[Previous entry: "New Low-Cost Scheme From Airline"] [Next entry: "Tour Operators and Hoteliers Get Together to Plan Ahead"]
24/05/2005: "Foreign Office Advice on Travel to Ireland"
Still Current at: 24 May 2005
Updated: 23 May 2005
IRELAND
Ireland shares with the rest of Europe a threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets, as demonstrated by the serious bomb attacks on the trains in Spain last March.
Some airliners require photo ID for security. Take your passport, just in case.
Remember that the currency in Ireland is the Euro.
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.
Ireland changed all road signs from imperial to metric measurements on 20 January 2005.
Safety & Security
Terrorism
Ireland shares with the rest of Europe a threat from terrorism Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets, as demonstrated by serious bomb attacks on the trains in Spain last March. Please see the Security and General Tips and Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas pages for further information and advice
Crime
Most visitors to Ireland enjoy a trouble-free time and experience no difficulties during their stay. The capital, Dublin, is a bustling city and tends to be the centre for nightlife and shopping, attracting a lot of people. The Dublin shopping centre is very busy especially at weekends. Take normal, sensible precautions to avoid personal attacks, bag snatching and pick pocketing. Try to avoid carrying valuables and large sums of money.
You should make sure that vehicles are properly secured, and where possible park in secure parking lots. Do not leave valuables such as handbags or mobile phones in your car.
Local Laws & Customs
Do not drink and drive over the legal drinking limit. You may be heavily penalised or even imprisoned.
It is now illegal to smoke in places of employment in Ireland. This covers pubs and restaurants. Do not be tempted to light up.
Ireland changed all road signs from imperial to metric measurements on 20 January 2005.
Do not become involved with drugs of any kind. Possession of even small quantities can lead to long terms of imprisonment. Do not offer to carry parcels or luggage for any other person when entering or leaving Ireland.
Entry Requirements
Ireland, along with the UK, is a member of the Common Travel Area. This means that United Kingdom passport holders do not require their passport to visit Ireland for immigration purposes. However, some airlines require photo ID for travel between the UK and Ireland (and between some UK airports). Check with your airline when booking your ticket what is required. It is a good idea to take your passport anyway, just in case.
Health
Make sure that you have sufficient medical insurance to cover your stay in Ireland. If you need a doctor you may be asked to pay for the consultation there and then.
You should take with you form E111, which should be completed before you leave the United Kingdom (see UK Department of Health leaflet "HEALTH ADVICE FOR TRAVELLERS" tel: 0800 555 7777). This can be obtained from most post offices, and entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Irish nationals. Although this can help you get emergency medical treatment in Ireland, it is not a substitute for medical insurance.
For further information on health, check the Department of Health’s website at www.dh.gov.uk
General
Check before you travel that your bank cash card can be used in the hole-in-the-wall cash dispensers in Ireland. Remember that the currency in Ireland is the Euro.
Contact Details
Address: British Embassy
29 Merrion Road
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Telephone: (353)(1) 205 3700 Main Switchboard
(353) (1) 205 3775 Commercial
(353) (1) 205 3792 Defence
(353) (1) 205 3700 Passport/Visa
(353) (1) 205 3742 Press & Public Affairs enquiries only
Facsimile: (353) (1) 205 3885 Management
(353) (1) 205 3880 Commercial
(353) (1) 205 3731 Chancery
(353) (1) 205 3890 Consular/Passport/Visa
(353) (1) 205 3893 Press & Public Affairs
(353)(1) 205 3878 Defence
