Common Travel Area facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Common Travel Area
Open borders area
Established	1923
Members	List  United Kingdom  Ireland  Isle of Man  Guernsey  Jersey
Area
• covered	315,134 km2 (121,673.9 sq mi)
Population
• covered	73,061,814

The Common Travel Area (CTA) is a special agreement between several places. It means that the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands have mostly open borders. This makes it easy for people to travel between these places.

The CTA is based on informal agreements. It allows citizens of the UK and Ireland to travel with very few identity checks. However, there are some exceptions to these rules. The UK and Irish governments work together to keep the CTA working smoothly.

Since 2014, the UK and Ireland have tried a program to accept each other's visas. This means some visitors can travel to both countries with just one visa. As of August 2022^[update], this program helps people from China and India. But there are still rules about which visas qualify. Most other visitors still need separate visas for each country.

Since 1997, Ireland has checked the IDs of air travelers coming from the UK. They also sometimes check sea travelers and people crossing the land border.

History of the Common Travel Area

How the CTA Started in 1923

In December 1922, the Irish Free State became separate from the United Kingdom. At that time, countries were starting to check passports and control who entered their borders. Before this, British immigration laws covered all of Ireland.

The British government did not want to put strict border controls between the Irish Free State and Northern Ireland. This would have meant patrolling a long, winding border. So, they agreed to let the new Irish government continue to follow British immigration rules.

In February 1923, an informal agreement was made. Both sides would respect each other's immigration decisions. They would also share lists of people not allowed into their countries.

This agreement became official in 1925. Both countries passed laws to recognize each other's rules for foreigners. This was a time when the CTA worked almost like one big immigration area. A foreigner allowed into one country could easily travel to the other.

The CTA was stopped when World War II began in September 1939. Travel between Great Britain and Ireland became restricted. Even people traveling within the UK, from Northern Ireland to other parts, faced checks.

The 1952 Agreement

After the war, Ireland wanted to bring back free movement. But the British government waited until both countries had similar immigration policies. So, Britain kept border checks between Ireland and Great Britain until 1952. This made many people in Northern Ireland unhappy.

In April 1949, the Irish Free State became the Republic of Ireland. It also left the Commonwealth of Nations.

The details of the 1952 agreement were not made public. But British laws started to mention the CTA. This agreement meant that Ireland often had to follow changes in British immigration rules. For example, when Britain introduced controls on people from Commonwealth countries in 1962, Ireland also changed its rules.

Plans in 2008 to Change the CTA

In July 2008, the UK Border Agency suggested new rules for the CTA. They wanted to check non-CTA citizens more strictly. They also proposed new ID checks for CTA citizens traveling by air and sea. This would have affected travel between Ireland and Great Britain.

There was confusion about checks between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is part of the UK, so many people thought these checks were unfair. A politician from Northern Ireland called the plans "intolerable."

The British government said police could check passenger information on flights and ferries within the UK. Passengers would not need passports but might need other ID.

For the land border, the plan was to keep it "lightly controlled." Both governments said there would be no fixed border checks. However, in April 2009, the British government's proposal was rejected. This helped keep the CTA as it was.

2011 Agreement for Cooperation

In 2011, the UK and Irish governments signed their first public agreement about the CTA. It was called the "Joint Statement Regarding Co-Operation on Measures to Secure the External Common Travel Area Border." This agreement was signed in Dublin in December 2011.

This agreement was not legally binding. It said that it would not create new legal duties or rights for anyone.

The agreement committed both governments to keep working together on the CTA. They agreed to make their lists of visa-free countries similar. They also planned to create electronic border systems and share information. The goal was to stop people from misusing the CTA. They also wanted to work towards a single short-stay visa for both countries.

Brexit and the CTA (2016–2017)

The UK voted to leave the European Union in June 2016. This meant the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland would become an EU external border. However, both the Irish and British governments wanted to avoid a "hard border" in Ireland. They knew this was a sensitive issue due to history.

In September 2016, the British government said it would not seek a hard border. In October 2016, they thought about having British immigration checks at Irish ports and airports. This would help control EU citizens (who were not Irish) entering the UK. This plan would avoid passport checks between Ireland and Northern Ireland. But this idea was never finalized and faced opposition in Ireland.

In March 2017, it was confirmed that British immigration officials would not work at Irish ports and airports. In June 2017, the British government said it wanted to "protect the Common Travel Area arrangements." They also said Irish citizens living in the UK would not need to apply for "settled status."

