common travel area ryanair

The ultimate survival guide for flying Ryanair

Flying Europe's low-cost carriers can be daunting, but everyone loves the feeling of snagging a super-cheap fare — especially if you can avoid spending more in extras and fees than the price of your original ticket.

Although the (in)famous Ryanair has made traveling around Europe a possibility for many, if you aren't aware of the rules, you could be left spending double or even triple the ticket price on extras — or worse, be denied boarding. This survival guide will help Ryanair flyers know the rules and offers tips and tricks to survive (and maybe even enjoy) a Ryanair experience.

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Study your arrival airport

Ryanair is notorious for sending travelers to an airport in the middle of nowhere and classifying it as the nearest big city. For example, it lists Paris as a destination, but travelers unfamiliar with France may not realize that the BVA airport is in Beauvais, a 1.5-hour drive outside of Paris. So, if you want to see the City of Light, you should really consider flying another airline that goes to Paris Orly (ORY) or Charles de Gaulle (CDG).

The same is true with Milan Bergamo (BGY), a little over an hour by bus from Milan's Centrale station. Flying another airline to Milan Malpensa (MXP) or the even more convenient Milan Linate (LIN) is much simpler. Sure, Ryanair may have the less expensive ticket — but does the airline really get you where you want to go? Make sure to check Google Maps to find the airport before booking.

The good news here is that Ryanair can get you to destinations a little more off the beaten path. For example, the aforementioned Milan Bergamo airport is just a few minutes away from the beautiful Città Alta , Bergamo's stunning historic city center perched upon a hilltop. It's an idyllic alternative to the busy Milan.

You can also book a nonstop flight to Catania (CTA), one of Sicily's hubs, from Madrid (MAD) as opposed to flying Alitalia (at three times the price) with a layover in Rome. Perusing the Ryanair route map may encourage you to discover some unexpected and less touristy destinations for your next vacation.

Purchase checked baggage in advance

It's not uncommon for Ryanair passengers to pay more for their luggage than the fare itself, so make sure to familiarize yourself with the rules. Each traveler can check up to three bags weighing 20 kilograms (about 44 pounds) each. A 44-pound bag costs £/€25 (approximately $31) if purchased during the initial flight booking process, or £/€40 (around $50) if added online afterward. Rates at the airport desk are higher still and vary by route and season. Bags weighing more than 44 pounds will cost £/€11, or $14 per kilo, capped at 32 kilograms (about 70.5 pounds). An option to check a 10-kilogram bag (about 22 pounds) is now available, and prices range from £/€10 to £/€25 ($12 to $31) and it's also possible to check musical or sporting equipment.

Here are TPG' s rules for checking baggage with Ryanair:

• Book and pay for your checked baggage when booking your ticket to avoid paying more later, either online or at the airport.
• Always weigh your bag before traveling.
• Pack a small travel scale to weigh it again before returning home.
• Ensure your hold baggage doesn't exceed the maximum size of 81 x 119 x 119 centimeters (that's 31.8 x 46.8 x 46.8 inches).
• Remember, travelers can share their purchased baggage allowance with other passengers on the same flight reservation when checking in together.

Know the carry-on baggage rules

Passengers who don't purchase priority boarding can take one bag for free to put under the seat with a maximum size of 40 x 20 x 25 centimeters (15.7 x 7.9 x 9.8 inches). Priority passengers can take one bag to put under the seat with a maximum size of 40 x 20 x 25 centimeters, plus an additional bag with a maximum size of 10 kilograms (22 pounds) and 55 x 40 x 20 centimeters (21.6 x 15.7 x 7.9 inches). If you don't have priority boarding and you take a bag that's larger than 40 x 20 x 25 centimeters, you will be charged to check the bag at the gate starting at £/€25 (approximately $31).

Pay for your extras in advance

Besides making sure your luggage meets Ryanair's restrictions, it's a good idea to buy any other extras at the moment of booking so you won't face higher charges later. This includes, but isn't limited to, priority boarding and seat selection. Priority boarding starts at £/€6 (approximately $7.50) and allows you to board first, as well as take a carry-on plus a second bag (see size requirements above). This service is capped at 95 customers per flight, so if you think you want to add it on days after booking your ticket, it may no longer be available. If the service is sold out, the 10 kilogram (22 pound) checked bag may be the next best alternative option.

Some airports also feature a Fast Track option, which allows passengers to fast track through security in a dedicated lane. This service can be added to bookings (assuming you're departing from an airport that offers the service) starting at £/€4 (around $5).

Seat selection is also something best done ahead. Not only does it offer you a better choice of available seats (starting at £/€3 or $3.75, though extra legroom or front seats start at £/€7, or closer to $9), but it also allows you to check in online up to 60 days in advance, meaning you may even be able to print your boarding pass right after you book if the timing is right.

Consider a higher fare class

If you're planning on getting all the extras (seat selection, priority boarding and hold baggage), it may make sense to bundle it all together with a deal on a Plus or Flexi Plus fare. It could even be cheaper than adding all these things to your base fare separately. Plus fares include standard seat selection, free priority boarding and one hold bag. Flexi Plus fares come with seat selection, priority boarding, free airport check-in and flexible ticket changes, as well as Fast Track at participating airports and one checked bag. Ryanair also has special family fares if you're traveling with kids in tow.

Buy a Family Plus fare if flying with kids

Ryanair does offer a special Family Plus fare, which includes:

• Priority boarding, a cabin bag and a personal item
• Two 20-kilogram (44-pound) checked bags
• Free seats for children (adults will have to pay to reserve their seats)

TPG U.K. contributor Emily Kanders Goldfischer weighed the value of the Family Plus fare and deemed it a solid value if your family needs to check that much baggage. If not, it may be best to add the extras you need or 10 kilogram (22 pound) bags onto a regular fare. Note that while you must purchase a ticket for children 2 to 12 years, reserved seating is free for them regardless of purchased fare class, and adults traveling with children pay a reduced reserved seating fee start at £/€4 (approx. $5).

Parents traveling with an infant are not eligible for a Family Plus fare, and there is no cabin bag allowance for an infant (considered 8 days to 23 months old) traveling on an adult's lap. But, a baby bag weighing up to 5 kilograms (11 pounds) with a maximum size of 45 x 35 x 20 centimeters (17.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 inches) may be carried by the accompanying adult in addition to their own cabin bag allowance. When reserving seats, look for a baby symbol, which shows infant-friendly seats.

Related: How to get an upgraded experience on Ryanair

Correct booking errors within 48 hours

If you've made any minor mistakes during the booking process, like misspelling a name, you have 48 hours to correct it free of charge. After that, expect to pay between £/€115 and £/€160 for a name or spelling change.

Skip Ryanair extras

While Ryanair wins for flight prices, it's best to avoid purchasing extras such as insurance, hotels, transportation and car rentals through the airline, as the terms can be restrictive and not especially user-friendly. There are plenty of other places you can go to search for affordable hotels and rental cars, and you can often find transportation with ease once you've landed. This way, if your flight plans change or your trip is delayed or canceled, you won't also have to deal with Ryanair's complicated customer service and restrictions when trying to get your money back or rebook your hotel, car rental or bus ticket. Check to see if the credit card you're using to book offers trip insurance or trip protections of any kind, or be prepared to purchase travel insurance elsewhere , as claiming with Ryanair insurance can be a trying experience.

Check in online

If Ryanair travelers don't check in online and print their boarding passes at home or download a mobile pass (when available), they must pay £/€55 (approximately $68) to check in at the airport and £/€20 (around $25) to print their boarding card at the airport.

Travelers who've paid extra for seat selection can check in online between 60 days and two hours in advance of the flight. Those with unreserved seats can check in between 48 hours and two hours before the flight. If you have paid for your seats and it's within 60 days, you may as well check in and print your pass (storing it in a safe place) directly after booking. Or, immediately complete the check-in process on your phone.

Get the right stamp

Some routes require passengers who are not citizens of the European Union or European Economic Area to have their travel documents checked and their boarding passes stamped at the Ryanair Visa/Document Check Desk. This desk can be found in different locations depending on the airport, so leave enough time to find the desk, wait in line and get this stamp before boarding. If you're unsure if you actually need the stamp (certain routes require it while others don't), always double check. If you need the stamp but didn't get it, you will be denied boarding. And, just in case you thought otherwise: Ryanair does not care if you miss your flight. However, if you have been denied boarding and miss your flight because of an absent stamp or another travel document issue, you can call this number to argue with the company about it: 353-1248-0860. Best of luck.

Be prepared and manage expectations

If you haven't flown Ryanair in a while — or ever — you need to be prepared for what's ahead. You'll be charged for food and water during the flight, there are inflight announcements every few minutes (no, we don't want to purchase lottery tickets, Ryanair), your seat won't recline and people start lining up hours before boarding. Be prepared for airplane clappers upon landing.

But if you pack smart, you can enjoy a somewhat more comfortable flight. Don't forget to bring:

• Noise-canceling headphones
• Water (post-security)
• A neck pillow, if you plan to sleep
• A travel scarf or blanket, if you get cold

If boarding early is important to you, get ready to line up. Even if you have priority boarding, it's important to remember that as many as 94 other people will also have priority boarding, so plan to be at your gate with plenty of time, if you'd like to board first.

Ultimately, flying Ryanair is really about managing expectations. When you only paid $30 for your flight, you aren't having a high-end experience because you haven't paid for such luxuries. Take it in stride and try to relax and enjoy the flight. If it's important to you to have a less hectic, more upscale flying experience, stock up those points and miles and use them to book business class on a European full-fare carrier such as British Airways or KLM.

Read the fine print

Your Ryanair guide from TPG can help you navigate your next trip with the budget carrier, but airlines can change their rules at any time, so it's important to always read the conditions of your ticket before purchasing. It's also a good idea to know and understand your rights as a flyer in case of delays, flight cancellations and strikes. Above all, this guide should ensure you're prepared for your typical Ryanair flight and won't have to shell out for silly fees. And just remember, when the lottery ticket announcements are raging and your feet are squished under your personal item -- all that extra money you saved can go toward a fancy hotel room, shopping or dining at your destination.

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Common Travel Area between Ireland and the UK

What is the common travel area, your rights within the common travel area, border control and the common travel area, brexit and the common travel area.

The Common Travel Area (CTA) is an arrangement between the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland that gives a variety of rights to citizens of those countries. It includes more than the basic right to travel freely between both countries.

When the Common Travel Area arrangement began in 1922, it was not contained in any legislation. It was an understanding between Ireland and the UK based on their common history. Over time, some of the rights came to be included in different pieces of legislation in both Ireland and the UK.

While the Common Travel Area is recognised under the Treaty of Amsterdam, it is not dependant on the European Union and the continuing membership of both countries.

On 8 May 2019, the Irish and UK governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding (pdf) reaffirming the Common Travel Area and identifying the rights and privileges of Irish and UK citizens within the CTA. It also reaffirmed the commitment to maintain the CTA following Brexit (pdf) .

Common Travel Area rights can only be exercised by citizens of Ireland and the UK. If you are not a citizen of Ireland or the UK, you cannot exercise Common Travel Area rights.

For the purposes of the Common Travel Area, the UK covers:

• Northern Ireland
• The Isle of Man
• The Channel Islands

Irish and UK citizens have the right to live, travel, work and study within the Common Travel Area. The rights of Irish citizens have been recognised in the UK’s Immigration and Social Security (EU Withdrawal) Act 2020 .

Irish and UK citizens can live in either country and enjoy associated rights and privileges, including:

• Access to social benefits
• Access to healthcare
• Access to social housing supports
• The right to vote in certain elections

The Common Travel Area does not relate to goods or customs issues. You can read about the trade agreement between Ireland and the UK in Brexit and Ireland .

There are no routine passport controls in operation for Irish and UK citizens travelling between the 2 countries.

However, you must show identification to board a ferry or an airplane, and some airlines and sea carriers only accept a passport as valid identification. You may also be asked by an immigration officer to prove that you are a citizen of Ireland or the UK, so you should carry a passport with you. You can also use an Irish passport card, or other proof that you are an Irish citizen.

If you have family members who are not UK or EEA citizens, they may need a visa to enter Ireland or the UK. A residency scheme for family members of UK citizens who move to Ireland after 1 January 2021 is now in place.

The Common Travel Area also involves some co-operation on immigration issues. A non-EEA national, for example, may be refused permission to enter Ireland if they intend to travel onwards to the UK and they would not qualify for admission to the UK. Irish immigration officers have the power to carry out checks on people arriving in the State from the UK and to refuse them entry to the State on the same grounds that apply to people arriving from outside the Common Travel Area. These checks are carried out selectively.

You can find out more about travelling to the UK from Ireland .

EU and EEA citizens travelling to Great Britain from Ireland

If you are a citizen of the EEA (the EU, plus Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein) or Switzerland, you may be asked for identification when you enter Great Britain from Ireland. You are not asked to show identification if you are entering Northern Ireland from Ireland.

You must have an EEA passport to enter Great Britain from Ireland unless you have:

• Settled or pre-settled status in the UK, or you are awaiting a decision on your application and have received confirmation that your application is valid.
• An EU Settlement Scheme family permit, or the equivalent from Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man
• A Frontier Worker Permit
• An S2 Healthcare Visitor visa
• A Service Provider from Switzerland visa

If you are in any of the above categories, you can use an EEA or Swiss national identity card to enter Great Britain from Ireland.

Electronic Travel Authorisation

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required by some nationalities before travelling to the UK unless they are living in and travelling from Ireland.

Cross border workers

Irish and British citizens can live and work in both Ireland and the UK and they can live in one country and work in the other country. For example, you might live in Ireland and work in Northern Ireland. This is called frontier working or cross-border working .

EEA and Swiss citizens who were living in Ireland and working in Northern Ireland before the end of 2020, must have a Frontier Work Permit to continue working in Northern Ireland. EEA and Swiss citizens who live in Ireland and start working in Northern Ireland from the beginning of 2021 must apply for permission to work in the UK through the UK’s points-based immigration system .

People with UK visas or residence permits

If you are a citizen of a country whose nationals need a visa to enter Ireland and you have a valid UK visa or residence permit, you may be required to have a visa to enter Ireland before you arrive in Ireland.

Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme

The Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme allows nationals of a number of Eastern European, Middle East and Asian countries who have a short-term UK visa to come to Ireland without the need for a separate Irish visa.

