FAQs

What you need to know about visiting Northern Ireland

Find answers below to the most commonly asked questions about travelling to Northern Ireland, and exploring while you're here. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please use our Contact Us form and we will get back to you as quickly as possible. 

What is the latest travel and holiday advice?

For the latest travel advice, and updates about Coronavirus in Northern Ireland, please visit the NI Direct website. 

What currency does Northern Ireland use?

Northern Ireland uses the pound sterling (£), the currency in circulation in England, Scotland and Wales. Unlike the Euro which is used in the Republic of Ireland, pound sterling is not linked to the Euro. Mastercard (Access) and Visa credit cards, including Contactless, are in general use and cheques backed by a bank card are widely accepted.

Will I be able to use Euro in Northern Ireland?

Most large stores will accept Euro currency, however please enquire first to confirm if there will be a charge attached to this service and to confirm exact rate. Visitors are advised to plan ahead and bring sterling currency as smaller businesses may not except Euro, or may not give the best exchange rate compared to banks, post offices etc.  Please visit Post Office where you will find details of foreign exchange services and up-to-date rates.

What is the best time of the year to come to Northern Ireland?

Come between April and October for the best weather, although our winters never get very cold. Northern Ireland's climate is mild and temperate, with mild winters, very little snow and warm summers. More information www.bbc.co.uk/weather

What is the climate in Northern Ireland?

The weather in Northern Ireland is traditionally changeable. The temperature usually stays above freezing, so there is seldom snow or ice, but at any time of year it is advisable to be prepared for rain. Summer months sometimes see prolonged periods of sunshine.  Despite the changeable climate there are generally higher levels of ultraviolet (UV) rays between March and October, even on cool or cloudy days. Information on UV protection for those visiting or living in Northern Ireland is available at www.careinthesun.org/uv

Is it safe to visit Northern Ireland?

Yes. Northern Ireland has the second lowest crime rate in Europe. Even during the years of civil unrest tourists were rarely directly affected. As with all travel, some general safety tips: leave money and valuables in a safe place, lock valuables out of sight or take them with you when leaving your hire car.

What COVID-19 Restrictions are in place in Northern Ireland?

There are no COVID-19 restrictions currently in place across Northern Ireland. Please refer to the NI Direct website for the latest information.

Is it easy to travel to Northern Ireland?

There are many direct air routes into Northern Ireland from Britain as well as some North American and European links. Travel time from Dublin Airport is under two hours. There are several ferry routes from Scotland and the north of England. See the Travel and Transport section of the site for more information.

What are the Passport and Visa requirements for entry?

From 2025 Europeans and Americans travelling to the UK will need to apply for a £10 visa-waiver. The new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will become mandatory from January 8th for American passport holders, and April 2nd for all those holding European Union passports, excluding Ireland. The ETA will be mandatory for foreign arrivals into the UK who do not need a visa, and will be valid for two years. All passengers must have one, including babies and children. 

Please use the UK Government's "Check if you need a UK visa" service for information specific to your trip, and "Check when you can get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)" for further information.

For further information available from the British Embassy in your country of origin, call: 0300 222 0000 or visit www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-passport-office.  For lost/stolen passport information please contact local police station, embassy or consulate.

Are we required to tip in restaurants?

At a restaurant check if the service is included in your bill. It sometimes is. If not and you are satisfied with your service, it is suggested that you pay an additional 10% - 15% of the total as a tip. If paying by card, check with staff first that they will receive the tip.

Is Northern Ireland a good place for shopping?

Belfast City Centre is the focal point for shopping. You'll find Castlecourt and Ireland's largest mall, Victoria Square, in the heart of the city. Other cities in Northern Ireland offer popular high street stores, and local enterprises. Ballymena,  Derry~Londonderry, Enniskillen, Newry and Lisburn are popular shopping options.

Can visitors to Northern Ireland avail of tax free shopping?

All visitors from outside the European Union are able to avail of tax free shopping in the UK when they purchase eligible goods from participating retailers.
The scheme is entirely voluntary so look out for the Tax Free Shopping logo before you purchase.

Are there left luggage facilities in Belfast?

Belfast Welcome Centre is the only place that provides this service. £3 per item for up to 4hrs, £4.50 4hrs+. Last pick up is 15 minutes before Belfast Welcome Centre closes. Telephone for further details (028) 9024 6609.

What are the useful telephone codes?

To call Northern Ireland from abroad, dial 00 44 + area code (without 0) + local number. To call Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland, dial 048 + area code (without 0) + local number. To call Northern Ireland from elsewhere in UK or to make an internal call, dial area code (with 0) + local number. To call the Republic from Northern Ireland, dial 00 353 + the area code (without 0) + local number.

Electrical current

The standard electricity supply in Northern Ireland is 240 volts. Visitors from some countries may require a transformer and a plug adaptor. A plug adaptor is necessary for visitors to convert 2-pin plugs to the standard 3-pin plugs and can be bought at any electrical supplier.

What happens if I require medical treatment?

Your existing European Health Insurance card (EHIC) or a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. The form can be obtained on their website, post office or telephone: 0845 606 2030. If you have an existing European Health Insurance Card, you can continue to use it until it expires. Visitors are strongly advised to take out private travel insurance

Do I need extra car insurance if I bring my car to Northern Ireland?

Additional insurance is not required if travelling from Britain or the Republic of Ireland. Travellers from other countries should check with their insurance companies. Remember to drive on the left hand side of the road.

More information on driving in Northern Ireland can be found here. Information on vehicle hire can be found here.

Do I need a licence to drive a hire cruiser?

No, basic training is given on arrival with your chosen hire company.

Can I bring my dog to Northern Ireland?

Rules vary: it depends on the type of animal, your country of origin and the countries you pass through on route. Make sure you plan ahead.

Travelling from elsewhere in the UK, either directly or from the Republic, there are no restrictions, but check ther requirements of your ferry/airline company.

Cats and dogs arriving at the UK from the continent can enter Ireland without quarantine, provided they satisfy requirements of UK Pet Travel Scheme (PETS). This scheme has now been extended to the USA and Canada. PETS Helpline +44 (0) 28 90 524622, www.defra.gov.uk

Northern Ireland has lots of pet-friendly accommodation, walks and restaurants - read more here.

If you have any further queries feel free to contact us through our Contact Us form, or the Belfast Visitor Information centre at info@visit-belfast.com.