Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Citizens of the United Kingdom, when traveling on flights origi-
nating in Britain, do not need to show passports to enter Ireland
(though they do need some form of identification). Nationals of the
United Kingdom and colonies who were not born in Great Britain
or Northern Ireland must have a valid passport or national identity
document.
CUSTOMS
WHAT YOU CAN BRING TO IRELAND
Like all the European Union (E.U.) member states, Ireland is
mainly concerned with two categories of goods: (1) items bought
duty-paid and value-added-tax-paid (VAT-paid) in other E.U. coun-
tries and (2) goods bought under duty-free and VAT-free allowances
at duty-free shops.
The first case normally applies to Irish citizens, visitors from
Britain, and travelers from other E.U. countries. If the goods are for
personal use, you won't need to pay additional duty or VAT. The
limits for goods in this category are 800 cigarettes, 10 liters of spir-
its, 45 liters of wine, and 55 liters of beer.
The second category pertains primarily to overseas visitors, such
as U.S. and Canadian citizens. The limit on duty-free and VAT-free
items that may be brought into the E.U. for personal use: 200 cig-
arettes, 1 liter of liquor, 2 liters of wine, and other goods (including
beer) not exceeding the value of
150 ($181) per adult. There are
no restrictions on bringing currency into Ireland.
If you're coming from the United States or another non-E.U.
country, use the Green Channel if you don't exceed the duty-free
allowances and the Red Channel if you have extra goods to declare.
If you are like most visitors, bringing in only your own clothes
and personal effects, use the Green Channel. The Blue Channel is
exclusively for use by passengers entering Ireland from other E.U.
countries.
In addition to your luggage, you may bring in sports equipment
for your own recreational use or electronic equipment for your own
business or professional use while in Ireland. Prohibited goods
include firearms, ammunition, and explosives; narcotics; meat,
poultry, plants, and their byproducts; and domestic animals from
outside the United Kingdom.
WHAT YOU CAN BRING HOME
Onboard the flight back to the United States, you'll be given a Cus-
toms declaration to fill out. Be sure to pack the goods you'll declare
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