UK-Ireland visa reform could benefit ferry industry

Visa reform in the UK and Ireland could be hugely beneficial for both travellers and the ferry industry.

Currently, people coming from overseas - either on business or pleasure - need to obtain travel documents for the Irish Republic as well as papers for travel in the UK if they want to travel on ferries from Liverpool to Dublin.

Irish minister for transport, tourism and sport Leo Varadkar said the two countries should adopt the same approach used on the continent by creating a common travel zone.

Mr Varadkar said the current set-up was essentially discouraging "high-value, high-spending visitors".

He pointed out that people heading to Dublin from outside the EU need two sets of papers if they want to head to Belfast and the Giant's Causeway during the same trip.

There is, however, a visa waiver in place for UK visitors that will run until the end of October 2016, which reduces the paperwork burden.

Posted by Mark Robinson

Holyhead - Dun Laoghaire

1 x Foot Passenger(s) Return

Travelling on:

26/06/2013 - 27/06/2013

£35

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Fishguard - Rosslare

Car + 2 Return

Travelling on:

26/06/2013 - 27/06/2013

£165

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Holyhead - Dublin

Car + 4 Return

Travelling on:

26/06/2013 - 27/06/2013

£225

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* Prices are "from prices" and are indicative only

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