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Under the Common Travel Area (CTA), which pre-dates EU membership and is not dependent on it, Irish and British citizens move freely and reside in either jurisdiction and enjoy associated rights and entitlements including access to employment, healthcare, education and social benefits. The Irish and British governments have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining the CTA in all circumstances.

For non-Irish EU citizens, if Britain leaves the EU without agreeing a deal, the UK government will in all likelihood end free movement as soon as possible. It has introduced an Immigration Bill to achieve this. For a transitional period only, EEA citizens and their family members will still be able to travel to the UK for visits, work or study and they will be able to enter the UK as they do now. However, to stay longer than 3 months they will need to apply for permission and receive European Temporary Leave to Remain, which is valid for a further 3 years.

For non-EEA citizens immigration requirements, as appropriate, will continue to apply if travelling to the UK. For further information, please check here if you require a visa to enter the UK.

In the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit, with the information available to us at this point, it appears there is potential for travel disruption in the UK in the immediate aftermath of 31st October 2019. You may wish to consider any travel plans during for this period in that context.

Can I still travel freely to/from the UK?

Yes. Irish citizens can continue to travel freely between the UK and Ireland in the same manner as before by virtue of the Common Travel Area which exists between the two jurisdictions.

Current United Kingdom Visa and Immigration guidance is that other European Economic Area citizens and Swiss citizens will not require a travel visa to enter the United Kingdom however, the permitted duration of such citizens’ stay in the United Kingdom may be limited in the future

Do I need my passport to travel to the UK?

There are no requirements for passport controls for Irish and British citizens travelling within the Common Travel Area i.e. between Ireland and the United Kingdom however, some air and sea carriers regard a passport as the only valid form of identification.

For non-Irish citizens, a passport check will apply at United Kingdom borders.

I am a British citizen working in Ireland. What do I do?

Under the Common Travel Area arrangements, British citizens are able to work in Ireland without an employment permit, including on a self-employed basis. The Status of British citizens in Ireland will remain unchanged. British citizens will not need a visa or any form of prior authorisation to travel to Ireland, any form of residence permit or employment permit. In Ireland, they will continue to enjoy the right to live, work, study and access services, as they currently do.

Can I access healthcare in the UK post Brexit?

The Irish and British Governments are committed to maintaining the current healthcare arrangements under the Common Travel Area. Irish citizens and British citizens who live in, work in, or visit the other state have the right to access healthcare there. Other North South cooperation arrangements will also continue on the island of Ireland.

More information can be found on the Department of Health’s website.