2019 Agreement for Citizens' Rights

On May 8, 2019, Irish and British ministers signed a new agreement. This was to protect the rights of Irish and British citizens after Brexit. The document was signed in London. It made the rights of citizens, already part of the CTA, more secure.

This agreement was also not legally binding. It said the CTA has always been flexible and can continue to change.

This agreement was the result of over two years of work. It protected citizens' rights after Brexit. It also made sure Ireland could still meet its duties as an EU member. The agreement started on January 31, 2020, when the UK officially left the EU.

COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, both the UK and Irish governments put in place new rules. These rules restricted travel or added conditions for entering each other's countries.

British Immigration System from 2021

From January 1, 2021, Irish citizens do not need special permission to enter or live in the UK. This is different from other EU citizens, who now need permission. The UK government confirmed that Irish citizens can continue to live in the UK as before.

Identity and Immigration Checks

Channel Islands Checks

The Guernsey Border Agency and the Jersey Customs and Immigration Service check passengers. They only do this for people arriving in the Channel Islands from outside the CTA.

In 2022, Jersey and Guernsey allowed French citizens to visit for day trips using their national ID cards. This helped bring back visitors. This special rule might end when the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation system starts for French citizens.

Republic of Ireland Checks

The border at Killeen, County Armagh, marked only by a speed limit sign

In 1997, Ireland changed its immigration laws. Immigration officers can now check travelers arriving by sea or air from other parts of the CTA. They can refuse entry to those not allowed to enter. While Irish and British citizens are usually free to enter, they may need to show ID. This proves they can use the CTA rules.

Checks are also done along the land border. These are usually "intelligence driven operations." Air passengers arriving in Ireland from the CTA now go through the same checks as other international travelers. All sea and air passengers must pass through Irish immigration checks. British citizens do not need a passport to enter. But they might need to prove their nationality to immigration officers.

An Irish judge explained these checks. He said that people arriving by air from the UK face Irish immigration controls. Even Irish and British citizens often need to show passports or other ID. This proves they are allowed to use the CTA.

In 2012, a trial began at Dublin Airport. Civilian staff from the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) started working with police. They helped examine arriving passengers.

Transit Without Visa for Irish Visa Holders

Since July 2019, some travelers can pass through the UK without a visa. This is if they have a valid Irish biometric visa. They must arrive and leave by air. They also need a confirmed flight that leaves by the next day. They must have the right documents for their final destination.

If you have an Irish biometric visa (marked BC or BC BIVS), you do not need a separate British visa. This applies if you are traveling through the UK to Ireland.

Isle of Man Checks

The Isle of Man Government says they rarely do immigration checks. This is because very few transport services come from outside the CTA. As of April 2018, the only regular international flight was to Geneva, Switzerland.

The Isle of Man is treated like part of the UK for customs. So, there are no regular customs checks for travelers from the UK.

United Kingdom Checks

The UK Border Force does not usually check travelers arriving from other parts of the CTA. This applies to all nationalities. However, the Channel Islands have special tax rules. So, the UK Border Force sometimes does customs checks on travelers from there.

Travel Within the UK

During The Troubles, there were temporary powers to check people traveling between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Similar powers still exist today under the Terrorism Act 2000.

UK immigration officers can arrest people they suspect of immigration offenses. However, any questioning must be voluntary. People can choose not to answer questions and leave.

Airlines often require photo ID for flights within the UK. This could be a passport or driving license.

Because of Brexit, customs checks may happen for goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

Common Visa System

In October 2014, the UK and Irish governments started the British-Irish Visa Scheme. This allows visitors to travel to both countries with one visa. At first, this was only for people from China and India. You need a visa from the first country you enter.

The CTA has mostly open borders. But it's not like the Schengen Agreement. The CTA does not automatically recognize permission to enter both countries. The UK and Ireland have separate visa systems.

In July 2011, Ireland started a visa waiver program. This means some nationalities with valid British visas do not need an Irish visa. This helps visitors to the UK also visit Ireland. Belarus and Russia were removed from this list in October 2022. The program is set to end in October 2026.

The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man allow entry to people with British visas. But there are some exceptions. Immigration authorities in Guernsey and Jersey check all visitors who are not from Britain.

Freedom of Movement

British and Irish citizens have special rights to live in each other's countries. These rights are stronger than those for other European citizens. As of February 2020^[update], immigration officers control entry for citizens from other countries.

British Citizens in Ireland

Under Irish law, all British citizens can live in Ireland without restrictions. This includes people from the Isle of Man and Channel Islands. They are not treated as foreigners under Irish law. They can move to Ireland to live, work, or retire. Unlike other EU citizens, they do not need to show they have enough money or health insurance to retire. They can also use Irish public services like Irish citizens.