Reciprocal visa arrangements

A British Irish Visa Scheme applies to visitors from China and India. This scheme allows visitors from these countries to travel freely within the Common Travel Area (excluding the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man), using either an Irish or UK visa. British Irish Visa Scheme visas are endorsed with ‘BIVS’.

Both schemes are provided for in the Immigration Act (Visas) Order 2014 (SI 473/2014) as amended by Immigration Act (Visas) Order 2016 (SI 502/2016) .

You can read more about visa requirements for entering Ireland , or you can get further information about visa applications from Irish embassies and consulates abroad .

The UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU) has not affected the rights of Irish citizens and UK citizens within the Common Travel Area. The right to live, work and access public services in the Common Travel Area is protected.

Your Common Travel Area rights do not extend to your family. This means that if your spouse or partner, or other relative, is not an Irish or UK citizen, they may have to apply for residence in the UK .

You can read about residence rights of British citizens in Ireland.

Common Travel Area in law and the Protocol

The Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Act 2019 places many of the Common Travel Area rights in legislation for the first time. The Act empowers the relevant ministers to legislate in the areas of providing equal access to healthcare and social welfare.

The withdrawal agreement between the UK and the European Union recognises the Common Travel Area in its Protocol, which deals with Ireland and Northern Ireland . Article 2 provides for the continued operation of the Common Travel Area.

You can read more about the UK leaving the EU in our pages:

• Background to Brexit
• Brexit and Ireland

You can get more information on the Common Travel Area from the Department of Foreign Affairs and on legal matters and rights from gov.ie .

Related documents

• Studying in the UK including Northern Ireland Many people leave to study in Northern Ireland and elsewhere in the UK where there are different application procedures and fees. 1968.4203
• The Schengen Area What countries are in the Schengen Area, and what does it mean for travellers to and from Ireland? 1922.987
• The euro area The euro is the national currency of 19 EU member states. This document explains how it operates. 1752.6823

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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Ryanair Passports UK To Ireland - Ireland Forum

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Ryanair is the only airline that requires a passport for this as UK to Ireland is under the Common Travel Area. Ryanair specifically stipulate you can't use a driving licence (other airlines allow this).

My passport is valid until June 2022 however it was issued over 10 years ago which makes it invalid for travel to other EU countries as passports must be issued within 10 years.

I have emailed Ryanair (6 times so far) but cannot get a straight answer on whether they will accept my passport or not.

Does anyone else have experience of this ?

Thanks in advance

32 replies to this topic

as it is not legally required for entry to ireland, and it is still a valid passport, you will have no problem from ryanair. they just want to see who you are.

Thanks so much. Really appreciated; I've been quite worried :-)

Was just wondering how you got on with this?

Hi. It was absolutely fine. They didn’t even query it.

Thank you so much for this question and answer I’m in exactly the same situation and trying to renew my passport has been an absolute nightmare. I’m so relieved to have found this recent and relative post 🤗

You are going to Belfast as there are no passports available in the UK? Utter rubbish, Belfast is in the UK.

Thank you, it stated it on the website, thought it was strange :-)

" it stated it on the website"

What was stated on what website?

When a passport is cancelled it cannot be used to pass through a border as the biometics are cancelled. However if can still generally used as proof of identity.

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19 Facts About Ryanair

Written by Collie Meneses

Modified & Updated: 02 Jun 2024

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

Ryanair is a well-known low-cost airline that has revolutionized the travel industry. With its affordable fares, extensive route network, and controversial CEO, Michael O’Leary, Ryanair has become one of the most popular choices for budget-conscious travelers. But there’s more to Ryanair than just cheap tickets and bold marketing tactics. In this article, we will delve into the lesser-known facts about Ryanair that make it both unique and intriguing. From its humble beginnings to its impressive growth, you’ll discover the fascinating journey of this influential airline. So fasten your seatbelts and get ready to explore 19 interesting facts about Ryanair that will give you a new perspective on this European aviation giant.

Key Takeaways:

• Ryanair, founded in 1984, is a popular low-cost airline with over 1,800 daily flights and a fleet of 400 aircraft. It offers affordable travel, prioritizes punctuality, and serves diverse destinations across Europe.
• With its unique approach to affordability and punctuality, Ryanair has grown to become one of Europe’s leading airlines, offering a wide range of travel options and a dedicated customer support team.

Ryanair was established in 1984.

Ryanair, an Irish low-cost airline, was founded in 1984 by Tony Ryan. Since then, it has grown to become one of the largest and most well-known airlines in Europe.

The airline operates over 1,800 flights per day.

Ryanair operates a vast network of flights, with over 1,800 flights taking off each day. This extensive flight schedule allows passengers to travel to a wide range of destinations across Europe and beyond.

Ryanair has a fleet of over 400 aircraft.

The airline boasts a fleet of over 400 aircraft, primarily consisting of Boeing 737-800s. This large fleet size enables Ryanair to efficiently serve its extensive route network .

Ryanair is known for its low-cost model.

Ryanair is renowned for its low-cost approach to air travel. By utilizing strategies such as no-frills service, secondary airports, and unbundled fares, the airline aims to offer affordable travel options to its passengers.

The airline allows only one small cabin bag for free.

As part of its cost-saving measures, Ryanair permits passengers to bring only one small cabin bag on board free of charge. Additional bags or larger items may incur extra fees.

Ryanair prioritizes on-time performance.

The airline places a strong emphasis on punctuality and strives to maintain a high on-time performance record. This commitment to timeliness ensures that passengers can rely on Ryanair for efficient travel experiences.

Ryanair offers a wide range of destinations.

With its extensive route network , Ryanair connects travelers to numerous cities and destinations across Europe and beyond. Whether you’re planning a city break, beach getaway, or business trip, Ryanair has you covered.

Ryanair has introduced new environmental initiatives.

In recent years, Ryanair has taken steps to address environmental concerns . The airline has invested in more fuel-efficient aircraft and implemented carbon offset programs to reduce its carbon footprint.

Ryanair has faced controversies in the past.

Over the years, Ryanair has encountered several controversies, such as disputes with staff and customer service issues. However, the airline has also taken steps to improve its image and customer satisfaction.

The airline offers a loyalty program called “Ryanair MyRyanair.”

Ryanair provides a loyalty program called “MyRyanair,” which allows frequent flyers to earn points and enjoy exclusive benefits. This program helps foster customer loyalty and rewards passengers for their continued support.

Ryanair operates numerous bases across Europe.

The airline has established several bases across Europe, from which its flights operate. These bases serve as hubs for Ryanair’s operations, facilitating efficient connectivity between cities.

Ryanair offers a variety of add-on services.

In addition to its basic fares, Ryanair provides optional add-on services such as priority boarding, extra legroom , and reserved seating. These services allow passengers to customize their travel experience based on their preferences.

Ryanair has a strict baggage policy.

The airline enforces a strict baggage policy to ensure efficient boarding and quick turnaround times. Passengers must adhere to the specified weight and size limits for both cabin and checked baggage.

Ryanair has won multiple awards.

Over the years, Ryanair has received numerous accolades and awards, recognizing its achievements in the aviation industry. These accolades include notable titles such as “Best Low-Cost Airline” and “Europe’s Leading Low-Cost Airline.”

The airline has a strong online presence.

Ryanair has embraced the digital era and maintains a robust online presence. Passengers can easily book flights, manage their reservations, and access important travel information through the airline’s user-friendly website and mobile app.

Ryanair has a unique approach to advertising.

The airline is known for its cheeky and sometimes controversial advertising campaigns. Ryanair has gained attention for its attention-grabbing advertisements, often using humor and edgy slogans to captivate audiences.

Ryanair offers a “Price Promise” guarantee.

Ryanair promises its customers that they will not find cheaper fares for the same route on any other airline. In the rare instance that a lower fare is found, Ryanair offers a refund of the price difference, ensuring competitive pricing for its customers.

Ryanair has expanded its services to include package holidays.

In addition to flights, Ryanair now offers package holiday deals, allowing passengers to book flights and accommodation together. This expansion provides travelers with convenient and affordable options for planning their vacations.

Ryanair has a dedicated customer support team.

Ryanair has a dedicated customer support team that is available to assist passengers with any queries or concerns before, during, and after their journey. The airline strives to provide excellent customer service and address customer needs effectively.

In conclusion, Ryanair, one of the largest low-cost airlines in Europe, has revolutionized the way people travel with its budget-friendly fares and extensive network. With a commitment to constantly improving the customer experience, Ryanair has become a popular choice for many travelers. From its humble beginnings to its impressive growth, the airline has established itself as a major player in the industry. With innovative features such as online check-in and a strict baggage policy, Ryanair continues to attract millions of passengers each year. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway or a budget-friendly vacation, Ryanair has you covered with its wide range of destinations and affordable prices. So, the next time you’re planning a trip, consider flying with Ryanair for a convenient and cost-effective travel experience.

1. How many destinations does Ryanair fly to?

Ryanair flies to over 200 destinations across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

2. Can I bring hand luggage on a Ryanair flight?

Yes, Ryanair allows passengers to bring one small cabin bag on board. However, larger bags must be checked in for an additional fee.

3. Are meals included in Ryanair flights?

No, meals are not included in the ticket price. Passengers can purchase food and beverages on board.

4. Can I make changes to my Ryanair booking?

Yes, it is possible to make changes to your Ryanair booking, but additional fees may apply.

5. Does Ryanair offer Wi-Fi on board?

Yes, Ryanair offers Wi-Fi on select flights for a fee.

6. Can I earn frequent flyer miles with Ryanair?

No, Ryanair does not have a frequent flyer program. However, they do offer various discounts and promotions for loyal customers.

7. What is Ryanair’s baggage policy?

Ryanair has a strict baggage policy, allowing only one small cabin bag per passenger. Additional bags must be checked in for an extra charge.

8. How do I check-in for my Ryanair flight?

Ryanair offers online check-in, which allows passengers to check-in and print their boarding passes in advance.

9. Can I purchase travel insurance through Ryanair?

Yes, Ryanair offers travel insurance options at the time of booking.

10. Are pets allowed on Ryanair flights?

Only certified assistance dogs are permitted on Ryanair flights.

Ryanair's success story is just one fascinating chapter in the ever-evolving world of air travel. From its humble beginnings to becoming Europe's largest airline, Ryanair has revolutionized the industry with its innovative low-cost model and expansive network of destinations. As you've discovered these 19 captivating facts about Ryanair, why not explore more intriguing insights into the airline industry and the wonders of aviation ? Buckle up and prepare for takeoff as you embark on a journey through the captivating world of air travel!

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• Entering and staying in the UK

Travelling to the UK from Ireland, Isle of Man, Guernsey or Jersey

Information for people travelling to the UK from Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, and information for people passing through the UK on the way to Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man.

The Common Travel Area

The Common Travel Area (CTA) is made up of the UK, Ireland and the Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man).

For the UK, the CTA arrangements means that you won’t always go through UK immigration control when travelling to the UK from somewhere else in the CTA. This is different to when you come to the UK from outside of the CTA.

You will never go through immigration control at the land border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.

British and Irish citizens

Under the CTA arrangements , Irish citizens in the UK and British citizens in Ireland have the right to live, work, study, and access healthcare, social security and public services in each other’s countries without having to apply for permission.

Read more about what the CTA means for Irish citizens .

You don’t need to show your passport to a Border Force officer when travelling from Ireland to Great Britain. However, you may be asked to show a document that confirms your identity and nationality.

This could include:

• a valid passport or passport card (if you’re Irish)
• a copy of your passport or passport card with your identity and nationality clearly visible
• an expired passport or passport card, which Border Force are satisfied was issued to you originally
• evidence of having obtained British or Irish citizenship

This list is not exhaustive and other documents including providing more than one may be accepted. These are considered on a case by case basis by Border Force.

You will not pass through any immigration control when you enter the UK from Ireland across the land border, so you don’t need any documents to enter the UK on that route.

If you’re not a British or Irish citizen

There are different rules if you enter the UK from the CTA than if you enter the UK from a place outside the CTA. Usually, you don’t need to get permission to enter the UK if you are arriving from the CTA for a visit of up to 6 months.

However, there are exceptions to this. Some people need permission to enter the UK for a short visit wherever in the CTA they travel from. Other people only need permission if they’re travelling from Ireland.

If you enter the UK illegally from another part of the CTA, you may be removed from the UK.

People who need permission to enter the UK from anywhere within the CTA

For most people, there are different arrangements in place depending on whether you travel to the UK from Ireland or the Crown Dependencies .

You need to seek permission to enter the UK from anywhere in the CTA if:

• you are subject to a deportation order
• your exclusion has been deemed conducive to the public good
• you have previously been refused permission to enter the UK and haven’t, since the time you were refused permission, been granted permission to enter or remain in the UK or any of the Crown Dependencies

Travelling from Ireland to the UK

If you’re from an eea country or switzerland.

However, you may be asked to show your passport (which should be valid for the whole of your stay) or identity card to enter Great Britain when travelling from Ireland if you are encountered by Border Force.

You cannot use an EEA or Swiss national identity card to enter the UK, and can only use a valid passport, unless you:

• have settled or pre-settled status under the  EU Settlement Scheme , or Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man’s settlement schemes
• have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit, or the equivalent from Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man
• have a Frontier Worker permit
• are an S2 Healthcare Visitor
• are a Swiss national and have a Service Provider from Switzerland visa

Irish citizens can use a passport card.

If you’re waiting for a decision on your application for settled or pre-settled status

You can still use your EEA or Swiss national identity card to enter the UK if all of the following are true:

• you’ve applied for settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man’s settlement schemes
• you’ve been issued with confirmation your application is valid
• you’re not applying as a joining family member

If you’re not from an EEA country or Switzerland

However, you may be asked by Border Force to show your passport, which should be valid for the whole of your stay, to enter Great Britain.

Permission to enter requirements

If you have permission to enter or remain in the UK (for example if you have a UK visa) you do not need further permission to enter the UK from Ireland.

