Ireland Guide
Entry requirements
The border between Northern Ireland and the Republic is an open one, with no passport or immigration controls. UK nationals do not need a passport to enter the Republic, but it's a good idea to carry one – note that airlines generally require some form of official photo ID on flights between Britain and Ireland. Under EU regulations, British passport holders are entitled to stay in the Republic for as long as they like.
Travellers from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are required to show a passport and can stay for up to three months in the Republic. If you want to stay beyond that, you must seek permission from the Garda National Immigration Bureau, 13–14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 ( 
01/666 9100), or from the immigration officer at your local Garda station; for further information, contact the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service, also at 13–14 Burgh Quay, Dublin ( 01/616 7700 or 1890 551500, 
www.inis.gov.ie ). A list of Irish consulates and embassies, along with comprehensive visa information, is available on the Department of Foreign Affairs website, www.dfa.ie .
US, Canadian, Australian, South African and New Zealand citizens can enter Northern Ireland for up to six months with just a passport. A full list of British diplomatic representatives overseas is available on the British Foreign Office's website, www.fco.gov.uk , while detailed visa information is available on www.ukvisas.gov.uk . For further information on immigration once in the UK, contact the Border and Immigration Agency ( 0870 606 7766 www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk ).