are only available from the following Provinces: British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec.
• Guests age 14 and under may present a passport as noted above OR one of the documents below:
• Original Naturalization Certificate OR Original Valid Canadian Citizenship Card OR Original Birth Certificate Issued by Canada.
• Read more about birth certificate requirements

In order to sail, a guest must meet the requirements below.

• Canadian Passport Book

Accepted Identification for Other Nationalities

• Valid Passport from Country of Citizenship

Additionally, visas or travel permits may be required to enter some countries. Please check requirements for your own nationality. Common visas are noted below.

• The United States may require a Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or Visa depending on nationality.
• Please check requirements for your own nationality .
• Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) is required for Chinese Nationals.
• Sailings with a Canadian Port of Call (ex. Alaska sailings) may require a Canadian Visitor’s Visa.

Travel document requirements for sailings from Australian homeports

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Australia. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

Accepted Identification for U.S. Citizens

• U.S. Passport Book AND Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
• All visitors are required to get an Australian ETA to travel to Australia.
• Read more about passport requirements

Additionally, visas or travel permits may be required to enter some countries. Please check requirements for your own nationality.

• New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
• All visitors are required to get a NZeTA to travel to New Zealand.

Accepted Identification for U.K. Citizens

• Passport Book

Accepted Identification for Australian Citizens

• Australian Passport Book
• Australian Driver's License OR Government-issued, laminated photo ID
• Cruise itinerary must call only on Australian ports of call.
• If an itinerary leaves Australia, then guests must use a Passport.
• Guests age 17 and under may present one of the documents below:
• Medicare Card - Can be used as the only identification for children when all guests share the same last name.
• Original (or Certified) Birth Certificate - If the parent's name differs from the child.

* Sailings that originate and end in ports within Australia that do not include a visit to an overseas port outside of Australia. (Note that Queensland cruises that include Willis Island are considered domestic cruises) . If an itinerary leaves Australia, then guests must use a Passport.

• Passport Book AND Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
• For Transpacific sailings, the United States may require a Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or Visa depending on nationality.

Travel document requirements for sailings from Canadian homeports

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Canada. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

Accepted Identification for U.S. Citizens & Permanent Residents

• U.S. Passport Book - If traveling to Canada by air
• U.S. Passport Card - Can be used if traveling to Canada by ground/car or by sea
• U.S. Birth Certificate AND Valid Government Issued ID (State ID Card, Driver’s License OR Military ID) - Can be used if traveling to Canada by ground/car or by sea
• Original U.S. State Certified Birth Certificate or a certified copy; or an original Consular Birth Abroad Certificate from the U.S. State Department.
• Permanent Resident Card (Alien Resident Card "ARC" OR Green Card) AND Valid Passport from Country of Citizenship - If traveling to Canada by air, ground/car or by sea
• Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after your cruise ends.
• Guests age 16 and older whose ARC has no photo must present a valid government issued photo ID.
• Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) that is not expired - Can be used if traveling to Canada by ground/car or by sea

Accepted Identification for Canadian Citizens & Permanent Residents

• Canadian Permanent Resident Card AND Valid Passport from Country of Citizenship
• Guests age 14 and under may also present either:
• Canada may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or Visa depending on nationality.

Travel document requirements for sailings from European homeports (excluding Southampton, England; Haifa, Israel & Istanbul, Turkey)

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Europe. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

Additionally, visas or travel permits will soon be required to enter European Union countries.

• Traveling to Europe
• Coming Soon - All visitors will soon be required to get an European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to travel to Europe.
• Sailings that have a European Union Port of Call
• For Transatlantic sailings, the United States may require a Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or Visa depending on nationality.

Accepted Identification for European Citizens

• Guests are responsible for any requirements a country may have.
• Royal Caribbean strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport. Learn why a passport is best
• EU Government ID
• Cruise itinerary must call only on countries within the Schengen Region .
• EU Government ID must be valid at least 3 months after your cruise ends.
• A Multi-Entry Schengen Visa may be required
• Coming Soon - European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)
• Some nationalities will soon be required to get an European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to travel to Europe.
• A Schengen Visa may be required
• European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)
• Coming Soon - Some nationalities will soon be required to get an European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to travel to Europe.

Travel document requirements for sailings from Dubai

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Dubai. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

• U.K. Passport Book

Travel document requirements for sailings from Central & South American homeports

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Central and South America. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

• Australian citizens cruising to and from Buenos Aires, Argentina and Valparaiso, Chile require additional documentation.

Travel document requirements for sailings from Singapore

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Singapore. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

• U.S. Passport Book AND Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC)
• All visitors are required to get an Singapore Arrival Card to travel to Singapore.

Accepted Identification for Singaporean Citizens

• Singaporean Passport Book
• Passport Book AND Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC)

Travel document requirements for sailings from Japanese homeports

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Japan. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

Accepted Identification for Japanese Citizens

• Japanese Passport Book

Travel document requirements for sailings from Chinese homeports

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from China. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

Accepted Identification for Chinese Citizens

• Chinese Passport Book

Travel document requirements for sailings from Istanbul, Turkey

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Istanbul, Turkey. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

• U.S. Passport Book AND Turkish Visa
• All visitors are required to get a Turkish Visa to travel to Turkey.
• Passport Book AND Turkish Visa

Travel document requirements for sailings from Haifa, Israel

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Haifa, Israel. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

• All visitors will soon be required to get an European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to travel to Europe.

Travel document requirements for sailings from Seward, Alaska

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from the Seward. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

• Canada may require a Visa depending on nationality.

Travel document requirements for sailings from Southampton, England

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Southampton. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

Additionally, visas or travel permits will soon be required to enter the U.K. and European Union countries.