You only need to get permission to enter the UK when arriving from Ireland if:

• you arrived in Ireland from outside of the CTA and did not obtain immigration permission to enter Ireland
• you’re a visa national who doesn’t have a valid UK visa, or a visa granted under the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS)
• you entered Ireland unlawfully from outside the CTA
• you entered the UK or the Crown Dependencies unlawfully and went directly from there to Ireland
• your permission to enter or stay expired before you left the UK and since then you haven’t been given permission to enter or stay in the UK or any of the Crown Dependencies
• you are the subject of an international travel ban
• you were refused admission or subject to a removal decision under specific regulations - unless you were later given permission to enter or stay

In these situations, you must either apply for:

• a visa before you travel
• permission to enter from a Border Force (immigration) Officer at the UK border

You may not be able to get permission to enter the UK from a Border Force Officer if you enter the UK from the CTA. This is because there are usually no immigration controls on these journeys, and none on the land border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.

For more information on who needs permission to enter the UK from Ireland, see the guidance on arriving in the UK from within the CTA .

Use the check if you need a UK visa tool to find out if you need a visa and what type.

Visas issued by Ireland are not acceptable for travel to the UK except for visas issued under the British Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) .

If you don’t need permission to enter the UK from Ireland

Some people automatically have permission to enter the UK when they arrive from Ireland. This permission is called ‘deemed leave’. You don’t need to apply for it. You won’t get a stamp in your passport showing deemed leave because you won’t necessarily meet a Border Force officer when travelling from Ireland to the UK.

You can enter on the basis of deemed leave when you either:

• enter Ireland from a country outside the CTA, and then travel on to the UK
• were in the UK with permission to stay for a limited time, went directly to Ireland and while you were in Ireland your permission expired, and you then came directly back to the UK

The length of time you can stay in the UK and the things you can do here on the basis of deemed leave are different depending on why you are entering the UK. If you don’t need to apply to enter the UK from Ireland, you can enter and stay in the UK on Article 4 deemed leave.

You can be in the UK for up to 6 months on your first visit from Ireland. This time starts from the date you entered the UK. You can prove the date you entered the UK by, for example, your ticket or boarding pass.

Your deemed leave ends when you leave the UK.

On following visits to the UK from Ireland, you can be in the UK for up to 2 months on the basis of deemed leave if you haven’t left the CTA since you were last in the UK.

You cannot do any paid or unpaid work if you’re in the UK on Article 4 deemed leave except for activities allowed under Appendix V: Visitor of the Immigration Rules .

If you want to come to the UK to do something that isn’t allowed under Article 4 deemed leave, you must apply for the relevant visa before you travel to the UK.

Use the check if you need a UK visa tool to find out which visa is right for what you want to do.

Other ways for non-visa nationals to enter the UK using deemed leave

You can also use deemed leave if you enter the UK from Ireland either:

• as an S2 healthcare visitor
• to do a permitted paid engagement

The rules of your deemed leave will be different depending on what you are coming to do.

Travelling to the UK for S2 healthcare treatment

S2 Healthcare Visitor arrangements apply to patients who applied before 11pm on 31 December 2020 to come to the UK for a course of planned healthcare treatment under the ‘S2 healthcare route’.

These arrangements also cover people who come with or join S2 Healthcare patients to support or care for them during their treatment.

See more information on S2 Healthcare Visitors including the documents you need .

If none of the exemptions apply to you and you enter the UK from Ireland with a valid S2 certificate you can enter and stay in the UK under Article 5 deemed leave. This is also true for anybody accompanying or joining you to provide care or support.

Under Article 5 deemed leave, you have permission to enter for 6 months, starting from the date you enter the UK from Ireland. You can prove this date, for example, with your travel ticket or boarding pass. This deemed leave ends when you leave the UK.

You cannot do any paid or unpaid work.

You can apply for permission to stay in the UK for another 6 months if treatment needs to continue. There’s no limit to the number of 6 month extensions you and your accompanying person can apply for, as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

If you go from the UK to Ireland and then back to the UK without having left the CTA, you’ll automatically be able to stay in the UK for up to 6 months if you still have a valid S2 healthcare certificate. This permission will start from the date you return to the UK.

Irish citizens in the UK automatically have rights to enter and stay in the UK and don’t need deemed leave for healthcare purposes (except in a rare circumstances).

If you’re a visa national you must hold a visa issued under the S2 Healthcare Visitor route in the Immigration Rules before you get to the UK, including from Ireland.

See more information on the S2 Healthcare Visitor route .

Travelling to the UK for permitted paid engagements

If you are coming to the UK for a permitted paid engagement from Ireland, you can stay in the UK on the basis of Article 6 deemed leave for up to one month.

Your deemed leave starts from the date you first enter the UK from Ireland. You can prove this date, for example, with your travel ticket or boarding pass. This deemed leave ends when you leave the UK.

On further visits to the UK you can only stay for up to 7 days on the basis of Article 6 deemed leave on each visit from Ireland, as long as you haven’t left the CTA in between visits to the UK.

If you want to use the longer deemed leave period given by Article 4 then you must first leave the CTA. You cannot switch between Article 4 and Article 6 deemed leave while still in the CTA.

You can do a different permitted paid engagement activity each time you visit the UK.

Your permitted paid engagement must:

• have been arranged before you travel to the UK
• be evidenced by a formal invitation
• relate to your area of expertise and occupation overseas

Travelling to the UK through Ireland under the Creative Worker visa concession

If you are travelling to the UK through Ireland under the Creative Worker visa concession you must apply for remote clearance at least 72 hours before you arrive in the UK.

Travelling between the Crown Dependencies and the UK

You don’t need a passport when travelling from the Crown Dependencies to the UK. However, you may need to show a Border Force officer document confirming your identity.

• a copy of your passport or passport card with your identity clearly visible
• a driving licence
• an armed forces identity card

This list is not exhaustive and other proof may be accepted. This will be considered on a case by case basis by Border Force.

You may also need to show that you have permission to enter the UK such as:

• a biometric residence permit
• proof of your digital status (or eVisa)
• a vignette in your passport
• confirmation of immigration permission from one of the Crown Dependencies

This list is not exhaustive and you may be able to confirm you have permission to enter the UK in another way. Your circumstances will be considered on a case by case basis by Border Force.

If you get permission to enter or stay in the UK, that permission and any conditions attached to it also apply in the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey (the Crown Dependencies). The same is true if the Crown Dependencies give you permission to enter or stay and you then travel to the UK.

You only need one UK visa if you plan to travel directly to the UK or any of the Crown Dependencies, or stop in any one of those places on the way to another.

Submit and pay for visa applications for permission to enter the Crown Dependencies in the same way as for the UK.

Travelling through the UK on your way to another part of the CTA

Even if you only enter the UK as part of your journey to Ireland or the Crown Dependencies you must still follow the UK’s immigration laws while you’re in the UK .

You must follow the immigration laws of whichever part of the CTA that you are in at the time. This includes visa requirements, restrictions on employment and length of stay.

Travelling to Ireland from the UK

Check travel advice for Ireland .

Added link to advice on travel to Ireland.

Updated section on 'Travelling to the UK through Ireland under the Creative Worker visa concession' to reflect that this concession is no longer available to sporting workers.

Updated information on use of ID cards to enter the UK if you're an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen.

Updated information for Irish citizens travelling to the UK from Ireland or the Crown Dependencies.

First published.

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Complete Guide to Flying RyanAir (& Not Getting Ripped-Off)

You may have heard of the infamous RyanAir airlines. If not, let me introduce you. RyanAir is an Irish budget airline, zipping around destinations in Europe, North Africa, and even the Middle East for sometimes as low as $10 a ticket. Yep, you read that right – no typo. I have literally seen tickets for $10 one way and have personally purchased tickets on multiple occasions for under $20.

Does this sound too good to be true ? Talk to enough people, and some will tell you it IS too good to be true. They’ll tell you to avoid RyanAir like the plague, before engaging you in their personal story of RyanAir disaster. But then, someone else will overhear your discussion and chime in, claiming that they love RyanAir and this other person must just not have followed the rules. 

Well, between studying abroad in London, working abroad full time in Germany, and visiting European family over holidays, I have used RyanAir (as well as other budget airlines) a lot , and I’ve seen it all – the good, the bad, and the ugly . And, because I love you all so much, I’ve condensed all my knowledge into this nifty little complete guide on everything you should know about RyanAir before deciding to fly with them.

1. BOOK YOUR FLIGHT AS FAR IN ADVANCE AS POSSIBLE

In general, RyanAir is very cheap. Especially if you are not dead-set on your destination, you will not have a problem finding a cheap flight at any time. But it becomes really, really cheap the further out from your date you buy. RyanAir sells a set amount of tickets at a certain price, and you’ll often see “xx amount of tickets left at this price” when a flight is about to sell out of the current price level.

Also booking in advance can mean a more convenient flight date and flight time. As the travel date nears, the difference in price between flights on Mondays – Thursdays versus Fridays and Sundays grows. So if you are not flexible with your dates (maybe you are a student or expat in Europe who can only leave Friday night and be back by Sunday night), book ahead to avoid weekend price spikes. For less popular destinations, though, be aware that RyanAir flies less frequently, only on certain days a week or certain months a year, so you might need to arrange your schedule around the flight.

2. NO FOOD OR DRINK INCLUDED IN TICKET

I did mention it is a budget airline, right? This is one way RyanAir keeps their prices low. No pretzels, no peanuts, not even water is included in the ticket price. Snacks, simple meals (think wraps and chips, cheese and fruit platters) and drinks are, however, available for purchase in flight. You can also buy meals and drinks at the airport before take off, and bring them on the plane with you. Many of RyanAir’s routes are short hops between bordering European countries, so you might not even need food and snacks anyways. But I do recommend bringing an empty refillable water bottle to fill up after passing security in case you get thirsty. I do this for all flights to save money and stay hydrated, not just RyanAir.

3. ONLY ONE SMALL PERSONAL ITEM INCLUDED IN TICKET

RyanAir used to include one small personal item and one check-in bag in each ticket, but in recent years have made check-in bags an extra. Current flight + carry-on add-on prices seem to match previous flight prices, though, so do not think of this as an additional cost, but rather just as an additional step to take at check out: make sure you add a carry-on bag to your flight purchase. You can also add a check-in bag to your ticket if you need. While so many add-ons may be inconvenient, the sum of all these costs is often still much, much lower than flying with a non-budget airline. But this is not always the case – so do compare your total round-trip cost to other airlines’ prices before buying.

4. THE AIRPORT MIGHT BE OUT OF THE WAY

This will depend on your location. Some cities have 2 airports (Berlin, Rome, Paris), one being the main international airport for big airlines, and the other being for budget airlines. Other cities (Barcelona, Marrakech, Dublin) have only one airport for both big and small airlines. Before purchasing your ticket, look up on Google Maps where your airport is located. Can it be reached by public transport? If not, is there a bus or shuttle service to the main city? If yes, how much does this cost – does it still keep your flight cheap enough? Do a quick Google or TripAdvisor search of how to get to and from your airports before purchasing your ticket.

Two great examples of this are London and Dusseldorf.

• London has four popular airports. Heathrow is the main one, used by large airlines. It is directly connected to the subway system and is very easy to get to and from. Budget airlines fly into and from Gatwick, Stansted, and Lutton. Gatwick has an affordable coach bus service departing from a popular subway station, and Stansted and Lutton have affordable shuttle options that stop and drop off at a few different locations around London. My point is – even though the budget airports are not as simple to reach as the main airport, they are still reasonably and affordably reachable.
• Dusseldorf, in Germany, also has a large international airport. But when RyanAir says it flies from Dusseldorf, it actually means Weeze, which is practically in the Netherlands. It is very hard to reach Weeze from Dusseldorf, as driving takes 1.5 hours, and shuttles and trains are infrequent, expensive, and require transfers. In this case, it is probably best to use a different airline that flies into Dusseldorf’s real airport, and not Weeze.

5. MAKE SURE YOUR BAGS ARE NOT OVERSIZED OR OVERWEIGHT

This is technically the case with any airline, but especially true of all budget airlines. They are real sticklers on bag size and weight because they can then charge obscene oversize and overweight fees – another strategy on how they keep prices low. Almost always, there is a box to measure suitcases right before the gate. If your bag looks like it might be too large, the attendant might ask you to fit it in the box to make sure the dimensions are within policy before you can board. They also have a scale at the gate and at the check-in desk, and might have you weigh your bag. In my experience, they skip weighing the bag a decent amount of the time, but I always still make sure I am not over the weight limit, just in case.

6. YOU MUST CHECK IN & PRINT YOUR OWN BOARDING PASS

This is definitely my least favorite thing about RyanAir . You must have your boarding pass printed before arriving at the airport. If not, they will charge a hefty fee to print it for you – another strategy of how they keep prices low. You can check into your flight 48 hours ahead, so this gives you 2 days to find a place to print (this used to be 10 days ahead, which was a lot more fair, but unfortunately you now need to pay to check-in earlier than 48 hours before the flight). This can be very inconvenient to do for your return flight, because you are not at home. You will need to either ask your accommodation to print it for you, or find an Internet café or print shop in your city. This is truly the single most inconvenient part of flying RyanAir, especially depending on your location. If you are an EU national, you can often use a mobile boarding pass most of the time and avoid all this trouble ( so jealous). Check the list of airports where you cannot use a mobile boarding pass here .

7. YOU MUST STOP BY THE CHECK-IN DESK BEFORE SECURITY

This may not apply to those eligible for mobile boarding passes, but if you require a printed pass, and definitely if you are a non-EU national, you will need to stop by the check-in desk for a visa check. It will state that you need this check on your boarding pass. This process is usually painless, but just keep in mind that there may be a line, so don’t assume that because you have no check-in bag, you can go straight to security.

8. THE PLANE SIZE & LEG ROOM ARE NORMAL

Some travelers complain that RyanAir has cramped legroom or small planes, but this is not true. You can expect very typical Boeing airplanes with one aisle down the middle and a typical amount of legroom. I am 5’11 (181cm) and I find their legroom absolutely standard for economy seats. There are extra legroom seats, too, for a small fee.

9. YOUR FLIGHT IS NOT MORE LIKELY TO BE DELAYED

People complain that budget airlines are always delayed, but RyanAir’s punctuality record is actually pretty good, hovering around 90% of flights arriving within 15 minutes of scheduled arrival .

10. YOU MIGHT GET THE MIDDLE SEAT

Seat selection is not included in your ticket price. You can select your seat for $5 – $10 extra while you purchase you ticket, or you can do so after checking in 2 days before the flight if you don’t like your seat. It used to be that the earlier you check in, the better your random seat typically was. But now, it seems that RyanAir disperses middle seats first, even when aisle and window seats are available, in the hopes that you will purchase a seat selection. This is also true of traveling in a group – do not expect that because you purchased under one reservation, you will be seated in a row like with other airlines. I feel that RyanAir disperses travelers in the same party, again, in hopes that they will purchase a seat selection.

Personal anecdote: I was traveling in a group of three. We checked into our flight almost exactly 48 hours ahead, right when the free check in opened. We all received middle seats, even though the plane was half empty – several aisle and window seats were available when we boarded. On the return trip, we waited until the evening before the flight to check in. Our theory was to let others check in before us and receive middle seats, to increase our chances of getting a window or aisle. The result? All 3 of us got aisle seats, and when we boarded the plane, every single seat was full on the flight except one.

Moral of the story: there is a good chance you might get a middle seat. But RyanAir flights tend to be short flights, so you will probably survive.

11. IT IS NOT THE ONLY BUDGET AIRLINE IN EUROPE

RyanAir paved the way for budget airlines, showing that there is demand for no-frills flying and that providing this can be profitable. And many others have since then followed suit. EasyJet is very similar airline to RyanAir. There are also budget versions of large airlines in the budget-airline game, like Eurowings (Lufthansa) or Vueling (Iberian). These budget versions of large airlines often include carry-on bags and allow mobile boarding passes.

12. THERE ARE NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES

Well…*technically* RyanAir claims there are exchanges and partial refunds…but keep reading to see why you should just pretend there aren’t. RyanAir policy states that there are no flight cancelations (aka, refunds). But you can make exchanges. There will be a change fee, and this fee might be more than the flight itself – especially if you bought a cheap flight (which is like the entire point of flying RyanAir, right?) – so you would probably rather just buy a whole new ticket and loose the cost of the first one *tear*. Government tax funds are also available for refunds, but this requires an application, which – you guessed it! – often costs more than the amount of the tax refund. So, when you purchase your flight, assume that it is entirely non-refundable and non-changeable in ANY way.

Recommended reading: A 5-Step Guide to Travel Cheaper

If you haven’t already figured out RyanAir’s business plan from this entire guide, it’s this: have really, really cheap, no-frills flights with just the basics, charge a little bit for extras, and charge a lot for easy-to-make mistakes. Need to check-in at the airport? 55 EUR. Need to print your boarding pass? 25 EUR. Overweight bag? 11 EUR … per kilo ! See the full list of things here , but you get my point. Most people don’t get charged all these fees, because they know what they are signing up for with RyanAir and are careful to follow the steps I’ve outlined in this guide. If you follow those, you’ll enjoy the cheapest flight prices ever .

And now you know everything you need to know about RyanAir! Personally, I love RyanAir, even though friends and I have been burned by certain policies of theirs in the past. But I have never been surprised, because I knew what RyanAir was about.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Have you flown RyanAir or other budget airlines before? Do you love them or hate them? Do you find their competitors to be better, the worse, or the same? I would love to know what you think.

LIKE IT? PIN IT FOR LATER.

Further Reading...

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How to Travel Carry On Only: A Beginner’s Guide to Minimalist Packing

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HOW CAN RYANAIR CANCEL MY BOOKING THEN NOT REFUND MY MONEY. THIS AIRLINE IS FRAUDULENT THEREFORE BEWARE AND DO NOT BOOK YOUR FLIGHT THROUGH RYANAIR.

That Travelista

Thanks for sharing! Can you let us know more details (why they canceled, what they said when you contacted them, etc.)? So that others can be better informed of what to watch out for?

It’s definitely an airline that can be a rip-off to fly (hence the title of my post). But their policy says that if THEY cancel the flight, “you may be entitled to a refund in accordance with the applicable Passenger Rights Regulations.” And when I myself have canceled a flight with them, I was able to get back the tax portion of my ticket, even though I forfeited the rest of the cost. So it seems quite extreme to me that they wouldn’t refund you if THEY cancel, when I’ve been partially refunded when I’VE voluntarily canceled my ticket.

I would also reach out to your bank to dispute the charge if RyanAir is going against the Passenger Rights Regulations by not refunding you.

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One week iceland road trip itinerary for winter, that travelista.

Ryanair Calls On Irish Government For Immediate Action Plan

To Recover Irish Aviation And Tourism

– Restore UK CTA From 1 June

– Remove All Travel Restrictions To/From EU By 1 July

Ryanair, Ireland’s largest airline, today (27 th May) called on Micheál Martin’s Government to announce an immediate rescue plan for Irish aviation and tourism, which is being devastated by Government mismanagement of the post-Covid reopening, even as vaccinations flood through the population. Ryanair called on Taoiseach Micheál Martin in this plan (due to be announced on Friday 28 th May) to;

• Restore the UK Common Travel Area, effective Tues 1 June. Ryanair condemned as bizarre and untenable Government policy that UK citizens can drive over the Northern Ireland border without restriction, yet UK families, visitors and businesses flying into Ireland must quarantine for 14 days despite the fact that over 75% of the UK adult population had now been vaccinated. In recent weeks, major European economies, including Portugal and Spain, have removed all restrictions on UK visitors, but Ireland continues to insist on its useless quarantine of vaccinated UK visitors, only if they fly here from the UK, even while they can drive over Northern Ireland border with no restrictions.
• Announce that from 1 July, all travel outbound and inbound between Ireland and all other EU member states will not be subject to any hotel quarantine or Covid restrictions. At the end of June, over 80% of Ireland’s adult population (and over 80% of the adults of most EU states) will have received at least their first dose vaccine. There should be no further restrictions on air travel between Ireland and the EU from 1 July onwards, and the ludicrous requirement that visitors to Ireland from France, Belgium and Luxembourg must spend 2 weeks in hotel quarantine should be removed. Irish citizens have a right to freedom of movement between Ireland and other EU member states, and as vaccinations reach 80%, there is no justification for hotel or any other quarantines, particularly when 80% of EU adults will have received at least their first dose vaccine.
• Recent “scare stories”, promulgated by NPHET, about the Indian variant are not grounded in science or medical fact when all of the evidence concludes that the Indian variant is not resistant to vaccines. There are now less than 100 Covid patients in Ireland’s hospitals, and less than 40 Covid patients in ICU’s. The vaccine programme is working, so Ireland needs an urgent plan to restore the UK CTA from Tues 1 June, and restore the unrestricted right to travel freely between Ireland and other EU member states from 1 July.

Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary said:

“This Government has visited untold damage on Irish aviation and tourism. Ireland has a Minister for Transport who has no plan, no policy and no commitment to aviation. Ireland is an island on the periphery of Europe, yet our Transport Minister has sat on an Aviation Recovery Plan since July 2020, but taken no action at all. Ryanair has no faith in Minister Eamonn Ryan, who has shown himself to be ineffective and not up to the job, even while Irish airlines are closing bases here, and moving aircraft and jobs overseas to the UK and Europe.

It is time for Micheál Martin’s Government to introduce an emergency rescue plan for Irish aviation and tourism. Staycations may fill some hotels in the South and West of Ireland during July & August, but it will not fill the hotels of Dublin, and nor will it support Irish tourism once the schools reopen in September. Since our Minister for Transport is incapable or unwilling to act, Micheál Martin and Leo Varadkar must now take charge and reopen Ireland from the UK from Tues 1 st June next, and to/from the EU from Thurs 1 st July next”.

Related News

Ryanair launches prague – paphos & kosice routes.

Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, today (1st August) celebrated the first flight from Prague to Paphos, while on Monday (3rd August) it will launch a twice weekly service to Kosice, both as part of its extended Summer 2020 schedule.

To celebrate its new routes, Ryanair has launched a seat sale with fares from 729 Kc for travel to Kosice and from 759 Kc to Paphos, both until the end of October, which must be booked by Wednesday (5th August), only on the Ryanair.com website.

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Do you need six months on your passport to travel to Ireland?

Have a question ask our expert simon calder.

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Q My grandson, who lives in the UK, has a passport which expires in May 2019. Can he travel to Ireland on this, or does he need to renew it? I have heard conflicting information about having to have six months remaining on it from Ryanair and Aer Lingus.

A Plenty of nonsense prevails about the travel rules that may or may not prevail after Brexit. But for journeys between Britain and Ireland, fortunately the regulations are clear. Both countries are in the common travel area (CTA), which also includes the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. There is no legal obligation for British or Irish citizens to carry a passport when crossing from one territory to another. And the government says that after Brexit there will be no practical changes to the red tape: “As now there will be no routine immigration controls on journeys from within the CTA to the UK.”

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18 Exciting Places You Can Fly to with Ryanair

Looking to try somewhere new for your next holiday or city break? From sweet summer escapes to budget-friendly cities and winter sun hotspots, we've got all the inspiration you need right here. 

London Stansted – Naples

Whether you jet in for the pizza, Pompeii or a scenic road trip around the Amalfi Coast, you’ll find Naples to be one of Italy’s most magical destinations.  Read more about the city and Ben Holbrook’s roadtrip adventures in Naples here .

Flights to Naples 

Manchester – Zadar

Zadar should be on your radar for more reasons than one – not least the amazing outdoor art installations and Roman ruins. Find out more about Zadar in Things to Do in Zadar and Beyond . 

Flights to Zadar

Edinburgh – Malta

From the honey-coloured city of Mdina to tales of knights in Valletta, ancient cities and the turquoise waters of Gozo, the Maltese archipelago is a dream destination.

Listen to our  Malta and Gozo podcast  for inspiration on what to see and do when you get there. 

Flights to Malta

London Stansted – Corfu

The island that inspired Gerald Durrell’s book My Family and Other Animals (plus the popular TV series) is filled with pretty seaside villages, mountains, forests and white sandy beaches. Discover for yourself when you pay a visit to Corfu.

Flights to Corfu

London Stansted – Ponta Delgada

Fly into Ponta Delgada and explore the Azores, from whale watching to epic hiking trails, these paradise islands are most definitely one of our most exciting destinations. Learn more about the Azores in Are the Azores for You.  

Flights to the Azores

London Stansted – Kosice

For somewhere completely different, choose Kosice for your next weekend getaway.  It’s cool, creative, budget-friendly and one of Europe’s best kept secrets.  Read more about Kosice in 11 Reasons Kosice is Europe's Best Kept Secret . 

Flights to Kosice

Leeds Bradford – Ibiza

From beachside sundowners to hazy sunrise DJ sets, the biggest party island on the planet awaits. Read our guide to a week long Ibiza party .

Flights to Ibiza

Birmingham – Murcia

There's more to Murcia than beaches. Expect amazing tapas, beautiful vineyards, scenic hiking trails and lively fiestas. Listen to our Murcia podcast and learn more about this beautiful city located in south-eastern Spain.

Flights to Murcia 

Manchester – Bordeaux

A recent makeover has seen Bordeaux transformed into one of France’s most elegant cities. Drink in the sights and sounds of Bordeaux with our podcast guide – listen here.

Flights to Bordeaux

Cardiff – Barcelona

A trip to the Catalan capital never disappoints.  From delicious tapas to non-stop nightlife and of course, Antoni Gaudi’s spectacular architecture, Barcelona offers a getaway to remember. Check out our guide to Barcelona’s coolest barrios .

Flights to Barcelona

Bristol – Chania

With its pretty Venetian Harbour, lively old port and excellent restaurants, Chania is one of Crete’s most beautiful destinations and an excellent choice if you’re planning a sunshine getaway.

Flights to Chania

Manchester – Cagliari

Sardinia’s capital is a whirl of vespas, delicious pizza and beautiful beaches. Take a break in Cagliari and discover this Mediterranean gem for yourself. P.S. Check out 5 of Cagliari's Best Beaches  before you go. 

Flights to Cagliari

London Stansted – Kefalonia

The largest of the Ionian islands is a true paradise isle, filled with spectacular beaches and sparkling blue-green waters, pretty little fishing villages, oak forests and rolling vineyards.

Flights to Kefalonia

Liverpool – Paphos

Fall in love with the birthplace of Aphrodite. From scenic hikes to dips in the Blue Lagoon, a trip to Paphos offers more than just sun, sand and sea. Know before you go, read:  What to do in Paphos .

Flights to Paphos

Stansted – Marseille

France’s second city is a vibrant melting pot of food, culture and history – plan a city break in Marseille for good times galore.

Flights to Marseille

Newcastle – Lanzarote

For beautiful beaches, spectacular hiking trails and year-round warmth, jet into Lanzarote. Read more about Lanzarote in our Lanzarote travel guide.  

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Bristol to Valencia

The home of paella is ready and waiting to welcome you to its sunny shores. From its historic Carmen neighbourhood to its futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and excellent seafront restaurants, Valencia offers more than enough attractions for a short weekend break or longer sunshine getaway. Check out our Foodie's Guide to Valencia  to find out more about the city's amazing gastronomy.

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UK and Ireland agree to maintain common travel area after Brexit

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Arthur Beesley in Dublin and Sebastian Payne in London

The UK and Ireland have signed a deal to maintain their citizens’ rights to travel freely between the two countries after the UK leaves the EU, in an initiative that some Brexiters said had wider significance for future relations with the bloc.

The agreement includes a memorandum of understanding between London and Dublin guaranteeing reciprocal rights to social security, health services and education in Ireland and the UK after Brexit. It also confirms the rights of the two countries’ citizens’ to work and vote in local and national parliamentary elections in each other’s jurisdiction.

The move to continue arrangements — known as the common travel area — that have been in place since Irish independence in the 1920s was welcomed by Eurosceptic MPs as a sign that bilateral accords can help ease tensions over the UK-Irish border.

Those tensions have become the biggest stumbling block to Theresa May’s Brexit deal, since both Eurosceptic Conservative MPs and Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist party object to “backstop” provisions to ensure there is no hard border. This has forced the UK prime minister to look instead for support from the opposition Labour party.

The backstop, which is intended to prevent a hard border if all other options fail, is opposed by Brexiters who say it could trap the entire UK in a “temporary” customs union with the EU after Britain leaves the bloc.

“[The deal] is a sensible reaffirmation of the status quo and a reminder of the fictional nature of the scare stories,” said Jacob Rees-Mogg, chair of the European Research Group of pro-hard Brexit Tory MPs.

