Minister's travel advice for rugby fans heading to the Lions Tour

Minister Flanagan gives eight “Top Tips” to Irish rugby fans travelling to New Zealand for the Lions Tour

With the British & Irish Lions kicking off their tour of New Zealand tomorrow (Saturday) morning, with a game against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Charlie Flanagan TD, has issued eight “top tips” for Irish rugby fans travelling to New Zealand for the Tour.

Speaking ahead of the first game, Minister Flanagan said:

“All sports fans are looking forward to the drama that will be played out on the rugby pitches of New Zealand over the next five weeks.

“While most of us will be rising from our beds early to get a good seat in front of the TV, hundreds of fortunate Irish rugby fans will be there in person to cheer on the Irish Lions and their English, Welsh and Scottish team-mates.

"I am taking this opportunity to ask all of those Irish rugby fans to be sensible and to plan properly so that they can have as enjoyable and memorable a time as possible.”

"I am urging all of them to download “Travelwise”, the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade’s award-winning smartphone app which assists Irish citizens travelling overseas. Once downloaded, fans can receive travel alerts for New Zealand and they can also register their travel plans so that, in the unlikely event that our Consulate in Auckland needs to make contact, they can do so more easily.

“If fans take notice of my eight “top tips”, it should make for a more enjoyable experience for all.”

“I look forward to cheering on The Lions myself, albeit from the distance of home, and I hope that everybody who has travelled over to New Zealand for the rugby, and of course our large Irish diaspora living in New Zealand, has a wonderful, and winning, time. Safe travels.”

Minister Flanagan’s Eight Top Tips:

• I strongly recommend that everyone who is travelling to New Zealand has comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation.

• If your passport is lost or stolen you should report it to the Honorary Consulate in Auckland and apply for a new passport. You are advised to do so immediately as remaining in New Zealand without a valid passport may give rise to difficulties with the local immigration authorities.

• Temporary passports can be issued through the Honorary Consulate General in Auckland. To apply for a temporary passport you must have supporting documentation. Please see our website for more details: www.ireland.co.nz/ or www.dfa.ie/australia.

• Stay in touch with home. Win, lose or draw, let your family and friends know that you’re ok. Call, text or post on social media, and ensure your loved ones have information about your itinerary and travel plans.

• Please be responsible. Avoid unnecessary risks – steer clear of trouble, drink responsibly and behave respectfully when engaging with local authorities, including local law enforcement agencies.

• Please bear in mind that match venues will be enforcing their standard conditions of entry. Prohibited items generally include: alcohol, drugs, glass bottles or breakable containers, metal containers, cans and offensive weapons, including potential missiles.

• All match venues reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone who is intoxicated and/or disorderly and licensing laws are likely to be strictly enforced.

• And finally, stay connected. Follow us on @dfatirl, @dfatravelwise, @irlnz1 and @irlembaustralia.

ENDS
Press Office
2 June 2017