Good Friday Committee writes to Secretary of State Brandon Lewis in relation to concerns over UK plans for non-Irish EU citizens to require visa to cross Northern Ireland Border

The requirement for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is part of a new post-Brexit immigration Nationality and Borders Bill which is expected to come into force in 2025.

Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Fergus O’Dowd said: “Last week British MPs voted down an amendment which sought to remove the visa requirement. If enacted, the rules would see a visa waiver requirement for non-Irish citizens going between Northern Ireland and Ireland.”

“The Committee has written to the British Secretary of State Brandon Lewis asking him to engage with our Members on this issue of deep concern, not least given its impact upon the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement and the Common Travel Area.

“The Committee notes the negative impact this will have on communities, particularly along the Border, but also on those workers, students and tourists who travel across the Border every single day.

“Mr Lewis has stated that the system will not lead to checks along the Border and that the Common Travel Area will not be affected. However, if this Bill is enacted, it would have a significant impact on people who live in Ireland but do not have Irish or British citizenship.

“This decision is contrary to the approach that the British and Irish Governments have supported to protect free movement on the island of Ireland and is divorced from the reality of life for the thousands of people who live and work in the Border region.”