Mark Francois, deputy chair of the ERG, said: “This agreement shows that, with political will, it is possible to maintain perfectly normal relations with the Republic of Ireland after Brexit and therefore why the dreaded backstop has really been unnecessary from the word go.”

Others, however, highlighted that the agreement covered movement of people, not goods and services — the most contentious issue affecting the border once the UK has left the EU.

Sam Lowe, a senior research fellow at the Centre for European Reform, said that the agreement should be “celebrated” but warned “it does not tell us anything about how goods will be treated when they cross the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland post-Brexit”.

He added: “While the common travel area was always designated an issue to be negotiated and resolved by the UK and Ireland bilaterally, the external trade policy of the EU is very much not.”

The arrangements involved in Wednesday’s deal were previously set out in separate laws and bilateral agreements, many of which have been linked to EU legislation since the two countries joined the bloc in 1973.

They cover Ireland, the UK, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, allowing British and Irish citizens to travel freely and reside in either jurisdiction.

The document was signed in London by David Lidington, Theresa May’s de facto deputy, and Simon Coveney, Irish deputy premier.

Mr Lidington said the common travel area was “a longstanding, cherished set of arrangements that have real significance in people’s day-to-day lives”. Mr Coveney said: “This [agreement] demonstrates and confirms the commitment of both governments to maintaining the common travel area in all circumstances.”

Mr Lidington and Mr Coveney were attending a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference, a group of UK and Irish ministers that was set up under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement to settle sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland.

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International Edition

Do you need a passport to fly to Ireland with Ryanair?

Unlike other airlines operating domestic routes within the UK, Ryanair insist on all passengers displaying passports only as their photographic identification. Failure to show a valid passport, may result in refusal of travel.

That will depend on your nationality and where you are flying from. If you are an Irish or British citizen flying between Britain and Ireland , then you don't need a passport, but you would need identification, so most people bring passports anyway. If you are not an Irish or British citizen then you will need one no matter where you are flying from.

Very unwise to travel without it regardless how you travel even if you are a European citizen travelling within the EU.

Add your answer:

Do you need a passport to fly to Ireland from Canada?

Yes you do. If you leave out of state you need a passport

Do you need passport to fly from Ireland to Amsterdam?

Do you need a passport to fly from northern ireland to england.

No passport is require to travel from Manchester to Ireland unless you're flying through Ryanair. This is due to the fact that these areas are part of the Common Travel Area, which is a free travel agreement between the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands.

Do you need a passport to fly to Ireland from the uk?

No. There is a common travel agreement between Ireland and Britain.

Do you need any identity information to fly to northern Ireland?

Yes, your passport.

Do you need a passport to fly to Ireland?

That will depend on your nationality and where you are coming from. Generally though, for any international travel you should have a passport.

What I'd is needed to fly to Dublin from Prestwick on a Ryan air flight-?

The ID that is needed to fly to Dublin from Prestwick on a Ryanair flight is a passport.

Where do Ryanair fly to in Sicily?

Ryanair fly to Palermo & Trapani.

Do you need a passport to fly to dubiln?

If you are from another country yes. But if you are just from another city in Ireland then of course not.

Can you fly from Ireland to England without a passport?

How long does in passport need to be valid to fly to ireland.

When you fly to Ireland from within the United Kingdom it is not required to have a passport with you at all. Airlines will require you to carry some sort of ID though (like a drivers license). When you travel to Ireland from any other country your passport will have to have a validity extending 3 months after the planned day of your return flight.

Will ryanair let you fly with photo id?

This depends on what route you are travelling on. But a passport is always accepted and will be needed for the vast majority of routes.

Top Categories

Britain and Ireland

• 1.1 Dependencies
• 3 Other destinations
• 4 Understand
• 6.1 Immigration and visa requirements
• 6.2 By plane
• 6.3 By train
• 6.4 By boat
• 7.1 The Common Travel Area
• 7.2 By plane
• 7.3 By boat
• 7.5 By train
• 8.1 United Kingdom
• 8.2 Ireland
• 10.1.1 Banknotes
• 10.1.2 Coins
• 10.2 Ireland
• 12.2 Cafés and tearooms
• 12.3 Whisky (Whiskey)
• 13 Stay safe

Great Britain , Ireland and the rest of the British Isles lie just northwest of the European mainland. Together they form one of the most visited regions on the planet, containing some of the world's most recognisable landmarks, historical sites dating back thousands of years, and unique natural environments, world cities, quaint towns, and remote and isolated areas and islands.

Dependencies

• 54.597 -5.93 1 Belfast — The capital of Northern Ireland and a cultural meeting point between the United Kingdom and Ireland.
• 52.483056 -1.893611 2 Birmingham — Located in the centre of England, Birmingham is the economic powerhouse of the Midlands. It is the second largest city in this region.
• 51.483333 -3.183333 3 Cardiff — The capital of Wales, Cardiff is a lively and exciting capital city.
• 53.347778 -6.259722 4 Dublin — Home of Guinness and Western Roman Catholicism, Ireland's capital is more than just a pretty face.
• 55.953056 -3.188889 5 Edinburgh — Sometimes referred to as 'the Athens of the North', Edinburgh is Scotland's capital.
• 55.858 -4.259 6 Glasgow — The biggest city in Scotland, 40 miles west from Edinburgh and gateway to the western glens and lochs.
• 53.4 -3 7 Liverpool — Home of the Scouse, The Beatles and the Three Graces
• 51.507222 -0.1275 8 London — A truly iconic, global city, the capital of both England and the United Kingdom, it buzzes with different cultures and a more than two-thousand year history to match.
• 53.466667 -2.233333 9 Manchester — Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and Birmingham's rival for the title of 'second city', Manchester is a lively, thriving destination.

Other destinations

• 53.116667 -9.7 1 Aran Islands
• 52.971751 -9.426334 2 Cliffs of Moher
• 55.240833 -6.511667 3 Giant's Causeway — 40,000 basalt rocks rise spectacularly out of the sea at Northern Ireland's only UNESCO site
• 55.57351 -5.25333 4 Isle of Arran — "Scotland in miniature" packs in mountain, sea, beach and forest and a geologically diverse terrain
• 54.5 -3.166667 5 Lake District National Park
• 57.3 -4.45 6 Loch Ness — Scotland's most heroic of lochs, this northerly one is said to be home of the ferocious Loch Ness Monster.
• 51.845 -4.842222 7 Pembrokeshire — Great Britain's only coastal national park
• 52.9 -3.85 8 Snowdonia National Park — mountainous region in northwestern Wales, including and named after Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales.
• 51.178844 -1.826189 9 Stonehenge — Located on Salisbury Plain in southern England, Stonehenge is a place of pilgrimage on the Winter and Summer Solstices.

The British Isles also include many smaller islands, one of which is the British Crown dependency of the Isle of Man . The Channel Islands are also Crown dependencies so they are included here even though they are not geographically part of the archipelago; they lie just off the French coast.

Trains, ferries, planes and roads connect the region together. English speaking visitors are guaranteed to be able to communicate everywhere within the region, read any important signs and maps, and get to know the people.

The UK once ruled the huge British Empire , and since independence was gained by most of the territories of it, the Commonwealth of Nations continues to be an important political association, now of 54 member states.

English is spoken everywhere, by almost everyone of school age and over. In the Republic of Ireland, Irish and English are the official languages; regions where Irish is the dominant language are called Gaeltachtaí . In addition to English and Irish (spoken by some in Northern Ireland), the UK's other indigenous languages include Scottish Gaelic in the Highlands and Hebrides, Scots in Lowland Scotland and Northern Ireland, and Welsh in Wales. Cornish nearly became extinct, but has been revived by some enthusiasts in Cornwall. Manx on the Isle of Man is another vulnerable language. In the Channel Islands, French has co-official status with English, though non-Anglophone islanders are more likely to speak one of three Norman dialects, Jerriais , Guernesiais and Sercquiais .

Visitors with reasonable fluency in English should have no difficulty anywhere in the region. There are however strong regional differences in the way English is spoken, and it is not uncommon for a native speaker from one region to have some difficulty in understanding another from a different region - for example a Donegal native in Yorkshire, or a Londoner in Glasgow. This actually makes it easier for a non-native speaker to get by, as most people are used to decoding English spoken in many different ways. Do not be embarrassed if you cannot understand someone, or they cannot understand you, as even native speakers have this problem from time to time! The article English language varieties covers some of the dialect differences.

All official signs in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man use English, but in many areas signs are bilingual, and occasionally trilingual, using English and the additional local language(s). In the Republic of Ireland signs are bilingual English and Irish, apart from in the Gaeltachtaí where the signs are in Irish only. Foreign languages are almost entirely absent from official signage.

The UK has attracted a good deal of immigration creating sizeable communities from all over the world, and it is common to hear other languages in the cities.

Visitors may find more useful information in the "Get in" sections of the specific part of the region they wish to enter.

Immigration and visa requirements

There are five separate jurisdictions with their own immigration rules in this region: UK, Ireland, Isle of Man, and the two bailiwicks of the Channel Islands. They still comprise a Common Travel Area with considerable co-operation and co-ordination among the various authorities, which helps the vast majority of travellers enjoy hassle-free travel when crossing borders.

A UK visa is usually also valid for the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, but Ireland maintains a separate visa system. Travellers may wish to check the requirements for the specific jurisdictions.

The region does not belong to the Schengen area, but EU and EEA citizens do not need visas for short time stays as tourists. Working permits are needed on the Channel Islands and on the Isle of Man.

There are external direct flights to every constituent part of this region except to the Isle of Man.

The largest port of entry to this region is London Heathrow Airport . Situated 15 miles west of Central London, Heathrow offers a large choice of international destinations, with direct flights from most countries in the world. Many onward air connections within the region are possible. Coach connections to other places in mainland Great Britain are generally good. Rail connections from Heathrow to London are good; however, there being no direct services to other parts of Great Britain, a change of train will be necessary in London or possibly at Reading Station, which is served by a regular shuttle coach.

Heathrow's location in the far South East of the region means that many travellers to other parts of these islands may be better off getting a direct flight to the specific area in which they are interested. However, from some parts of the world Heathrow is the only realistic option to get into the region, and further arrangements for onward travel would then be required.

Other airports such as Birmingham , Dublin , Edinburgh , Glasgow , London Gatwick , Manchester , Newcastle and Shannon have both long-haul flights and flights to European cities.

Air France and KLM operate feeder flights to many airports in the region from their respective intercontinental hubs in Paris Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol .

The Channel Tunnel connects England to France by rail. Frequent high-speed Eurostar trains carry foot passengers direct to London from Amsterdam , Brussels and Paris . There is also a car shuttle service called Eurotunnel, which transports cars, campervans and minibuses from Calais to Folkestone .

The traditional way of getting to the British Isles. See Ferries to the British mainland for more information.

The Common Travel Area

The United Kingdom , Ireland , the Isle of Man , and the Channel Islands maintain a common travel area, somewhat akin to the Schengen Area on continental Europe. Broadly speaking, crossing the borders is very simple compared with most other international borders.

Ireland and the United Kingdom have been separate countries for more than a century, but for the most part both have found it beneficial to maintain relatively open borders. However, because of the way it has developed over the years, the Common Travel Area arrangement is not as formalised as other similar arrangements (such as the Schengen Area), and so the exact rules can be quite complex for some third country nationals.

• Nationals of a "Common Travel Area" country can travel to any of the others without a passport but can be asked to provide identity documents.
• Citizens of the European Economic Area have the right to travel between the two countries and they require a national ID card or a passport.
• Visitors from other countries that do not require a visa and have been checked through immigration in one part of the area (e.g. England ) would not normally have to go through immigration procedures when continuing a journey to another part of the area (e.g. Ireland ) but must carry a valid passport.
• Visitors from a country needing a visa to enter one Common Travel Area country may need to apply for a visa to enter the other. Whilst all five jurisdictions have very similar visa rules, it is important to remember that unlike the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom and Ireland maintain separate visa systems. Having a visa for the UK entitles you to enter the Isle of Man and Channel Islands (and vice versa), but the same visa does not entitle you to enter Ireland (or vice versa).

In general, if you have a passport or EU national identification card, you can avoid any hassles by carrying it, and using it for identification. Also check the identification requirements of any airline or ferry you may be taking.

There have historically been extensive internal air routes among the islands, though the collapse of the largest regional airline in early 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down most flights means it is hard to say which routes will remain in the longer term. The main airlines offering inter-island travel are Aer Lingus, Aurigny, British Airways, Eastern Airways, easyJet, and Ryanair. This area is also home to the world's shortest flight; lasting only 53 seconds from Westray, Scotland to Papa Westray, Scotland.

Great Britain and Ireland are linked by a number of ferry routes , with the busiest and quickest crossing being Holyhead to Dublin , operated by Irish Ferries and Stena Line in competition. The Isle of Man's Steam Packet company operates out of Douglas to Belfast , Dublin, and Liverpool . The three main Channel Islands are linked to the south coast of England ( Poole and Portsmouth ) by Condor Ferries, which also operates inter-island routes. The Scottish islands also have extensive ferry connections with each other and with the British mainland.

Unlike continental Europe, all countries and territories in this region drive on the left . The UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man all use miles and mph in their road signs, while the Republic of Ireland (ROI) uses kilometres and km/h. Road signs mostly follow European norms, but in the Republic of Ireland, American-style yellow diamond warning signs are used. All road signs are written in English, either as the sole language or alongside a local language, except for in the Gaeltachtaí in rural parts of the ROI, where signs are exclusively in Irish. You can drive your hire car from any Common Travel Area (see above) country to any other, although many hire companies charge an extra fee for doing so.

Great Britain and Ireland each have large railway networks, and the train is a popular way to get around in these islands. The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland have nationalised systems, with just one company operating services in each and crossborder services jointly operated. Great Britain's National Rail network is run by around 30 different operators; some of these are publicly-owned, but most are private companies. However, scheduling and ticketing are integrated at a national level. Due to privatisation, much of the UK train network has become expensive, and trains can be delayed, therefore it's recommended to plan in advance. The Isle of Man is well-covered by heritage railways, with ticketing integrated with public buses. A short passenger railway also operates in Alderney , with ex-London Underground stock as trains.

