Ireland Freedom Guide 2026
Germany 🇩🇪 Ireland 🇮🇪
Germany to Ireland visa guide
Germany to Ireland visa guide Official 2026 guidelines for German citizens. Navigate the "Republic vs Northern" rule split and the 25 February 2026 airline document mandate.| Destination | Stay Limit | Document Type | 2026 Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Republic of Ireland | 90 Days | German ID or Passport | No Visa / No ETA |
| Northern Ireland (UK) | 6 Months | Passport ONLY | Mandatory UK ETA |
| Long-Term Stay (>90d) | Unlimited | EU Rights | Registration / Funds |
1. Entry to the Republic (Dublin, Cork) ID Card Accepted
German citizens have a right to travel to the Republic of Ireland under EU free movement.
- No Visa: You do NOT need a visa to enter the Republic for any duration.
- ID Documents: You can travel using a **German National ID card (Personalausweis)** or a passport.
- Airline Rule 2026: Note that starting **25 February 2026**, certain airlines like Aer Lingus require a **passport** for all flights between Ireland and the UK, but ID cards remain valid for direct Germany-Ireland routes.
- Schengen Note: Ireland is NOT in the Schengen Area. You will go through a quick passport/ID check upon arrival.
2. Visiting Northern Ireland (Belfast) Passport & ETA
Effective 25 February 2026, the rules for entering Northern Ireland from Ireland or abroad are strictly enforced.
- Mandatory UK ETA: German citizens MUST have an approved **UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)** before traveling to Northern Ireland.
- Cost & Validity: It costs **£16** (approx. €19) and is valid for **2 years**.
- Passport Only: German ID cards are **NOT** accepted for travel into Northern Ireland or the wider UK. You must use a biometric passport.
- Boarding Denied: From Feb 25, carriers are legally required to confirm your ETA status before you board.
3. Living & Working in Ireland EU Rights
German citizens can live and work in Ireland for up to 3 months without restriction (6 months if job-seeking).
- Stay Beyond 90 Days: To stay longer, you must be working, self-employed, a student, or have "sufficient resources" (enough money and health insurance).
- Registration: Unlike non-EU citizens, Germans do NOT need to register with Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) or get an IRP card.
- PPS Number: If you plan to work, you must apply for a **Personal Public Service (PPS) Number** once you arrive.
- Family: Non-EU family members of German citizens **must** apply for a residence card after arrival in Ireland.
4. 2026 Customs & Health Strict Declarations
Ireland enforces standard EU customs rules but maintains specific limits for non-EU travel (e.g., via the UK).
- Currency: You must declare cash exceeding **€10,000** if traveling directly to/from Germany or other EU countries.
- Tobacco/Alcohol: Standard EU limits apply (800 cigarettes, 10 litres of spirits) for direct travel between Germany and Ireland.
- Health Card: Always carry your **European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)**; it provides access to necessary state healthcare in Ireland.
- Medication: Carry a German doctor's prescription for any medication in original packaging.
© 2026 Global Visa Guide | Information Verified via Citizens Information Ireland & Department of Foreign Affairs.