passports.

[grannie39]

when we first joined the common market, now the european job, we were told that we would be able to travel freely through europe with out passports, why did this never start, and why does one need a passport to Ireland. thanks.

[redcrx]

a passport is not an entry requirement for Ireland if youre a UK citizen. But airlines and ferry companies will ask for some sort of photo ID.

[Buenchico]

Free movement is already possible, without any passport restrictions, across the whole of the EU (plus Swizerland, Norway and Iceland) under the Schengen Agreement. The only exceptions are as follows:

Bulgaria & Cyprus have committed to fully implementing the provisions of the Agreement, but have not yet set dates for doing so.

Romania is due to fully implement the provisions from March 2011.

The United Kingdom is the only EU state which has refused to fully implement the provisions of the Agreement.

Ireland wishes to fully implement those provisions, but is currently barred from doing so because of the existing 'open border' policy with the UK

The British government cites 'national security' as the reason why the UK is not a full Schengen member. (That's despite the fact that countries like Spain, who've also suffered terrorist attacks, are happy to be part of the 'borderless' area). The probable real reason is that our politicians are scared of the reaction of our xenophobic media (e.g. the dreaded Daily Mail) if they open up our borders.

UK citizens do not need a passport to travel to Ireland. (People go to and from work, and on shopping trips etc, every day across the Irish land border, without any passport formalities). However international airline security rules require that all airlines must check the ID of their passengers. Some airlines (e.g. easyJet) will accept a wide range of forms of ID, including things like bus passes. Others are stricter but currently all airlines accept a photographic driving licence as ID for travel between the UK and Ireland. (However Ryanair has decided to switch to a 'passports only' policy from later this year).

Chris

[VHG]

I have been through the channel tunnel a few times both ways and never had to show my passport.

This was a few years ago so not sure if they are stricter now.

I have also driven between France, Belgium and Holland by car and there was no border control.

So to say it has never happened is wrong.

I think it is mainly air travel that is the problem, and that is because some low down scum decided to hijack a couple of planes and fly them into a skyscraper.

[VHG]

>Romania is due to fully implement the provisions
> from March 2011.
>The United Kingdom is the only EU state which has >refused to fully implement the provisions of the >Agreement.

Hopefully to keep the low life Roma gypsies out.

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/33884/Roma -gypsies-head-for-good-life-in-Britain-after-t hey-are-told-Get-a-job

[dzug]

I have been through the channel tunnel a few times both ways and never had to show my passport.

It shouldn't happen but I'm sure it does occasionally - particularly outward. There's no formal exit control when leaving the UK and the French aren't much interested.

I have also driven between France, Belgium and Holland by car and there was no border control.

Correct - there isn't and hasn't been for years.

[Whickerman]

Once again, I'm impressed with Chris - fair dues mate.