Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland trip

Travelmarks Photography is offering a photography trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland, a combination of city photography and nature and landscape. Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland is the starting point which is great for architecture and portrait shots. On the other hand, we head to the north where the breathtaking nature is dominant- hills, mountains, and waterfalls are just amazing for photography. However, there may be some changes in the future due to the recent leaving of the United Kingdom from the European Union.

Brexit

As we all may know, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, which now is a fact. Officially from 1^st February, 2021 UK is not part of the European Union, but some changes are in effect to Ireland and North Ireland. The conflict is that the Republic of Ireland is a European country whereas the Northern part of the island is British territory. This area has been known as Common Travel Area, which is an agreement settled by both countries to ensure that British and Irish citizens can move freely within the island as well as including the right to work, study and vote in certain elections, as well as to access social welfare benefits and health services.

The Northern Ireland Protocol

After the adaptation period, Brexit is official and applies from 1^st February 2021. What will this mean to Northern Ireland and the Common Travel Area agreement? Following these events, the Northern Ireland Protocol will turn into effect from this date. The Agreement commits UK and EU to maintain an open border on the Island. There will not be an official hard border and citizens from the UK and European Union will be able to cross freely. The Northern Ireland Protocol states that all the benefits and respects in this area will be continued with an extension of the Common Travel Area rules application. There will be a difference in the imported and exported goods between these countries because of EU food standards and checkups, which was not necessary when the UK was a European country.

What does this mean for the European traveler?

As we mentioned already there won’t be major changes in traveling between the two countries. Moreover, The Northern Ireland Protocol is aiming to avoid a physical border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Regarding visas and passports, there will not be any immigration control points. However, since you might not get checked as a traveler you should carry your passport with you entering Northern Ireland.

Besides, before traveling you are recommended to have health insurance. Your European Health insurance card (EHIC) will ensure your health insurance only in the Republic of Ireland. As the UK not being part of the EU, these rules do not apply. Visitors should arrange for themselves health and travel insurance while visiting the Northern part of the island. Always check with your insurance provider before the trip.