If you are travelling to or from the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man
This section explains the current arrangements for travel between the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man (known as the 'common travel area'). It also describes how and why we are proposing to change these arrangements in the future.
What is the common travel area?
The common travel area (CTA) is a 'free movement' area comprising the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, the Bailiwick of Guernsey, the Bailiwick of Jersey and the Isle of Man.
The CTA is an immigration arrangement, and it does not regulate the movement of goods. Customs restrictions apply on all CTA routes except those between the Isle of Man and the United Kingdom. (For customs purposes the Isle of Man is part of the United Kingdom.)
Proposals have been developed which would modernise the CTA, but it would not be abolished.
Current arrangements within the common travel area
The United Kingdom currently makes no routine immigration checks on passenger travel within the CTA, and passengers are not required to carry a passport or national identity document for immigration purposes.
Proposed changes to the common travel area arrangements
With increased international travel, the freedoms enjoyed by CTA residents could be abused by criminals, illegal immigrants and people who pose a security threat to any of the partner countries. The UK Border Agency therefore made a commitment to review and strengthen the CTA arrangements in our 2007 strategy document Securing the UK border.
We consulted stakeholders and the public on changes during 2008, and we have also been in discussion with our CTA partners about modernising the CTA. In January 2009, the Government's response to the consultation on Strengthening the common travel area proposed reforms to the operation of the CTA.
Although these proposed reforms were removed from the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill in July 2009, we remain committed to seeking their introduction at some point in the future.
Proposed changes - Republic of Ireland
How our reforms would affect the arrangements for travel between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Proposed changes - Channel Islands and Isle of Man
How our reforms would affect the arrangements for travel between the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the United Kingdom.