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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?

[1]https://www.stenaline.co.uk/faqs/passports-and-visas/im-a-british-irish-citizen-do-i-need-a-passport-to-travel

Kaz
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3 Answers3

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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.

DJClayworth
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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:

  1. What nationality is shown on your passport or travel document? Canada
  2. How long do you want to stay in Ireland? Less than 3 months
  3. 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).

anotherdave
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No, it won't work. But the Canadian passport does.

The problem is that while the person has right of citizenship in the UK by ius sanguinis (right of birth, Latin wording), they don't have a UK passport or other official UK document supporting this claim.

The ferry company, as a private company, is not necessarily entitled/obligated to examine all possible alternate documentation to a regular passport, with increased scrutiny time. They may or may not allow the passenger on board.

I have checked on traveldoc.aero that no visa is required when a passenger with Canadian passport travels from UK to Ireland, like if they were going to Ireland from Canada (short stay entry permit)

usr-local-ΕΨΗΕΛΩΝ
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