Ireland

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.

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 (Tourist SOS)

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security

Large public gatherings and protests can 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:

• Protests and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

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

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

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

Health risks are similar to those in Australia.

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information:

• Health Service Executive (Irish Government Health Service)

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.

Although Australia and Ireland share a reciprocal healthcare agreement, you'll still need travel insurance. If you're hospitalised, you may be caught out with non-medical related expenses, such as the costs of your delayed or assisted travel home.

More information:

• Medicare - Reciprocal health care agreements

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.

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 laws still apply even if you’re in another country. You could be charged in Australia if you break these laws overseas.

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.

If you're travelling to the UK (including Northern Ireland) from Ireland or transiting the UK on your way to Ireland, you should review the Travel Section of the travel advice for the United Kingdom for information on entry requirements.

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

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

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 SOS 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.

If you plan to drive:

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

More information:

• Irish Automobile Association
• Foreign drivers licence exchange - RSA
• 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

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 SOS.

Irish Tourist SOS can:

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

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist 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