Each traveler wishing to enter Ireland must hold a valid passport. Those who are entering through the Common Travel Area are not subject to passport control.
Certain non-EEA countries such as the United States have reciprocal agreements with Ireland that allow citizens to visit without first having to apply for a visa; this is the visa waiver program (VWP). To use the VWP the traveler needs to be a citizen of a participating country, have no overstays and no criminal convictions.
If a traveler is ineligible for the VWP, entry clearance must be obtained prior to landing in Ireland. Applications may be made online or by visiting the nearest Irish consulate.
Value added ax (VAT) is charged on all goods sold within the European Union and travelers will not be charged extra if VAT has already been paid. Customs requires travelers leaving the EU with more than €10,000 to file a declaration. Products such as meat, dairy, produce, alcohol, firearms, cigarettes, animals and agricultural media must be imported under license only.
Pets may be brought into Ireland only under the Defra pets plan. All noncompliant animals must remain in quarantine while in Ireland for at least six months.
