Know Before You Go

The Department of Foreign Affairs has up-to-date advice for Irish citizens on staying safe and healthy abroad.

For more on security, local laws, health, passport and visa information see www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/advice and follow Instagram @dfatravelwise and X @dftravelwise.

British passport holders should refer to https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

More information is available by checking www.tui.co.uk/destinations/info/travel-aware.

Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/know-before-you-go.

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 https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/ehic/.

  • Learn about the laws, customs and entry requirements of the country you’re visiting and understand how they differ from home, check - www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/advice/.

  • 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.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/pubinfo/travelvacc/.

  • 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 Consulate in case of emergencies - www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/embassies/ .

  • Understand what consular staff can and can’t do to help Irish nationals travelling overseas, check www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/assistance-abroad/.

  • Act responsibly, and be responsible for yourself when abroad.

If you have further questions, see the Travel & Health requirements information in the Before You Go section of our Frequently Asked Questions page.