While Irish Ferries Enthusiasts is unable to provide travel advice, we have complied the below in the event the UK leaves the EU and the Common Travel Area. If you have any questions or concerns, we suggest you contact the ferry operator you plan to travel with.
Passports and Identification – Ireland / Britain routes:
If the UK leaves the EU with no deal, the Common Travel Area (CTA) arrangements are protected, and our current advice continues to apply.
Useful means of identification when travelling on these routes include:
- Valid passport
- Photographic Driving License
- International Student Card
- Government issued photographic ID cards
- Health insurance/social security photographic ID cards
- Photographic bus/train pass
- Place of work photographic ID
- Birth certificates (for under 18’s with no photo ID)
Health Card
In the event of a no-deal Brexit, UK registered EHICs are unlikely to be valid, and it is therefore recommended that you buy personal travel insurance to cover any potential health care costs.
In the event of a deal, EHIC cards will be valid during the transition period until at least the end of December 2020.
Driving in France
In the event of the UK leaving the EU with no deal, holders of UK driving licenses and UK registered cars should note the following:
Drivers licence: Non-EU licence holders are required to have an International Drivers Permit, while driving in the EU.
UK registered / insured cars will no longer benefit from the EU’s automatic third-party motor insurance cover and will need a physical ‘Green Card’ as evidence of Insurance. These are issued by insurance companies, currently fee-free.
Drivers towing caravans or trailers will be required to have two green cards for insurance purposes – one for their vehicle and one for the unit they are towing.
Driving in Ireland/Britain
In the event of the UK leaving the EU with no deal, visitors to Ireland and the UK will continue to be permitted to drive with their home country full driving licence.
However, drivers will no longer benefit from the EU’s automatic third-party motor insurance cover and will need a physical ‘Green Card’ as evidence of Insurance. These are issued by insurance companies, currently fee-free.
Furthermore, drivers towing caravans on trailers will be required to have two green cards for insurance purposes – one for their vehicle and one for the unit they are towing.
Mobile Phones / Data Roaming
Governments are working with mobile operators to prevent the reintroduction of roaming charges after Brexit for people travelling to the UK, including Northern Ireland, in relation to data roaming while connected to a terrestrial mobile network. This is not relevant for data roaming while at sea.
Travelling with Pets as a foot passenger?
After 31st October 2019, you will still be able to travel with your pet (dog, cat or ferret) to and from the UK whether a deal is reached or not.
However, in a no-deal scenario, you may need to take some additional steps depending on how the UK is categorised from 31st October 2019.
Importantly, you may need to visit a veterinary practitioner some months in advance of travel, for certification and relevant vaccines.
More information can be found on the Governments’ pages about Pet travel to/from Britain after Brexit.
Ireland: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/brexit/preparingforbrexit/pettravel/
UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-after-brexit
Can I take my pet on the train?
Different train operators have different rules, as regards travelling with pets and for travelling with assistance animals. Here is some guidance from the different train companies:
Irish Rail: http://www.irishrail.ie/travel-information/travelling-with-animals
Virgin Trains: https://www.virgintrains.co.uk/experience/pets
Transport for Wales: https://tfwrail.wales/on-board/what-you-can-bring-on-board
National Rail: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/luggage_animals.aspx
Travelling with Pets – Ireland / France routes
Pets travelling FROM Northern Ireland:
After 31st October 2019, you will still be able to travel with your pet (dog, cat or ferret) to and from the UK whether a deal is reached or not.
However, in a no-deal scenario, you may need to take some additional steps depending on how the UK is categorised from 31st October 2019. Importantly, you may need to visit a vet some months in advance of travel, for certification and relevant vaccines. More information can be found on the Governments’ pages about Pet travel to/from Britain after Brexit.
Ireland: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/brexit/preparingforbrexit/pettravel/
UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-after-brexit
Travelling with Pets – Ireland / Britain routes
After 31st October 2019, you will still be able to travel with your pet (dog, cat or ferret) to and from the UK whether a deal is reached or not.
However, in a no-deal scenario, you may need to take some additional steps depending on how the UK is categorised from 31st October 2019. Importantly, you may need to visit a vet some months in advance of travel, for certification and relevant vaccines. More information can be found on the Governments’ pages about Pet travel to/from Britain after Brexit.
Ireland: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/brexit/preparingforbrexit/pettravel/
UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-after-brexit
