Ireland

Petty crime

Petty crime is common, particularly in city centres like Dublin. Risks include bag snatching and pickpocketing.

Thieves target areas popular with tourists.

Car theft and break-ins are increasing. Thieves target rental cars, especially in Dublin and tourist areas.

Use secure parking lots when possible and keep your luggage and valuables out of sight.

Watch your belongings on public transport and in crowded places.

Violent crime

There's a moderate risk of serious violent crime.

Avoid secluded parks, and unlit areas.

Check local media for news on crime.

Scams and fraud

Credit card fraud and ATM scams are becoming more common.

Don't use ATMs that look unusual.

More information:

• Information and assistance for victims of crime (Irish Tourist Assistance Service - ITAS)

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Large public gatherings and protests regularly occur in major centres, such as Dublin, and may turn violent. 

To stay safe during periods of unrest:

• avoid protests and demonstrations
• monitor the media for possible unrest
• avoid affected areas
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Ireland, they can still happen.

The terrorist threat level in Northern Ireland is different to Ireland. If you plan to visit Northern Ireland, you should read the UK travel advice. 

In recent years, terrorists have attacked some European cities. Targets have included:

• public transport
• transport hubs
• places popular with tourists

European security services have disrupted several planned attacks in recent years.

To stay safe:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• take care around known possible targets
• report anything suspicious to the police
• monitor the media and local sources
• take official warnings seriously

If there's a terrorist attack:

• leave the area as soon as it's safe
• follow the advice of local authorities
• avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Severe weather can disrupt your travel plans.

Monitor local media for updates.

If you visit somewhere that's had severe weather:

• confirm your plans and activities with your tour operator or travel provider
• contact your tour operators and hotels to check if the weather has affected services and facilities

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Health risks in Ireland are similar to those in Australia.

More information:

• Health Service Executive (Irish Government Health Service)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Ireland. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

The standard of health care is similar to that in Australia.

Australia and Ireland share a reciprocal healthcare agreement. This means you can get emergency medical treatment at public hospitals in the same way Irish people can.

However, the agreement doesn't:

• allow you to get ongoing treatment for an existing condition
• replace your need for private travel insurance
• You must usually pay up-front for medical treatment.

More information:

• Medicare - Reciprocal health care agreements

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Possessing even a small amount of illegal drugs can lead to a long jail sentence.

Don't carry items for anyone when you enter or leave Ireland.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs
• Citizens Information

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Ireland recognises dual nationality.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visitor visas

You don't need to apply for a tourist visa before departing Australia. A tourist visa of up to 90 days will be issued on arrival, as determined by the immigration officer. 

At least one blank page in your passport is required for entry.

When you arrive, immigration authorities may ask for details of your:

• accommodation bookings
• return flights
• contacts in Ireland

If they don't believe you're a genuine tourist, they may:

• refuse to let you enter
• give you a limited-stay visa

You'll need a visa for longer visits or if you want to work or study. You'll need to apply for your visa before you leave Australia.

Ireland isn't a part of the Schengen area and doesn't accept Schengen visas.

Entry and exit requirements can change at short notice. For details about visas, customs and quarantine conditions, contact either:

• Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service
• an embassy or consulate of Ireland

Working in Ireland

If you plan to work, you'll need an employment permit.

Use the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS) to choose the right permit.

More information:

• Living or working overseas

Travel with children

Immigration authorities have strict entry requirements for children aged under 18 years.

Authorities may ask the child, or adults accompanying them, for additional supporting documentation.

More information:

• Travel to Ireland with a child under 18
• Advice for people travelling with children

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

The local currency is the Euro.

Ireland is a member of the European Union (EU). If you're travelling between Ireland and any non-EU country, you must declare amounts over 10,000 euros or equivalent. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

You'll have to pay a fine when you enter or leave Ireland if you:

• don't declare this money
• give incorrect information 

You don't need to declare currency if you're travelling between EU countries.

ATMs are widely available. Ask your bank before you leave if your card will work in Ireland.

Tourism

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

If you're not satisfied with the response, contact the Irish Tourist Assistance Service (ITAS) for support and advice.

Driving permit

You can use your Australian driver's licence for up to 12 months. After this, you'll need to get an Irish licence.

Ireland and Australia have a driver's licence exchange for car and motorcycle licences, meaning that if you have an Australian licence, you can apply for an Irish licence without sitting any tests. You must apply for a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number before exchanging your licence.

When hiring a car, check with your hire car provider whether you need an International Driving Permit. The electronic version of your driver's licence won't be accepted.

Road travel

Conditions on major roads and in urban areas are good. However, hazards in country areas include:

• narrow, winding roads, particularly at night and during bad weather
• animals, farm vehicles and machinery on roads

You face serious penalties for drink driving, including heavy fines and jail sentences.

The blood alcohol limits are:

• 0.05% in most cases
• 0.02% for professional, learner and novice drivers

If you plan to drive:

• check if your travel insurance will cover you
• learn local road rules and practices

More information:

• Irish Automobile Association
• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check if your travel insurance policy covers you when riding a motorbike.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Ireland has several authorised taxi and limousine services.

Public transport

Ireland has well-developed networks of buses, trains and ferries.

However, public transport may be disrupted by:

• industrial action
• weather
• engineering works

More information:

• Transport for Ireland
• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

Many international cruise lines stop over in Ireland.

More information:

• Going on a cruise

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Ireland's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112.

Police (locally known as Garda)

Call 112 or contact the nearest police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

If you're a victim of a crime, police may refer you to the Irish Tourist Assistance Service (ITAS).

ITAS can:

• provide free help
• contact your travel companies and banks
• arrange your accommodation, meals and transport in an emergency

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

You can get consular help from the Australian Embassy in Dublin.

Australian Embassy, Dublin

3rd Floor
47-49 St Stephen's Green
Dublin 2, D02 W634
Ireland

Phone: (+353 1) 664 5300
Fax: (+353 1) 678 5185
Email: austremb.dublin@dfat.gov.au
Website: ireland.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australian Embassy, Ireland
Twitter: @AusEmbIre

Make an appointment to get help from the embassy.

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia