UAE travellers advised to check visa and ETA rules before taking ferries between the UK and Ireland.
Passengers travelling by ferry between the UK and Ireland are now required to carry a passport, following the introduction of new documentation rules from Monday, September 28.
The requirement applies to major ferry routes connecting Britain with the Republic of Ireland, including Dublin-Holyhead and Rosslare-Pembroke.
For UAE-based travellers, the change is particularly important for those planning itineraries that combine a visit to the Republic of Ireland with Northern Ireland or other parts of the UK.
Passengers travelling by ferry between the UK and Ireland are now required to carry a passport, following the introduction of new documentation rules from Monday, September 28.
The requirement applies to major ferry routes connecting Britain with the Republic of Ireland, including Dublin-Holyhead and Rosslare-Pembroke.
For UAE-based travellers, the change is particularly important for those planning itineraries that combine a visit to the Republic of Ireland with Northern Ireland or other parts of the UK.
UAE citizens travelling to Ireland
UAE citizens visiting the Republic of Ireland for tourism do not require an Irish visa. Their passport should remain valid for the duration of their stay.
Travellers may also be asked to show proof of onward travel and demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their visit.
However, UAE citizens travelling onward from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, will need a valid passport and a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
UAE residents travelling on other passports
For UAE residents who are not Emirati citizens, entry requirements for Ireland depend on the nationality of the passport they hold.
Indian, Pakistani and Philippine passport holders may need an Irish visa depending on their individual circumstances. Travellers should verify the latest entry rules before departure, as a UK ETA does not replace an Irish visa.
Those planning to continue from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland or another part of the UK should separately check whether they require a UK visa or ETA based on their nationality and immigration status.
What should UAE travellers do before departure?
Before travelling from the UAE, passengers should:
- Make sure their passport is valid.
- Check whether their nationality requires an Irish visa.
- Verify whether a UK visa or ETA is required if the itinerary includes Northern Ireland or another part of the UK.
- Carry the same passport used for any visa or travel authorisation application.
- Confirm the latest requirements with their airline, ferry operator and the relevant government authorities before travelling.
Common Travel Area remains unchanged
The Common Travel Area between the UK and Ireland remains in place, allowing British and Irish citizens to move freely between the two countries.
However, passengers travelling on the affected ferry routes must now comply with the operators’ new passport requirements at check-in.
For UAE travellers, the key point is straightforward: carry a valid passport and check the separate entry requirements for both Ireland and the UK if your journey includes destinations in both countries.
