what is classed as proof of nationality for british citizens?

Question

i am travelling to ireland (not sure if its southern or northern yet!) and i have looked up if i need a passport, apparently as long as i have a photo id such as driving licence and proof of british citizen ship i am confused as i thought the driving licence proved i am british! I need an answer asap as i am meant 2 be going with work either next week or the week after and i dont have a passport!

Answer 1

Pasport and birth certificate.

Answer 2

assuming you are travelling from Britain then you don't need a passport to cross the border to the Republic and nothing to travel to the North. Of course if you fly you will need valid ID regardless of where you travel, acceptable ID will be available from your airline, usually must be photo ID, a driving licence is usually sufficient (I've used my Irish licence to travel to Britain several times.).
REASON
there is a common travel area between the UK and the Republic which exempts citizens (not resident non-nationals) of both states from having to use a passport to travel between them. If requested however citizens travelling in the other state may have to prove their nationality, how this is done is nowhere defined in legislation which puts the onus on the traveller to prove themselves.
BUT
if you arrive in the Republic without a passport the immigration authorities will take a careful second look at the ID you do have. It's not stated policy but if you don't have a typical British or Irish accent or if you have a name or appearence that suggests ethnic origin from outside Britain or Ireland expect to be questioned further and potentially if the border officer is not happy to be required to prove your nationality. This may involve a check with the police in the other juristiction so can take hours. This is not the norm but is a possibility. Unfortunate but it does happen and has been steadily tightening up ove the last 5 years (I used to pass through immigration just waving my copy of the Irish Times though I think they knew my face back then)

Answer 3

If you are going to Southern Ireland you will need a Passport.

To get your Passport you will get the Form from the Post Office and will need 2 Photographs that have to be signed by either a Doctor or Police officer or even a civil servant.

Passports have just gone up in Price by the way.
You can get your application form checked at the P.O. and they do charge for the Service, and they send it off for you.

Marriage or Birth Certificate can be used as Proof,

You will need Euro's too in Southern Ireland,Northern Ireland is still British Owned.

Answer 4

The only document that is classed as proof of nationality is your passport. The birth certificate just tells people where you were born and that you may be eligible for citizenship in you birth country - however, this is not really a big issue for most people as most people live in the country they were born so it can occasionally be taken as proof of nationality. Your driving licence again is not proof of nationality - it just indicates that you can drive in the country that issued you your licence. What I would do is take driving licence, birth certificate, NI number and a utility bill. Between the four documents, immigration would have a hard time refuting that you are at least a resident of the UK.

Answer 5

We had the same question a few years ago and an Irish friend said a passport is the best thing and your birth certificate is the next, prefarably with a photo id. Ring up the Passport Office nearest to you, they'll be able to help you.

Answer 6

Birth certificate or passport are the best forms of identification anywhere,but as you say a driving license with photograph is the next best thing,travelling to the R.O.I.or the north does'nt require a passport

Answer 7

photo id is proof enough.
Unfortunately as Ireland is part of Europe and EVEN more Americanised than the UK, it no longer feels as if you are abroad.
Shame really.

Have fun and enjoy the Guinness.

p.s. Southern Ireland is counties Cork and Kerry. The correct term is the Republic of Ireland.

Answer 8

Having a passport will save a lot of confusion,and upset if you are not able to go,i would take as much as possible to prove you are who you say you are hope this helped

Answer 9

If you are flying-you will probably need a passport(just because the airline said so) if your going by ferry no I.D will be needed-a drivers licence will surfice if your asked for i.d. once your there.

Answer 10

you may need a passport for the south but not the north