Passengers Arriving From Britain To Ireland
From Saturday, January 9, new Government rules mean that passengers originating from Britain or South Africa will be required to have evidence of a negative or “not detected” result of a COVID-19 PCR test obtained within 72 hours of arrival into Ireland. There is further information in relation to movement restrictions advice and exemptions here.
Passengers Departing From Ireland to the UK
The UK Government has also introduced new rules on testing and travel but pre-departure testing will not apply to people arriving from Ireland (the Common Travel Area). Further information on the new UK measures can be found here.
Brexit – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The EU and UK reached agreement on Christmas Eve 2020 on a Future Relationship deal. This included a Trade & Cooperation agreement which incorporates a comprehensive Air Transport Agreement. These FAQs are drafted in the light of the provisions contained in that trade deal.
1. Now that the UK has left the EU, what does this mean for flights between Ireland and the UK?
Passenger flights between Ireland and the UK continue to operate after Brexit without any noticeable difference to the travelling public. This is due to the Common Travel Area (CTA), which grants free movement between Ireland and the UK to Irish and UK citizens.
The only real changes will be the availability of Duty- Free and which Customs Channel you use.
However, other measures not related to Brexit, such as Covid-19 restrictions/bans on flights from the UK may arise.
It is always best to check the status of your flight with your airline prior to departure. Passengers travelling with pets can find information here.
2. If I’m departing from an Irish airport to the UK how will my journey change?
Both the Irish and UK Governments have committed to maintaining the Common Travel Area (CTA). Under the CTA, Irish and UK citizens can move freely between the two jurisdictions. As a result, there has been no change to a passenger’s departing journey from an Irish airport since the transition period ended on December 31, 2020. The only difference is that you are now able to purchase Duty-Free products on your outbound journey as the UK is no longer in the EU.
3. If I’m arriving into Ireland from a UK airport how will my journey change?
On arrival in Ireland, UK, Irish and EU citizens should continue to proceed through the “EU/EEA/CH and UK” immigration channel at Passport Control. All passengers arriving from UK destinations should use the Green Customs Channel (rather than the Blue Channel). If you need to make a Customs declaration you should use the Red Customs Channel.
4. I am a UK visitor planning to fly to Cork Airport, what new rules do I need to be aware of?
The only difference in your journey through Cork Airport is that you should use the Green Customs Channel, or the Red Customs Channel if you need to make a declaration.
If you are a UK citizen, you have free movement between the UK and Ireland as part of the Common Travel Area (CTA).
In general, travel to the EU from the UK has changed from January 1, 2021.
Things you may need to do before you go include: checking your passport; getting travel insurance that covers potential healthcare requirements; checking if you have the correct driving documents if required; organising pet travel - contact your vet at least one month before you go. There may be further requirements if you are travelling for business. See www.gov.uk.
5. How will Brexit impact security screening at Cork Airport?
There have been no changes to security screening for passengers since January 1, 2021.
6. What has changed for passengers from Northern Ireland travelling through Cork Airport?
As Ireland and the UK are part of the Common Travel Area (CTA), Irish and UK citizens can continue to travel freely between Ireland and the UK.
7. Will I still be able to travel to/from the UK with ID that isn’t a passport?
Ireland and the UK are part of the Common Travel Area (CTA), which means Irish and UK citizens can travel freely between the two countries without a passport. However, all airlines require some form of ID and most airlines do require that you have a valid passport for travel. We advise all passengers to check with their airline regarding the type of ID which the airline accepts.
8. Will there be bigger queues for passengers at Cork Airport as a result of Brexit?
Cork Airport are not anticipating any significant delays or queues for passengers due to Brexit. UK citizens should simply follow the existing signage when going through immigration and customs. All arriving passengers from UK airports should use the Green Customs Channel or the Red Customs Channel if they need to make a Customs declaration.
9. What public health guidelines should I follow in relation to COVID-19 if I am returning from the UK after January 1st?
Public health guidelines continue to apply for anyone arriving in Ireland from a non-green region. For information on arriving in Ireland from abroad, please visit the website of the Irish Government (www.gov.ie) or the Health Service Executive (HSE) www.hse.ie.