Although there is no fixed rail link between Ireland and Great Britain, you can buy a train ticket that will get you from any station in Great Britain to any station on the island of Ireland (and vice versa). The fare you pay includes the ferry crossing, though you will be issued with multiple tickets for different stages of the journey. For example, a journey booked from Cork City to Birmingham New Street will issue one ticket for the train from Cork to Dublin, a different ticket for a specific ferry crossing from Dublin to Holyhead, and a third for the remaining train journey to Birmingham. You can buy this combi ticket from any station ticket office in either country, or through the websites of Iarnród Éireann or National Rail .

United Kingdom

Although most visitors will probably visit London at some point, it is well worth getting out of the capital to get a real taste of the country. The UK is a small country with a surprisingly diverse range of attractions, all within a relatively short distance of each other.

After London you could move on to another of the country's vibrant cities which include Edinburgh, Liverpool, Bristol.

For some of the best countryside, head for the National Parks such as the Yorkshire Dales or Dartmoor for a shorter trip, For a longer stay, Scotland has some of the most accessible wilderness in Europe. But it's best to be very well prepared with warm layers and wind proof coat as the weather can change quite quickly without warning.

With the country being an island, there's plenty of coast to visit, and lots of variety too, whether you're after the pretty beaches at places such as the artist's colony at St Ives , seaside resorts such as Blackpool and Bournemouth , or the dramatic mountains and islands of Western Scotland, there is something there for every taste.

There's a wealth of historical sites in the United Kingdom - so many that it would be impossible to list them here. Virtually every city, town and village in the UK has a unique and usually interesting history, from the medieval castles and ancient universities of Durham and Cardiff , to the Roman history of Chester and York , there is something for everyone. There is Skara Brae on the Orkney Islands which are a must see for all of the history boffins

Shoppers looking beyond the capital may want to head to Manchester and Liverpool in the North, Bristol and Exeter in the West or Glasgow and Edinburgh in Scotland .

The United Kingdom was the cradle of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries. While some industries have closed down, much of Industrial Britain remains to be seen in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. While Ireland had few industries, Irish migrant workers contributed to the industrialisation of the UK.

Dublin , the obvious centre, capital and primate city of Ireland, is a must-see and one of a very limited means of entry to Ireland via Dublin Airport and Port.

Shopping centres such as Dundrum, Liffey Valley and Blanchardstown provide locations for shopping, whilst streets such Grafton Street and Henry Street are the places to go.

Croke Park is the largest stadium in Ireland and fourth largest in Europe, with a capacity of 82,300 and is a magnificent tourist destination and a must for anyone interested in sports and a great place to experience national sports such as hurling and Gaelic football. Other sporting centres include the Aviva Stadium and the RDS Arena.

Entertainment is a core source of economy and class in the Dublin region. Dublin, having a vibrant youth life of around 50% of people being under 25, provide young and old with great fun in the pubs of St. Stephens Green, Grafton Street and the obvious Temple Bar region, the heart of entertainment in Ireland and Dublin.

Outside of Dublin, Ireland has all sorts of beautiful sights and medieval ruins, from the Cliffs of Moher on the coast and the Aran Islands to Blarney Castle and the Rock of Cashel .

The isles have an astounding heritage of folk, classical, and popular music; see Music in the United Kingdom and Ireland .

The game of golf as we understand it developed here, specifically in Scotland . Despite a strong challenge from Iberia in recent decades, Britain and Ireland remain Europe's most important locations for the sport. Indeed, they can make a strong argument to be the world's main golfing destinations.

Whilst Scotland is considered the home of golf and remains a major worldwide golfing destination in its own right, the Scots' Celtic cousins, in Ireland and more recently Wales , are clearly challenging for pre-eminence as premier golfing destinations, both having well established courses and having invested heavily in new courses too. Indeed, both Ireland and Wales have recently hosted the Ryder Cup. England has the largest number of courses, and so clearly should not be overlooked as a golfing destination either even if its Celtic neighbours hit above their weight.

There are — unsurprisingly — many first-class golf courses in all areas, along with good quality courses to suit more modest pockets.

The pound sterling (£) is the currency of the United Kingdom and its Crown Dependencies, while the euro (€) is the currency of Ireland. With very limited exceptions, neither currency is accepted outside their territories within this region.

United Kingdom and Crown Dependencies

Sterling is the local currency. Euros are accepted in certain border areas; for example, near the land border with Ireland or in certain businesses near ferry terminals and the Channel Tunnel.

In the United Kingdom, the vast majority of banknotes are issued by the Bank of England. Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Crown Dependencies each also have local banknotes. All are in pounds sterling, so are legal currency throughout the UK and Crown Dependencies.

Bank of England notes will always be accepted without problems throughout all the areas that use pounds sterling. The minority notes are also generally easy to spend, though may not always be accepted outside their own region. Any bank will exchange minority banknotes for either Bank of England or the local regional notes (e.g. in Scotland, Scottish notes) free of charge.

Minority pound sterling notes should be changed into Bank of England notes before a traveller leaves the UK or Crown Dependencies as they may be difficult to change in other countries. The exception being that Northern Ireland sterling notes can be easily changed to euros in Ireland.

Large denomination banknotes (£50 and £100) are not always accepted in shops, especially for small purchases. Any bank will change them into smaller denominations.

Coins in the United Kingdom are issued centrally by the Royal Mint, and although some designs are specific to England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, they are legal currency throughout the UK.

The Crown dependencies and overseas territories (e.g. the Falkland Islands and Gibraltar) issue local designs that generally circulate only in their respective territory. These coins conform to the same weight, size, thickness and alloy of the mainland UK coins making them in effect just quirky versions of the regular coins. While not strictly legal tender only the most hidebound retailer will refuse them. Banks will exchange them if need be but this is likely unnecessary given their general acceptance, particularly by vending machines!

Only the euro is legal tender. Sterling is accepted in certain border locations, for example in ferry ports or near the Northern Ireland land border. Both currencies are usually accepted on board the train (e.g. in the dining car) throughout its journey between Dublin and Belfast. Euro banknotes have no regional variations. Euro coins' reverse sides (tails) are unvarying by region. Their obverse sides (heads) carry a member state's national symbol. This does not affect their validity throughout the Eurozone. Coin spotters may be interested to know that Ireland's relative isolation from the rest of the Eurozone makes it likely to have less diversity among its coins' obverse symbols than almost any other member state.

The stodgy "meat and two veg" on restaurant menus is almost a thing of the past. In the lower price ranges it has largely been replaced by ethnic foods such as Indian, Chinese and Middle Eastern fare. However, the classic fish and chip shops still exist across the region. Predictably, fast food vendors like McDonalds, Burger King and KFC, and a few local chains such as Supermacs and the oddly-named Wimpy have branches almost everywhere.

Convenience food was invented for the Earl of Sandwich in England many years ago and the tradition continues to this day. Cornish pasties and pork pies, whole or by the slice can be found all over England. In Scottish cities hot baked potatoes are sold by street vendors.

Each country has its own national dishes; think haggis with neeps and tatties, colcannon, Welsh rarebit, and roast beef with Yorkshire puddings. Many local areas are famous for their specialities: Devonshire clotted cream, Clonakilty white pudding, Arbroath smokies and Dover sole are familiar examples.

Most pubs have a bar menu of basic food such as a ploughman's lunch: bread and cheese, often served with pickled onions and washed down with a cool glass of best bitter ale. That can certainly hit the spot on a hot summer's day! The "gastropub" is a restaurant and pub rolled into one where the food can vary from mundane to gourmet.

Cuisines available in Great Britain and Ireland today are as varied as the people who have chosen to settle here. Curries first came from India when it was part of the British Empire but are now found everywhere thanks to immigration from East Africa, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. In cities, cuisines as diverse as Italian, Greek, Persian, Polish, Russian, French, Spanish and Mexican can also be found. And don't be surprised to find decent Szechuan cuisine in a village miles from nowhere.

Public houses are premises licensed for the sale of alcoholic drinks for consumption on and off the premises. In pubs, food and drink is ordered at the bar rather than someone coming to your table so you can place your order.

However, some pubs in rougher areas are best avoided. Therefore, you should know which pubs to visit and which pubs not to visit before you go. Generally, pubs in decent areas should be fine; generally, you should watch about more in city centres. Staff at the hotel where you are staying are good people to ask about which pubs you should visit.

More information about pubs can be found at Cuisine of Britain and Ireland#Pubs .

Cafés and tearooms

All the international chains of coffee emporiums are to be found in most towns and cities. But don't go to them! There are many independent establishments serving superior coffee and proper cups of tea, and where the service and excellence of product will surprise and please. These establishments also offer the best of baking in the choices and inventiveness of cakes and pastries.

Whisky (Whiskey)

Distilled spirits have been drunk on these islands for millennia. Whisky (or whiskey in Ireland) is produced predominantly in Ireland and Scotland. There are, however, also Welsh and English whiskies.

Dial 999 or 112 for all emergency services. On the whole, this is a very safe region of Europe, with few direct threats to visitors, but you should consult the Stay safe section of the areas you're visiting as most safety issues are localised.

The obvious next stop after this region is continental Europe . There are flights from the major airports of the region to almost any major European city, and many are quite cheap; see Discount airlines in Europe .

There is also a train service via the Channel Tunnel and many ferries; see the "get in" sections of France , Belgium and Netherlands for details.

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• Policy Discussion

Ryanair and the Common Travel Area

• Thread starter john123
• Start date May 10, 2012

Active member

• May 10, 2012

White Horse

Well-known member.

I'm sure this was upsetting for you. Their approach to passports between Ireland and the UK is very inflexible. I choose to fly with other airlines whenever possible.  

A friend of mine had to break off from a holiday in Kerry last year to attend a funeral in Dublin (where she lived) at very short notice. She wasn't allowed on the Ryanair plane for having no passport. Stay well clear of Ryanair. . . They're not worth the hassle.  

Ramon Mercadar

Try the Small Claims Court for damages. I think theres at least a chance that a judge will find their argument in this case untenable.  

TheYouthVote

What exactly do you propose to amend the constitution to say?  

If someone kidnapped your child and transferred them by plane without a passport would you still think the rule was unreasonable?  

How is it a bad airline when you agreed to the T&C's?  

You should know by now, that when flying with ryanair, the game is rigged!! Know the rules before playing the game, and be prepared for a few bad calls from an impartial ref.  

odie1kanobe

THE ONLY FORMS OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ACCEPTED ON RYANAIR FLIGHTS ARE: A valid passport – (see below - */and ** below) A valid National Identity Card issued by the government of a European Economic Area (EEA) country. (Only the following EEA countries currentlyissue National Identity Cards acceptable for carriage on Ryanair flights: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland) A valid German Government issued ‘Kinderausweis’ travel document A valid Italian ‘Certificato Di Nascita’ with photo (for use by children under 16 years) which has been endorsed as ‘VALIDO PER L'ESPATRIO’ for travel on international flights, no endorsement is required when travelling on Italian domestic flights.. It is the passenger's personal responsibility to ensure that this document meets the requirements of immigration and other governmental authorities at the destination airport - see ** below. A valid Italian AT/BT card (for Italian domestic flights only). A valid UN Refugee Convention Travel Document – (issued in accordance with Article 28(1) of the 1951 UN Convention, by a Government in place of a valid passport.) A valid Convention Travel Document – (issued in accordance with Article 27 of the 1954 UN Convention for Stateless Persons, by a contracting state in place of a valid passport) A valid Collective Passport issued by an EU/EEA country * It is acceptable for children under 16 to travel on the valid passport of the parent with whom they are travelling, if they are included on that passport. ** When a child is listed on the valid passport of the parent with whom they are travelling the accompanying adult’s travel document details must be duplicated in the child’s document details section during the online check-in process. ----- You accept the T&Cs before you can book a ticket so you agreed to adhere to the above.  

TheYouthVote said: What exactly do you propose to amend the constitution to say?[/Q ryanair are a bunch of ******************************s would be fine for me Click to expand...

Sync said: If someone kidnapped your child and transferred them by plane without a passport would you still think the rule was unreasonable? Click to expand...

john123 said: I booked a flight from London to Cork with Ryanair for myself partner and child, we both had passports but did not for child only a birth cert and they refused to let a 7 month old baby on the plane they are the only airline that do not allow the common travel area, we ended up going home by boat. Which was fine and it is in the terms and conditions the little box you tick, I find it amazing that every other travel company follows the common travel area and Ryanair do not. I suppose this was clearly my own fault has I did not think they could of been a problem. I learned a tough lesson that I will never fly with a bad airline again no matter what the cost also I remember the manner in which I was spoken to and it was very upsetting so anyone else thing the common travel area should be abolished or should it be brought into the constitution any other thoughts on Ryanair or the common travel area. Click to expand...

odie1kanobe said: THE ONLY FORMS OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ACCEPTED ON RYANAIR FLIGHTS ARE: A valid passport – (see below - */and ** below) A valid National Identity Card issued by the government of a European Economic Area (EEA) country. (Only the following EEA countries currentlyissue National Identity Cards acceptable for carriage on Ryanair flights: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland) A valid German Government issued ‘Kinderausweis’ travel document A valid Italian ‘Certificato Di Nascita’ with photo (for use by children under 16 years) which has been endorsed as ‘VALIDO PER L'ESPATRIO’ for travel on international flights, no endorsement is required when travelling on Italian domestic flights.. It is the passenger's personal responsibility to ensure that this document meets the requirements of immigration and other governmental authorities at the destination airport - see ** below. A valid Italian AT/BT card (for Italian domestic flights only). A valid UN Refugee Convention Travel Document – (issued in accordance with Article 28(1) of the 1951 UN Convention, by a Government in place of a valid passport.) A valid Convention Travel Document – (issued in accordance with Article 27 of the 1954 UN Convention for Stateless Persons, by a contracting state in place of a valid passport) A valid Collective Passport issued by an EU/EEA country * It is acceptable for children under 16 to travel on the valid passport of the parent with whom they are travelling, if they are included on that passport. ** When a child is listed on the valid passport of the parent with whom they are travelling the accompanying adult’s travel document details must be duplicated in the child’s document details section during the online check-in process. ----- You accept the T&Cs before you can book a ticket so you agreed to adhere to the above. Click to expand...

Tin Foil Hat

While I'm no fan of Ryanair, and I despise the nightclub bouncer type attitude of airport and airline staff to the point I actually hate to have to travel, we all know the score. You do not show up to an airport without all your paperwork in proper order, especially in Britain. It's only going to end one way.  

RobertW said: A friend of mine had to break off from a holiday in Kerry last year to attend a funeral in Dublin (where she lived) at very short notice. She wasn't allowed on the Ryanair plane for having no passport. Stay well clear of Ryanair. . . They're not worth the hassle.[/QUOTE any company that do not have compassion are not worth the hassel but they should of refunded but they do not do that a shower of waisters Click to expand...

CookieMonster

You were upset by an airline because you didn't adhere to the Terms and Conditions you'd agreed to and now consider them a bad airline? FFS!  

CookieMonster said: You were upset by an airline because you didn't adhere to the Terms and Conditions you'd agreed to and now consider them a bad airline? FFS! Click to expand...

RobertW said: Apparently 90% of Americans don't have passports. Bizarre argument that - One would think that an abductor would steer well clear of busy public places with lots of queueing and police . . . Like, er, airports. Click to expand...

Con Gallagher

Ryanair suits people who arrive in a timely way, don't over pack and abide by the terms and conditions. Hence their punctuality and low fares.  

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Ryanair has a ban on one common item that millions might have in their hand luggage

You can take it through airport security but the airline has banned them from its flights.

Tom Earnshaw

Knowing what you can and can't pack for a plane ride is very often the difference between a smooth and shambolic journey through airport security and to your destination of choice.

But one item that millions have on them every single day is in fact banned from being in your bags by one of the UK's most popular airlines.

Ryanair is one of the busiest airlines in the world , with 169 million people taking to the skies with the budget Irish travel company in the 2022/2023 financial year. This was up a massive 74 percent on the year before.

That includes newer destinations such as the 'most underrated place in Europe' where you can enjoy a long weekend for £200 .

There are also £17 flights to the 'Hawaii of Europe' and £15 trips to a 'postcard' Spanish town with €2 pints just 20 minutes from Benidorm .

If you choose to travel with them, there are rules and regulations you have to follow. And they're strict, given how serious airline travel has become in the last two and a half decades.

And one banned item might confuse you, given you are allowed to bring it through airport security in the first place.

UK airport security systems are currently undergoing a major revamp to get rid of the 100ml liquid limit once and for all.

The technology has already been rolled out in a number of UK airports - although not every airport is ready to go , with some not fully operational until 2025.

It's simply going to take time, with one airport ready to go already having to warn passengers before they pack their bags .

Under the 100ml rule, those going through airport security must keep all liquids in containers capped at 100ml. Everything must also fit in a 20cm by 20cm clear, plastic bag.

And it's those plastic bags that find us at odds with Ryanair without even maybe realising.

Under government rules on airports, travellers can carry one lighter on board their flight.

"You should put it inside a resealable plastic bag (like the ones used for liquids), which you must keep on you throughout the flight," so says Gov.uk travel advice.

But the government is also clear that you cannot then put the lighter in your hand luggage after security screening. So if you put it in your hand bag or cabin bag, you're technically breaking the law.

Ryanair's 'prohibited items' section of its website says 'you must not carry any of the following items in checked-in luggage or carry-on baggage, or go through security with them on you (for example in your pockets)'.

And on that list, one of the 'prohibited items' not allowed in any of your cabin bags is a lighter.

It's slightly nuanced, but the rules are clear in the sense that you can take a lighter on the plane, but only if it stays on your body. If you put it back in to any luggage that's also gone through security, you're breaking the rules of the government and airline.

LADbible approached Ryanair for comment.

Topics:  Europe , Holiday , Ryanair , Travel , UK News , Health , World News

Tom joined LADbible in 2024, specialising in SEO and trending content. He moved to the company from Reach plc where he enjoyed spells as a content editor and senior reporter for one of the country's most-read local news brands, LancsLive. When he's not in work, Tom spends his adult life as a suffering Manchester United supporter after a childhood filled with trebles and Premier League titles. You can't have it all forever, I suppose.

@ TREarnshaw

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Mexico Travel Advisory

Travel advisory august 22, 2023, mexico - see state summaries.

Reissued after periodic review with general security updates, and the removal of obsolete COVID-19 page links.

Country Summary: Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.

U.S. citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on U.S. government employee travel. State-specific restrictions are included in the individual state advisories below. U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Mexico.

Do Not Travel To:

• Colima state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Guerrero state  due to  crime .
• Michoacan state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Sinaloa state due to  crime  and  kidnapping
• Tamaulipas state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping.
• Zacatecas  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Reconsider Travel To:

• Baja California  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Chihuahua state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Durango state  due to  crime .
• Guanajuato state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Jalisco state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Morelos state  due to  crime .
• Sonora state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:

• Aguascalientes  state due to  crime .
• Baja California Sur state  due to  crime .
• Chiapas state  due to  crime .
• Coahuila state  due to  crime .
• Hidalgo state  due to  crime .
• Mexico City  due to  crime .
• Mexico State  due to  crime .
• Nayarit state  due to  crime.
• Nuevo Leon  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Oaxaca state  due to  crime .
• Puebla state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Queretaro state  due to  crime .
• Quintana Roo state  due to  crime .
• San Luis Potosi state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Tabasco state  due to  crime .
• Tlaxcala state due to  crime .
• Veracruz state  due to  crime .

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:

• Campeche state
• Yucatan state

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

• Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
• Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
• Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Mexico.
• Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to your travel. 

Aguascalientes state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes state.

Baja California state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations. Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions:

• Mexicali Valley:  U.S. government employees should avoid the Mexicali Valley due to the heightened possibility of violence between rival cartel factions.  The boundaries of the restricted area are: to the east, the Baja California/Arizona and Baja California/Sonora borders; to the south, from La Ventana (on Highway 5) due east to the Colorado River; to the west, Highway 5; and to the north, Boulevard Lazaro Cardenas/Highway 92/Highway 1 to Carretera Aeropuerto, from the intersection of Highway 1 and Carretera Aeropuerto due north to the Baja California/California border, and from that point eastward along the Baja California/California border.
• Travelers may use Highways 2 and 2D to transit between Mexicali, Los Algodones, and San Luis Rio Colorado during daylight hours. Travelers may also use Highways 1 and 8 to transit to and from the Mexicali Airport during daylight hours.  Travel on Highway 5 is permissible during daylight hours.

There are no other travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California state. These include high-traffic tourism areas of border and coastal communities, such as  Tijuana ,  Ensenada , and  Rosarito .

Baja California Sur state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur state.

Campeche state – Exercise Normal Precautions

Exercise normal precautions.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Campeche state.

Chiapas state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Chiapas state.

Chihuahua state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Battles for territory between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens and U.S. government employees, including restaurants and malls during daylight hours. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shooting incidents. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employee travel is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Ciudad Juarez:  U.S. government employees may travel to the area of Ciudad Juarez bounded to the east by Bulevar Independencia; to the south by De los Montes Urales/Avenida Manuel J Clouthier/Carretera de Juárez; to the west by Via Juan Gabriel/Avenida de los Insurgentes/Calle Miguel Ahumada/Francisco Javier Mina/Melchor Ocampo; and to the north by the U.S.-Mexico border.  Direct travel to the Ciudad Juarez airport (officially called the Abraham González International Airport) and the factories located along Bulevar Independencia and Las Torres is permitted.  Travel to San Jerónimo is permitted only through the United States via the Santa Teresa U.S. Port of Entry; travel via Anapra is prohibited.

U.S. government employees may only travel from Ciudad Juarez to the city of Chihuahua during daylight hours via Federal Highway 45, with stops permitted only at the Guardia Nacional División Caminos station, the Umbral del Milenio overlook area, the border inspection station at KM 35, and the shops and restaurants on Federal Highway 45 in the city of Ahumada.

• U.S. government employees may travel between Ciudad Juarez and Ascension via Highway 2.
• Nuevo Casas Grandes Area (including Nuevo Casas Grandes, Casas Grandes, Mata Ortiz, Colonia Juárez, Colonia LeBaron, Paquimé and San Buenaventura):  U.S. government employees may travel to the Nuevo Casas Grandes area during daylight hours via Mexico Federal Highway 2, and subsequently Federal Highway 10, to Nuevo Casas Grandes.  Employees are permitted to stay overnight in the cities of Nuevo Casas Grandes and Casas Grandes only.
• City of Chihuahua:  U.S. government employees may travel at any time to the area of the city of Chihuahua bounded to the north by Avenida Transformación; to the east by Avenida Tecnológico/Manuel Gómez Morín/Highway 16/Blvd.José Fuentes Mares; to the west by the city boundary; and to the south by Periférico Francisco R. Almada.
• U.S. government employees may travel on Highways 45, 16, and 45D through the city of Chihuahua and to the Chihuahua airport (officially called the General Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport). 
• U.S. government employees may travel to Santa Eulalia to the east of the city of Chihuahua, as well as to Juan Aldama via Highway 16 to the northeast.
• U.S. government employees may travel south of the city of Chihuahua on Highway 45 to the southern boundary of Parral, including each town directly connected to Highway 45, including Lázaro Cárdenas, Pedro Meoqui, Santa Cruz de Rosales, Delicias, Camargo, Ciudad Jiménez, and Parral itself.
• U.S. government employees may only travel on official business from the city of Chihuahua on Highway 16 to Ciudad Cuauhtémoc bounded by Highway 21 to the north and east, Highway 5 to the west, and Bulevar Jorge Castillo Cabrera to the south. 
• Ojinaga:  U.S. government employees must travel to Ojinaga via U.S. Highway 67 and enter through the U.S. Port of Entry in Presidio, Texas.
• Palomas:  U.S. government employees may travel to Palomas via U.S. highways through the U.S. Port of Entry in Columbus, New Mexico, or via Highway 2 in Mexico.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Chihuahua, including  Copper Canyon .

Coahuila state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila state. 

U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo municipalities : U.S. government employees may not travel to these municipalities.
• Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña:  U.S. government employees must travel directly from the United States and observe a curfew from midnight to 6:00 a.m. in both cities.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Coahuila state.

Colima state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.  

Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.  

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with noted restrictions: 

• Manzanillo:   U.S. government employee travel is limited to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo.  
• Employees traveling to Manzanillo from Guadalajara must use Federal Toll Road 54D during daylight hours.  

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Colima state. 

Durango state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime.

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango state.

• West and south of Federal Highway 45:  U.S. government employees may not travel to this region of Durango state.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Durango state.

Guanajuato state – Reconsider Travel

Gang violence, often associated with the theft of petroleum and natural gas from the state oil company and other suppliers, occurs in Guanajuato, primarily in the south and central areas of the state.  Of particular concern is the high number of murders in the southern region of the state associated with cartel-related violence. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Areas south of Federal Highway 45D:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area south of and including Federal Highway 45D, Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Guanajuato state, which includes tourist areas in:  San Miguel de Allende ,  Guanajuato City , and  surrounding areas.

Guerrero state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime.

Crime and violence are widespread. Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero. Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping in previous years.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following area with the noted restrictions:

• Taxco:  U.S. government employees must use Federal Highway 95D, which passes through Cuernavaca, Morelos, and stay within downtown tourist areas of Taxco. Employees may visit Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park during the day with a licensed tour operator.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Guerrero, including to tourist areas in  Acapulco ,  Zihuatanejo , and  Ixtapa .

Hidalgo state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Hidalgo state.

Jalisco state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco state. In Guadalajara, territorial battles between criminal groups take place in tourist areas. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed innocent bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Jalisco-Michoacan border and Federal Highway 110:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area between Federal Highway 110 and the Jalisco-Michoacan border, nor travel on Federal Highway 110 between Tuxpan, Jalisco, and the Michoacan border.
• Federal Highway 80:  U.S. government employees may not travel on Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Jalisco state which includes tourist areas in:  Guadalajara Metropolitan Area ,  Puerto Vallarta (including neighboring Riviera Nayarit) ,  Chapala , and  Ajijic .

Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Use additional caution, particularly at night, outside of the frequented tourist areas where police and security patrol more routinely. Petty crime occurs frequently in both tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico City.

Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Use additional caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico State.

Michoacan state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Crime and violence are widespread in Michoacan state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Federal Highway 15D:   U.S. government employees may travel on Federal Highway 15D to transit the state between Mexico City and Guadalajara.
• Morelia:  U.S. government employees may travel by air and by land using Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Federal Highway 15D.
• Lazaro Cardenas:  U.S. government employees must travel by air only and limit activities to the city center or port areas.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Michoacan, including the portions of the  Monarch Butterfly Reserve  located in Michoacan.

Morelos state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Morelos state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Morelos state.

Nayarit state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Nayarit state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Nayarit state.

Nuevo Leon state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Nuevo Leon state.

Oaxaca state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state.

U.S. travelers are reminded that U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Isthmus region:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area of Oaxaca bounded by Federal Highway 185D to the west, Federal Highway 190 to the north, and the Oaxaca-Chiapas border to the east.  This includes the cities of Juchitan de Zaragoza, Salina Cruz, and San Blas Atempa.  
• Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa:  U.S. government employees may not use Federal Highway 200 between Pinotepa and the Oaxaca-Guerrero border.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees to other parts of Oaxaca state, which include tourist areas in:  Oaxaca City ,  Monte Alban ,  Puerto Escondido,  and  Huatulco .

Puebla state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Puebla state.

Queretaro state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Queretaro state.

Quintana Roo state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations.  Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. 

While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured innocent bystanders.  Additionally, U.S. citizens have been the victims of both non-violent and violent crimes in tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state. However, personnel are advised to exercise increased situational awareness after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, and to remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.

San Luis Potosi state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.  U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi state.

Sinaloa state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime is widespread. Criminal organizations are based in and operating in Sinaloa. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Mazatlan:  U.S. government employees may travel to Mazatlan by air or sea only, are limited to the Zona Dorada and historic town center, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport and sea terminal.
• Los Mochis and Topolobampo:  U.S. government employees may travel to Los Mochis and Topolobampo by air or sea only, are restricted to the city and the port, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Sinaloa state.

Sonora state – Reconsider Travel

Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks. Violent crime is widespread. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. Travelers should maintain a heightened level of awareness of their surroundings in all their travels in Sonora.  Security incidents may occur in any area of Sonora.

