Canadian passport holder visiting UK and Republic of Ireland
At some time post-pandemic, a family member intends to visit the UK and the Republic of Ireland. While they are a UK citizen by birth, they have been resident in Canada for many years, and only hold a Canadian passport at present.
While visiting the UK, they would like to visit Ireland (by ferry) for a few days. I understand that UK citizens can travel freely in the Common Travel Area, but ferry operator Stena Line recommend bringing some proof of citizenship[1]:
British or Irish citizens travelling on our Irish Sea routes do not need a passport to travel to Britain or Ireland but are advised to take a form of identity. A valid passport, photographic driving license, International Student Card, government issued photo ID card, health insurance/social security photographic card, photographic bus/train pass or EU Citizen Identity Card will usually suffice.
The traveller has a UK birth certificate (short form), but none of the documents listed above. (They could apply for a new UK passport, but would prefer not having to go through the hassle and expense of doing so.)
If they chose to travel on their Canadian passport alone, what procedures or difficulties should they anticipate when sailing from the UK to Ireland?
Best Answer
Although it doesn't say so explicitly the advice you are reading is aimed at British Citizens who don't hold another citizenship. It is for people who claim British citizenship as their reason for being allowed to travel, but who will need to be able to prove it on that ferry because of the EU exit deal.
If you are legitimately in the UK and Ireland as a Canadian citizen then nobody will worry about whether you are also a British citizen or whether you can prove it. I am a dual citizen who always travels with only my Canadian passport, even to the UK, and it has never caused me trouble. On occasion I have told UK immigration that I am also a British citizen and they have neither cared nor been surprised.
Carry your Canadian passport and show it when required. It will be entirely acceptable, as it would be for any Canadian citizen. If asked, on the ferry or elsewhere, whether you are also a British citizen say yes, but that you don't have a passport or other proof. As long as you are doing nothing that is illegal for a Canadian citizen you will have no trouble at all.
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Does a Canadian citizen need a visa for Ireland?
Ireland tourist visa is not required for citizens of Canada for a stay up to 90 days. Register your trip with the Canadian Embassy abroad!Do I need UK visa if I have Canadian passport?
If you carry a full Canadian passport, you do not need a visa to visit the UK. You will get a stamp in your passport on arrival at LHR or LGW allowing you to stay as a visitor for up to six months. Yup, no Visa required.How long can a Canadian citizen stay in Ireland?
How long can I stay and work? You can stay and work in Ireland for up to 36 months. Applicants can participate in each category once.Do Republic of Ireland need visa for UK?
UK nationals do not need a visa or residency permit to live, work or study in Ireland. Within the Common Travel Area ( CTA ), British and Irish citizens can live and work freely in each other's countries and travel freely between them. Both the UK and Irish governments are committed to protecting the CTA .MY 1ST TRIP WITH A CANADIAN PASSPORT || TRAVELLING TO THE UK FOR CHRISTMAS DURING A PANDEMIC.
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Answer 2
If they chose to travel on their Canadian passport alone, what procedures or difficulties should they anticipate when sailing from the UK to Ireland?
As per your question, if we ignore all the UK-Ireland common travel area stuff, and go solely based on Candian citizenship, you can check the Irish Department of Justice website for guidance on what visas are needed by different nationalities.
Based on the details you've given, if you answer:
- What nationality is shown on your passport or travel document? Canada
- How long do you want to stay in Ireland? Less than 3 months
- What do you want to do in Ireland? Tourism, visit friends/family, business or other reasons
It says:
You do not need a visa
You do not need a visa to come to Ireland for tourism or similar reasons. However, other immigration procedures apply.
When you travel
Prepare for border control
You will need to prove that you have a valid reason for entering Ireland to an immigration officer at border control.
To do so you will need your passport and other documents. This may include a hotel reservation, travel itinerary, business invitation, etc.
If you cannot satisfy the immigration officer, you will not be allowed into Ireland.
There are extra rules if you are travelling with children under 18.
You can read the full guidance here — Non-visa (Short visit)
In terms of procedures, I've taken the Holyhead-Dublin ferry twice in the last couple of years. Once there was no check at all. The other time there was an immigration officer doing basic ID check (I'm an Irish citizen so got asked nothing other than showing a passport, but presume if they ask you anything it would just be akin to what you'd get at an airport arrival desk).
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