Travel Advice
The Department of Foreign Affairs (Republic of Ireland) and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (Northern Ireland) has up-to-date advice for Irish/British citizens on staying safe and healthy abroad.
- For more on security, local laws, health, passport and visa information see www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice (Republic of Ireland) | www.gov.uk/travelaware (Northern Ireland)
- Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting www.tmb.ie (Republic of Ireland) | www.travelhealthpro.org.uk (Northern Ireland)
The advice can change so check regularly for updates.
Before you depart:
- Take out appropriate travel insurance before travelling and make sure it covers you for all the activities you want to do.
- If you are travelling within Europe, ensure you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) that hasn’t expired and understand what it covers -you still need full travel insurance though! For your free EHIC card visit www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/schemes/ehic (Republic of Ireland) | www.nhs.uk/ehic (Northern Ireland)
- Learn about the laws, customs and entry requirements of the country you’re visiting and understand how they differ from home, check www.dfa.ie/travel (Republic of Ireland) | www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice (Northern Ireland)
- Check your passport is valid, fill out the emergency details, look after it while travelling and keep it in a safe place. Make sure you have all necessary visas.
- Make copies of important travel documents, take a picture or make copies and store them securely using a secure data storage site.
- Research vaccinations or any other medical requirements for your destination, and if necessary visit a travel health clinic before you travel. For medical advice visit www.tmb.ie (Republic of Ireland) | www.travelhealthpro.org.uk (Northern Ireland)
- Tell your friends or family about your travel plans and where you’re going and leave emergency contact details.
- Take enough money with you and have access to emergency funds. Ensure you take the contact details of the local Irish or British Consulate in case of emergencies www.dfa.ie/embassies (Republic of Ireland) | www.gov.uk/government/world/embassies (Northern Ireland)
- Understand what consular staff can and can’t do to help British nationals travelling overseas, check www.dfa.ie/global-irish/support-overseas (Republic of Ireland) | www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-for-british-nationals-abroad-a-guide (Northern Ireland)
- Act responsibly, and be responsible for yourself when abroad.