Until 1st January 2021 free movement for the majority of people across the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland was facilitated by both the Common Travel Area (CTA) and membership of the European Union.

Established in the 1920s the CTA ensures free movement of Irish and UK citizens between the UK, Channels Islands, the Isle of Man and Ireland. It also aims to protect certain rights of Irish and British citizens in each other’s jurisdictions:

• Right to enter the other jurisdiction without a visa
• Right to Employment
• Right to Social security
• Right to Education
• Right to Healthcare
• Voting rights

These rights were also largely underpinned by EU legislation however (due to the UK’s exit from the EU) the Irish and UK Governments are working to legally strengthen the CTA. For example:

• February 2019 – UK and Irish Governments legally formalised CTA Social Protection arrangements for Irish and British citizens
• May 2019 – the UK and Irish Governments signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding that seeks to further strengthen the CTA

An overarching CTA treaty or a patchwork of smaller agreements may emerge and would provide legal clarification regarding the rights and entitlements of Irish and British citizens in Ireland and the UK.

Further information

• Border People – Social Security for Irish and British citizens (CTA)
• Irish Government – Common Travel Area FAQs
• UK Government – Common Travel Area guidance 
• UK Government – Memorandum of Understanding (explainer text with links to joint statements and full MOU)

Page last checked: March 2023

This webpage is for general information purposes only and while we endeavour to keep it up-to-date, errors may occur. It is very important that you check with the relevant body to ensure the information is current and is applicable to your situation.

If you would like to suggest amendments or highlight new information that could be useful to others please don’t hesitate to get in touch.