Irish Citizens in the United Kingdom

Irish citizens can enter and live in the UK without any restrictions. They also have the right to vote, work, study, and use welfare and healthcare services.

Before 1949, all Irish citizens were considered British subjects. After Ireland became a republic, a British law in 1949 gave Irish citizens a similar status to Commonwealth citizens. So, like British citizens in Ireland, Irish citizens in the UK are not treated as foreigners.

Irish citizens have not been subject to immigration control in Britain since 1962. If they move to the UK, they are considered to have "settled status." This is a very strong right to live there. It is very hard to deport an Irish citizen from the UK. This usually only happens in very serious cases.

In 2007, the British government announced a special process for deporting Irish citizens. This process is more lenient than for other European citizens. Irish citizens are not usually considered for deportation after leaving prison. They are only deported if a court recommends it, or in rare cases where it is in the public interest.

Other European Citizens

Citizens from other countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) can freely enter and live in Ireland. They also had this right in the UK when it was part of the EU. They need a valid passport or national ID card to enter the CTA. They also need it for travel between Ireland and the UK.

However, plans for a UK electronic travel authorization might change this. But this decision was later reversed. People legally living in Ireland who do not usually need a UK visa will not need an Electronic Travel Authorisation. This applies if they are arriving in Northern Ireland from within the Common Travel Area.

Citizens' Rights

The rights of British and Irish citizens in each other's countries are very similar to those of natural citizens. The main difference is that Irish citizens in Great Britain do not get a British Passport. Also, British citizens in Ireland do not get an Irish Passport.

Working Rights

British or Irish citizens can work in either country. This includes working for themselves. They do not need special permission from the authorities.

The British government wants to make sure that professional qualifications from Ireland are still recognized in the UK after Brexit. The Irish government also wants to ensure this for UK qualifications.

Education Rights

British and Irish citizens can go to school and university in either country. They have the same rights as citizens of that country. Both governments want this to continue after Brexit.

They also want to make sure that British and Irish students can still get student loans and support in the other country.

Social Security Benefits

British or Irish citizens living or working in the other country pay into one social security system. They can get social security benefits, including pensions, from that country. This is true no matter where they live.

When working in the CTA, workers pay into the social security system of where their employer is based for tax. They have the same social security rights as citizens of that country.

Both governments have made an agreement to protect these rights after Brexit.

Healthcare Rights

British and Irish citizens can get healthcare in either country. If they are visiting, they can also get necessary healthcare during their stay. Both governments want this to continue after Brexit.

Social Housing Support

British or Irish citizens living in the other country can get social housing. This includes supported housing and help for homeless people. They have the same rights as citizens of that country. Both governments want this to continue after Brexit.

Voting Rights

British or Irish citizens living in the other country can register to vote. They can vote in local and national elections in that country. They have the same rights as citizens of that country. Both governments want these arrangements to continue after Brexit. However, Irish citizens can vote in UK referendums. But UK citizens cannot vote in Irish referendums or Irish elections for the European Parliament.

Schengen Area

In 1985, some European countries signed the Schengen Agreement. This agreement aimed to remove border controls between them. This led to the Schengen Area, which started in 1995. By 1997, all European Union countries except the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland had joined.

The Amsterdam Treaty in 1997 allowed Ireland and the UK to keep their border controls. This was to maintain the Common Travel Area. A main reason for the Schengen Agreement was to make it easier for workers to cross borders daily. The UK and Ireland have a short land border, which is only with Northern Ireland. This made the reason less important for them.

The British government has always refused to lower its border controls. They believe that being an island helps them control immigration better than mainland European countries. Ireland has always been more open to joining Schengen. But it has not done so to keep the CTA and its open border with Northern Ireland. However, in 1997, Ireland did start checking IDs and immigration for arrivals from the UK.

Identification Requirements

Most transport companies let passengers travel within the Common Travel Area without a passport. However, photo ID is usually needed for air travel. For example, Ryanair requires all passengers to carry a passport or national identity card. But for UK domestic flights, other photo ID might be accepted.

In 2014, there was a proposal in Ireland to stop transport companies from requiring passports for CTA travel. But this law was not passed. In October 2015, the Irish government started issuing passport cards. These are the size of national ID cards and are accepted by all transport companies. But you need a regular passport book to get a passport card.

Images for kids

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  The Common Travel Area

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  The border at Killeen, County Armagh, marked only by a speed limit sign

See also

In Spanish: Common Travel Area para niños