Travel Advice for Holidaymakers this Winter

Follow this checklist before you travel

Travel Advice for Holidaymakers

Whether you are taking a long winter holiday or short city trip this winter, following simple steps can ensure you are well prepared for their trips abroad. Simply checking passport expiration dates and reading our travel advice for destination countries can eliminate last minute stress and ensure a smooth trip. We also encourage Irish citizens to register contact and travel details with us so you can feel safe in the knowledge that we can contact you in the event of an emergency.

Check if your passport is up to date

Don’t forget check the validity of your passport before travelling, noting that some countries require passports to be at least six months from expiration in order to gain entry. It is particularly important to check children’s passports, which are valid for three or five years. Travellers may also wish to email copies of their passports and visas to themselves before travelling in case they are lost or stolen when abroad.

If your passport has expired or will do so in the near future, you can consult our instructions on the easiest way to renew your passport from your location.

Don’t forget check the validity of your passport before travelling

Check if you need a Visa

Many countries require you to have an entry visa or travel permit before they let you enter the country, and while most visas can be obtained at the point of entry of a country (airport, land border, sea port), in most cases you’ll need to apply to the Embassy or Consulate of the country you plan to visit in advance. It is important to get the right visa for your trip (ie tourist, volunteering, study, work, etc) and never outstay your visa as there can be hefty penalties involved. Some countries impose additional entry requirements, such as vaccination certificates or proof that you have access to sufficient funds in order to enter the country.

Take out travel and medical insurance

It is always important when travelling abroad to take reasonable precautions for you and your family’s personal safety. Holidaymakers should take out comprehensive travel insurance before leaving the country, checking exclusions and ensuring policies cover all planned activities such as water sports or adventure activities. 

Register your travel dates and contact details with us, so that we can contact you if there is an unforeseen crisis

Register your travel and contact details with us

Irish Citizens travelling outside of the Common Travel Area (Ireland/Great Britain) are encouraged to register travel dates and contact details with us, so that we can contact you and provide assistance if there is an unforeseen crisis such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or if you have a family emergency while you are overseas. This is particularly useful for people travelling to remote destinations or locations where they may be at a higher risk.

Consult our travel advice for your destination country

Our travel advice helps holidaymakers make informed decisions when planning a trip overseas, and includes a summary of the risks that could be faced in particular areas, and practical advice on how to avoid getting in trouble with the law or offending local customs. Regardless of the destination, Irish citizens should be mindful of their surroundings when overseas, and bear in mind that every country has its own laws and customs and which should be respected by visitors. 

Our staff based in Irish Embassies and Consulates around the world are available to offer assistance in emergency situations

What to do if you need our help while on holidays

While the majority of Irish citizens enjoy trouble-free holidays abroad, our consular staff in Dublin and those based in Irish Embassies and Consulates around the world are available to offer assistance in emergency situations. It’s worth noting that there is a limit to the assistance we can provide and often local contacts such as tour operator representatives and hotel management are best able to offer assistance. If you do have an emergency situation, our consular staff will offer you any assistance they can. It is a good idea to make a note of the contact details of the Irish Embassy or Consulate nearest to where you will be in case you need to contact us urgently.