10. Given the UK has left the EU, what are the implications for the EU Traffic Lights System?
The EU traffic lights approach provides for regions across the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) to be categorised as green, orange, red or grey, on the basis of the risk levels associated with COVID-19. For as long as the ECDC continues to include data for the UK, arrivals from Britain will also be subject to the same traffic light categorisation and restrictions as for EU countries. For more on the EU coordinated approach to travel measures go to www.dfa.ie.
11. If I am travelling from Cork Airport to London Heathrow to connect to a long-haul flight, will I be affected?
Since January 1, 2021, the UK and EU are operating under new rules. Passengers can continue to use Heathrow to travel from the UK to the EU and beyond regardless of the decision of ongoing discussions, but there may be some extra steps you will need to take prior to travel which your airline can advise on.
12. How has code-sharing been affected by Brexit?
The trade deal that the EU has reached with the UK provides for some code-sharing measures for both UK and EU airlines. Further information can be found here.
13. Has Duty-Free shopping returned for people travelling between Ireland and the UK at Cork Airport?
Yes, since January 1, 2021, all passengers travelling from Ireland to the UK can avail of Duty-Free prices on alcohol and tobacco products, as these are the only categories subject to excise duty by the Irish government.
14. What Duty-Free allowances will people have on flights to the UK? (How much Duty-Free product can I bring from Ireland to the UK?)
Travelling to the UK means you are bringing goods into the UK from the EU from January 1, 2021 and new allowances are being applied by HM Revenue & Customs which you can check here.
15. How much Duty-Free product am I allowed to bring on my return journey from the UK back into Ireland?
Travelling from the UK is classed as travelling from outside the EU and so new allowances apply. Check Alcohol and Tobacco allowance with Revenue/Customs here.
16. I am an Irish resident flying to the UK and I want to buy Duty-Free on my way out at Cork Airport. Can I use Shop & Collect?
Shop & Collect is a complimentary service whereby you shop at The Loop on your outbound journey and collect your purchases on your return to Ireland. For flights to the UK, Shop & Collect is available on a wide range of products, but not on alcohol and tobacco due to Customs regulations. If your basket includes mixed products, for example, alcohol and beauty products, your basket may be separated and you can avail of Shop & Collect on qualifying categories, as outlined above.
17. Are there any implications for online shopping on TheLoop.ie arising from Brexit?
As it currently stands, when travelling to a non-EU (Duty-Free) destination, you can purchase all products online at theloop.ie, excluding alcohol and tobacco. Similarly, since January 1, 2021, this also applies to those travelling to the UK.
18. Are there any implications for UK products normally stocked in The Loop in Cork Airports e.g. Scotch Whisky or Tobacco?
We are not anticipating any stock issues in our stores, with the possible exception of some tobacco products. If significant delays become a factor at ports, this may cause temporary gaps in ranges until a new normal is established between Brexit and Covid restrictions.
19. Can I continue to bring back food gifts from the UK into Ireland?
Since January 1, 2021, all goods travelling between the EU and UK must be within certain limits and gifts must be of the maximum value of €430 per adult. Meat products are not allowed into the EU from a third country (UK); however, fish products (weighing less than 20kg, or higher if a single fish) are permitted to be brought as gifts. Further information is available here.
20. Are there changes if I’m bringing my pet with me to Ireland from the UK?
You can still travel with a pet from the UK to the EU, however since January 1, 2021 the existing pet passport scheme is no longer valid. You will need to follow a different process to get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). You will need to ensure your pet has the correct documentation and vaccinations. Contact your vet at least one month before you plan on travelling with your pet to Ireland for the first time from January 1, 2021. For more information on travelling with your pet, click here.
21. I have an Irish Permanent Residency but I am a non-EU citizen, how will a no deal Brexit impact me?
If you have an Irish Permanent Residence Visa, Brexit will have no impact on your ability to work and live in Ireland. If you wish to travel to the UK as a tourist, you will not need a visa as long as your stay is up to 90 days in a 180-day period. You may need a visa or a permit to stay for longer to work, to study or to travel for business. Further information can be found here.