The “oven-ready” Brexit deal agreed by Boris Johnson with the European Union created a serious barrier in the Irish Sea for travellers from England, Wales and Scotland to Northern Ireland – with all manner of restrictions on everything from pets to packed lunches.
What difference would the Government’s new Windsor Framework make? All the key questions are answered here.
What are the main rules at the moment?
As originally negotiated under the Northern Ireland Protocol, the nation is treated as part of the EU Single Market and being outside Great Britain for customs purposes – which means a wide range of rules are in force.
“Core to the problems with the protocol was that it treated goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland as if they were crossing an international customs border,” says Rishi Sunak.
The current prime minister – who voted for the protocol he now deplores – says: “This created extra costs and paperwork for businesses, who had to fill out complex customs declarations.”
Pets
Alsatians to Antrim? Tabbies to Tyrone? Ferrets to Fermanagh?
Animals such as dogs, cats and ferrets may only be brought into Northern Ireland if they comply with the EU Pet Travel Scheme.
From countries within the EU a pet needs:
- a microchip
- a rabies vaccination administered by an authorised vet, and to wait before travelling until the appropriate immunity has developed
- a pet passport
- tapeworm treatment
From Great Britain you also need “a single use EU animal health certificate confirming microchip and vaccinations”. This requires attendance at an Official Veterinarian and paying £180 before every visit.
Customs
Careful with your snacks, sandwiches and other food supplies. The standard rule is: no “POAO”. This stands for Products Of Animal Origin, and the government specifically warns travellers cannot take food “containing meat or dairy (eg a ham and cheese sandwich)” into Northern Ireland.
There is an exemption for powdered infant milk, infant food, and special foods required for medical reasons; they must weigh less than 2kg and be packaged, proprietary brand products.
Vegetables and most fruit are also banned – though bananas, coconuts, dates, pineapples and durians are permitted.
The rule for fish is easier: travellers are allowed to bring in up to 20kg.
Honey, too, is…
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