• Entering the U.K.
• Coming Soon - All visitors will soon be required to get an U.K. Travel Authorization (ETA) to travel to the U.K.

Travel document requirements for sailings from Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from the Honolulu. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

• Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).

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Do I need a visa to travel to Ireland?

Mar 30, 2024 • 4 min read

Ireland offers visa-free travel to citizens of many countries © David Levingstone / Getty Images

Visiting Ireland is a cinch if you’re visiting from a country that requires no visa or with whom Ireland has a visa waiver agreement. If you are visiting from a country with a visa requirement, then things can get a little more complicated, but here’s what you need to know to get you started.

Ireland is a small island, but it is home to two jurisdictions – which means two sets of immigration laws. Let us talk you through how it works.

Do you need a visa to visit the Republic of Ireland?

If you are from the EEA (the EU plus Norway , Iceland and Liechtenstein ) or Switzerland , you don’t need a visa to visit or work in the Republic of Ireland which is part of the EU.

British citizens in Ireland and Irish citizens in the UK (including Northern Ireland) hold a unique status under each country's national law courtesy of the long-standing Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement, which allows them to travel and work freely within the CTA. 

US citizens can visit Ireland for tourism or business without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the duration of their stay, but there is no requirement for it to be valid for any longer than that. For longer stays or to work or study, Americans will need to apply for a visa, which they can do through the official website of the Irish Embassy in Washington, DC.

Ireland has a visa waiver agreement with 56 other countries, including Australia , Canada , New Zealand and South Africa . A complete list of the exempted countries is available on the Citizens Information website.

Visa requirements for the rest of the world

Citizens of all other countries require a short stay "C" visa if they want to visit Ireland for any reason including tourism, visiting family, getting married or even if they wish to transit through Ireland.

The application process is laid out in detail by the Irish Immigration Service , and must be completed before travelling to Ireland. Families travelling together need to fill out applications for each individual as there’s no family visa option.

What you need to know about working holidays visas 

Citizens of Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan and the United States may be able to apply for a Working Holiday Authorisation through the Irish embassy in your country. This allows you to come to Ireland to work for a certain period, but it’s only available to applicants aged between 18 and 30 (35 in some cases).

No matter where you are coming from you will have to register for an Irish Residence Permit as soon as possible after you arrive in Ireland if you intend to stay more than 90 days.

How much will a visa cost?

There are three kinds of short stay visas. A single entry visa is €60, while a multi-entry visa – where you wish to come in and out of the country on multiple occasions over the course of the visa validity period – costs €100. Transit visas are €25.

The fee covers only the administrative cost of processing the visa; it does not cover the cost of submitting any additional documents. For specific information on any additional charges or costs, refer to the website of the Irish embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

The Irish Immigration Service has a dedicated page on how to pay the visa fee.

Visiting Northern Ireland

Although Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and therefore not part of the EU, there is no physical border between the Republic and the North, which means frictionless travel between the two jurisdictions.

Like the rest of the United Kingdom, visas are generally not needed for stays of up to six months for tourism or visiting friends and family – if you are a citizen of the EEA nations, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, South Africa and the USA.

However, since 2022 citizens of countries that do require a visa are covered under the terms of the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) , which allows for mutual recognition of short-stay visas between the UK and Ireland. This means that a British short-stay visa will be valid for travel onward to Ireland, and an Irish short-stay visa will be valid for travel onward to the UK. Visas that are valid for use under this scheme will have "BIVS" endorsed on them.

Citizens from countries requiring a visa should apply for a visa from the country in which you will arrive first. The vast majority of international arrivals to Ireland are through Dublin, but if you are arriving into Belfast first, you will need to apply for a visa from the UK Home Office, where you will also find a full list of those countries that require one.

A visa for the UK lasts six months and costs £115.

Ready to plan your trip to Ireland? Here are your next steps:

• Plan your trip to Ireland with this guide to top things to do . 
• Read on for the best time to go to Ireland .
• Save this transportation guide on the best ways to get around.
• These road trips will take you to all the highlights in Ireland. 
• Get into the great outdoors in Ireland with these top hikes to tackle.

This article was first published Mar 23, 2021 and updated Mar 30, 2024.

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The DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, is for temporary travel to the United States, and for K (fiancé(e)) visas. Form DS-160 is submitted electronically to the Department of State website via the Internet. Consular Officers use the information entered on the DS-160 to process the visa application and, combined with a personal interview, determine an applicant’s eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa.

Visa applicants must submit a completed DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application for all nonimmigrant visa categories, including applicants applying for K visas. ( Note:   For K visa cases in process at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate prior to October 7, 2013, review the limited exceptions explained in the FAQs below.) 

Review the Frequently Asked Questions for instructions about using the DS-160.

Access the online DS-160 by clicking: Consular Electronic Application Center website .

Important Notice to Visa Applicants: After you have completed the DS-160, you must take these next steps below:

• Print and keep the DS-160 barcode page. (You will not need to print the full application.)
• You must schedule a visa interview appointment.  (The U.S. Embassy or Consulate does not schedule an appointment for you.) Visit the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  website where you will be interviewed for country-specific instructions.;
• Pay the visa application processing fee . Review country-specific instructions on the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  website.

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Common Travel Area: rights of UK and Irish citizens

Information for UK and Irish citizens on their rights under the Common Travel Area arrangements (CTA).

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The Common Travel Area (CTA) is a long-standing arrangement between the UK, the Crown Dependencies (Bailiwick of Jersey, Bailiwick of Guernsey and the Isle of Man) and Ireland that pre-dates both British and Irish membership of the EU and is not dependent on it.

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