• Travel between Hermosillo and Nogales:  U.S. government employees may travel between the U.S. Ports of Entry in Nogales and Hermosillo during daylight hours via Federal Highway 15 only. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid unnecessary stops as security incidents, including sporadic, armed carjackings, and shootings have been reported along this highway during daylight hours. Travelers should have a full tank of gas and inform friends or family members of their planned travel.
• Nogales:  U.S. government employees may not travel in the triangular area north of Avenida Tecnologico, west of Bulevar Luis Donaldo Colosio (Periferico), nor east of Federal Highway 15D (Corredor Fiscal). U.S. government employees also may not travel in the residential and business areas to east of the railroad tracks along Plutarco Elias Calle (HWY 15) and Calle Ruiz Cortino, including the business area around the Morley pedestrian gate port-of-entry. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Nogales due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.  
• Puerto Peñasco:  U.S. government employees may travel between Puerto Peñasco and the Lukeville-Sonoyta U.S. Port of Entry during daylight hours via Federal Highway 8 only. They may not travel on any other route to Puerto Peñasco. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Puerto Peñasco. due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Triangular region near Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry:  U.S. government employees may not travel into or through the triangular region west of the Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry, east of Sonoyta, and north of Altar municipality.
• San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, and Agua Prieta : U.S. government employees may travel directly from the nearest U.S. Port of Entry to San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea (via Douglas Port of Entry), and Agua Prieta, but may not go beyond the city limits. Travel is limited to daylight hours only. Travel between Nogales and Cananea via Imuris is not permitted. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these cities due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Eastern and southern Sonora (including San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos):  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora east of Federal Highway 17, the road between Moctezuma and Sahuaripa, and State Highway 20 between Sahuaripa and the intersection with Federal Highway 16. U.S. government employees may travel to San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos; travel to Alamos is only permitted by air and within city limits.  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora south of Federal Highway 16 and east of Federal Highway 15 (south of Hermosillo), as well as all points south of Guaymas, including Empalme, Guaymas, Obregon, and Navojoa.  U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these areas due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

U.S. government employees may travel to other parts of Sonora state in compliance with the above restrictions, including tourist areas in: Hermosillo , Bahia de Kino , and Puerto Penasco .

Tabasco state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tabasco state.

Tamaulipas state – Do Not Travel

Organized crime activity – including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault – is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments.

Heavily armed members of criminal groups often patrol areas of the state and operate with impunity particularly along the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo.  In these areas, local law enforcement has limited capacity to respond to incidents of crime. Law enforcement capacity is greater in the tri-city area of Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira, which has a lower rate of violent criminal activity compared to the rest of the state.

U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo:  U.S. government employees may only travel within a limited radius around and between the U.S. Consulates in Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros, their homes, the respective U.S. Ports of Entry, and limited downtown sites, subject to an overnight curfew.
• Overland travel in Tamaulipas:  U.S. government employees may not travel between cities in Tamaulipas using interior Mexican highways. Travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey is limited to Federal Highway 85D during daylight hours with prior authorization.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other parts of Tamaulipas state.

Tlaxcala state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala state.

Veracruz state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur with increasing frequency in Veracruz, particularly in the center and south near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While most gang-related violence is targeted, violence perpetrated by criminal organizations can affect bystanders. Impromptu roadblocks requiring payment to pass are common.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Veracruz state.

Yucatan state – Exercise Normal Precautions

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Yucatan state, which include tourist areas in:  Chichen Itza ,  Merida ,  Uxmal , and  Valladolid .

Zacatecas state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread in Zacatecas state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Zacatecas City : U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, and employees may not travel overland to Zacatecas City.
• U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Zacatecas state.

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Why a rise in 'tourism-phobia' should give Australians flocking to European summer a cause for pause

It's that time of year again when social media feeds become flooded with "Euro summer" holiday content.

Every winter, there's a cohort of Australians who escape to the Mediterranean Sea, seeking an idyllic scene to sip Aperol spritz in the sun.

But, they may not all be getting a warm welcome. 

Since pandemic travel restrictions eased, tourism has come surging back and Europe is copping an influx of visitors in record numbers.

And some locals aren't happy about it. 

Graffiti and stickers exclaiming, "Tourists go home!" and threats such as "We'll spit in your beer" are becoming a common sight across major cities. 

Anti-tourism protests are also spreading, with locals angered by "bad tourists", short-term rentals and "the touristification of daily life".

Experts say at this rate there's no way tourism can be sustainable, and we need to re-think the way we travel so we're not part of the problem. 

A return to overseas travel

Australians are back on the move.

In 2023, nearly 10 million residents returned from a short-term trip overseas , an increase of over 4.7 million on the previous year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

June was a particularly high time to travel, with more Australians leaving the country in mid-last year than in December 2022. 

Skyscanner Australia travel expert, Jarrod Kris, says there has been an increase in Australians searching for flights to European destinations.

Search volumes for European countries in 2023 were up by 28 per cent on the previous year, with Greece, France, Italy and Spain among the most popular.

Searches were also 16 per cent higher than pre-pandemic 2019, Mr Kris said. 

Based on Skyscanner flight booking data, the most popular 2024 Euro summers destinations for Australians so far are: 

• 2. Manchester
• 4. Istanbul

Landing in an overtourism crisis

Many of these popular destinations are facing an "overtourism crisis", Claudio Milano from the University of Barcelona's department of social anthropology, said. 

And it's leading to a resurgence of "tourism-phobia".

The term emerged around the 2008 financial crisis with locals blaming tourists for their deteriorating quality of life.

Now as crowds have come flooding back in record numbers after the pandemic reprieve, so too has social unrest and tourism rejection.

Especially as cities confront housing emergencies, masses of Airbnb lockboxes strewn down residential streets are a scathing sign of the times. 

Already Europe's foreign tourist arrivals for 2024 have exceeded 2019 levels.

And summer is bringing two major sporting events to the continent — the Paris Olympics and the UEFA European Football Championship in Germany.

Tourism officials expect 15.3 million visitors to the French capital over the Olympics period. 

Parisians have been staging protests and strikes, calling out the social impact the Games will have on their city, which is already the most-visited destination in the world.

Locals lash out   

In recent weeks, tens of thousands of residents have also been taking to the streets in Athens, Venice, Barcelona and Spain's Balearic Islands.

Last weekend, protesters occupied beaches frequented by tourists in Mallorca, after about 10,000 demonstrated the previous week under the banner #Mallorca no es ven — Mallorca is not for sale. 

Smaller protests have been held in neighbouring Menorca and the notorious party island Ibiza.

And throughout April, more than 50,000 people from the small Spanish Canary Islands took part in demonstrations.

Freya Higgins-Desbiolles, a lecturer in tourism management at the University of South Australia, says it's clear impacts of overtourism have reached new heights.   

"The recent activism in the Canary Islands, where tens of thousands of people came out in a relatively small community, indicates just how angry people are," she told the ABC.

Fake signs have been spotted at Spanish beaches warning tourists that there's dangerous jellyfish and falling rocks.

Then small-print in Catalan reads "the problem isn’t a rockfall, it's mass tourism", according to local media reports. 

There's also been more confronting backlash with reports of rentals cars, bikes and tourist buses being vandalised or their tires slashed.

Tourists making life unlivable

Professor Milano says similar messages are being echoed by anti-tourism activists and movements across the board.

Locals are frustrated by cities being oversold and overcrowded with "capitalistic tourism".

Short-term rentals are raising housing costs, taking over residential buildings, and pricing locals out of living in their own towns.

Javier Carbonell, a real estate agent in Mallorca, told Reuters over half of rental properties were used for holiday rentals and were not affordable for locals.

"We want less mass tourism and more sustainable tourism," Mr Carbonell said.

Professor Higgins-Desbiolles said cities and towns have become completely over-run by tourists, making them unlivable and unrecognisable to those who call them home.

"There's no problem having tourists in the city, the problem is to have only tourists in the city," Professor Milano said. 

He called it the "touristification of daily life".

In places such as Venice, Italy, locals have been displaced due to poorly managed tourism, Professor Higgins-Desbiolles said.

Some shops that sustained local life have been replaced with tacky souvenir shops.

"Because of tourism developments and the way tourism has run, it's made it difficult to lead normal lives," she said.

"Whether you can travel to Venice, and have that accepted, requires thought on the part of the traveller."

Should you still travel?

Professor Milano says for the most part activists are not angered by the tourist encounter, rather the tourism model and the issues it provokes. 

They don't want no tourism at all, but he admitted they do want better tourists. 

And there are ways to minimise negative effects so your travels benefit local businesses. 

Avoid Airbnb 

In Athens, graffiti is sprayed across walls showing buildings up in flames alongside the words "burn Airbnb", according to local media.

And protesters in the city have been waving signs reading "Barcelona: Tourists welcome, locals NOT welcome", and chanting "tourists are taking our houses".

Professor Milano said travellers should avoid booking Airbnb and instead find a hotel.

And tourists should try to spend money on local businesses as much as they can. 

A lot of frustration stems from outside entities profiting while locals suffer, Professor Higgins-Desbiolles said. 

"The most simple advice that I could give to make sure you're welcome — no matter where you go — is to knowledgeably and intentionally spend money in that local economy." 

Beware of 'live like a local' myths 

Travellers are being warned about falling for commercial narratives that promote getting a local's experience. 

"With Airbnb, we have brought tourism into our buildings," Professor Milano said. 

"Airbnb used to be promoted as 'live like a local' ... But it’s not 'live like a local' because the property manager is a big company that probably owns 200 apartments in Barcelona."

In some cities, residential areas are becoming so congested locals can't easily access their own streets or get on a bus. 

The advice is to stay away from the crowded areas and avoid travelling at peak seasons.

Scrap the multi-stop trips

What has been called the "Ryanair revolution" has enabled travellers to jet between European destinations for next to nothing.

This hyper mobility is a big part of the problem, Professor Milano said.

Regularly flying to Europe for two weeks and visiting several destinations isn't uncommon for some Australians. 

But Professor Higgins-Desbiolles says we need to consider slowing down — not just for the wellbeing of the local communities, but for the environment.

"Access to these places is not our right, it’s a privilege," she said.

"We need to get more considered in our consumption."

She said we don't need to stop holidaying, but it would be better to scale it back to one big holiday every few years, and staying in the one country.

'Don't be a jerk'

Protesters in the Canary Islands have been calling out "bad tourists" who disrespect the land and culture.

While campaigns in Amsterdam have been targeting badly-behaved tourists with the slogan "stay away" if your plan is to come for a messy night "getting trashed".

Professor Higgins-Desbiolles says if you want to be accepted in cities, simply "don’t be a jerk".

"You're a visitor in somebody's home, and that's the thing about these destinations that we forget — these are local people's homes," she said.

"Visitors think they have a right to go to places, that their money buys them access, and that they don't need to be thoughtful and sensitive."

This also applies to "commodifying travels", and the lengths people will take to get the perfect social media shot. 

Listen to communities 

Policies and measures are being rolled out in many places to address overcrowding, such as introducing tourist taxes, entry fees, and capping visitor numbers at peak times. 

Professor Higgins-Desbiolles says it's also important to listen to what communities want, because locals are saying this isn't enough.

"We should stop emphasising continual economic growth to instead look at wellbeing," she said. 

Countries outside Europe have been developing responsible tourist pledges for visitors to sign when they arrive.

The Pacific Island nation of Palau has taken this a step further, opening up local opportunities for tourists who abide by the pledge and show respect.

"That's what gets you a warm welcome into these places," Dr Higgins-Desbiolles said.

"We really should centre tourism on local community rights. That would make the difference."

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Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary says he will ‘make a fortune’ at Christmas due to Dublin Airport passenger cap

Chief executive repeats warning that limits would lead to christmas fares of between €500 and €1,000.

Passengers returning to Dublin Airport last Christmas, one of the busiest travelling times of the year. Photograph: Alan Betson

A “massive crisis” at Dublin Airport this Christmas would see return flights costing about €1,000 due to constraints on air traffic, Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary has said.

He told the Oireachtas transport committee on Wednesday that Government action was urgently needed to deal with the 32 million passenger cap at Dublin Airport.

The Government has two potential legislative solutions to deal with the issue while it went through the planning process, the committee was told.

Ryanair’s application for additional passenger numbers for the Christmas period as well as for the school holidays and for sporting events had been rejected as Dublin Airport was up against its cap on numbers, Mr O’Leary said.

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He said the capacity constraints would lead to a “massive crisis” this Christmas unless the Government acted now – passengers would face one-way fares of €500, and €1,000 return. It echoed similar fare warnings from the airline last month.

Mr O’Leary told the committee the carrier would “make out like bandits”, adding: “I will make a fortune this Christmas.”

He argued that seeking to lift the 32 million passenger cap through the planning process would take four years given the inevitable appeals.

Mr O’Leary said some flights could be moved to Belfast, but “inbound passengers do not want to go to Shannon or Cork”.

Almost two-thirds (65 per cent) of Ryanair traffic in Ireland is inbound with the majority of passengers wishing to go to Dublin, the committee heard.

Mr O’Leary claimed Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan had not replied to a submission made by Ryanair to increase growth in Ireland, made in early March. This would involve an investment of about €2 billion and the creation of an additional 7,500 jobs.

His criticisms also turned to Dublin Airport operator DAA over car parking, saying it should have used fields that it owns surrounding the area as surface car parks to cater for the increased demand over the summer. He contended that planning permission would not be needed for such temporary facilities, although this view was challenged by Fine Gael TD for north Dublin Alan Farrell.

Mr O’Leary argued that DAA was content that capacity constraints continued regarding car parking close to Dublin Airport as this facilitated increased charges.

The Ryanair chief also strongly criticised a planned tunnel under an apron at Dublin Airport planned by the DAA. He suggested this would cost €200 million and would be used to bring parcels to cargo aircraft but said none of the airlines operating in Dublin wanted this facility.

However, he contended that the cost of the development would allow DAA to go back to the aviation regulator to seek further increases in charges.

Mr O’Leary said other countries around Europe were “laughing at the failure of Ireland’s aviation policy”.

He could not understand why passenger numbers at Dublin Airport were capped at 32 million per year, he told the committee, despite there being a second runway at a cost of €300 million which gave it the capacity to handle 60 million passengers.

“We basically opened up a second runway but are told we cannot use it.”

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Martin Wall

Martin Wall is the former Washington Correspondent of The Irish Times. He was previously industry correspondent

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