Passport and Visas

Travel documents can take time to organise, so find out exactly what you need for your trip and give yourself time to get everything you need.

Quick tips

• Check your passport is in date and valid for the duration of your stay. Some countries also require your passport to be valid for several months after you are due to depart
• Keep copies of your passport and other travel documents in case they’re lost or stolen. Consider emailing copies of key documents to yourself and friends, so that they can be accessed from any computer
• Carry a photocopy of your passport, or a passport card, in case you’re asked for personal identification
• Find out if you need a visa for your trip from the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the country you intend to visit, or check our country-specific travel advice

Passports

Your passport is an important document and should always be kept safe. Don’t carry it with you unless absolutely necessary.

• If you need to carry personal identification, bring a photocopy of your passport or a passport card
• Keep electronic and paper copies of your passport and other important documents safe
• Make sure somebody at home can send important documents to you if required. Consider emailing yourself copies of key documents, so that you can access them from abroad on any computer

Your travel agent, airline, or the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the country you are travelling to will be able to provide you with more information on any specific requirements. These may include:

• A passport that’s valid for longer than your intended stay.
• Enough blank pages in your passport
• An individual passport for your child

Need a new passport?

 Apply today using the passport online service. It is quickest and safest way to apply for your passport.

Lost or stolen passport

If your passport is lost or stolen while you’re abroad, we can help.

You should contact the nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate to find out what you need to do to apply for a passport. They will also be able to advise you on the options which apply to you.

We can:

• Issue you with an emergency travel document to get you home
• Assist you in applying for a new passport

We’ll do our best to help you as quickly as possible but this can take some time. Your location and circumstances may limit the help we can give you.

You will need a police report if you want to make a claim on your travel insurance. We will not provide you with a new travel document without a police report.

Entry requirements

Visas

Many countries require you to have an entry visa or travel permit before you are permitted to enter the country. Always find out if you need a visa before you depart on your trip. You may be able to get a visa at the point of entry of a country (airport, land border, sea port), but in most cases, you’ll have to apply to the Embassy or Consulate of the country you plan to visit in advance.

Always make sure you get the correct visa for your trip (i.e. tourist, volunteering, study, business etc.) and never outstay your visa as there can be hefty penalties involved. Penalties may apply and you may be detained if you engage in activities outside of the terms of your visa (e.g. business activities on a tourist visa).

Vaccination certificates

Some countries require evidence (in the form of a certificate) that you have received appropriate vaccinations before entering. Check with your doctor at least eight weeks before you travel to check what vaccinations you may need.

Other possible entry requirements

Some countries may impose additional restrictions on entry, such as:

• Proof that you have access to sufficient funds to cover your stay (if you’re bringing a credit card, we advise you to carry a statement to prove the limit)
• A return or onward ticket
• Proof of accommodation booked for at least the first night

Other official documents

Identification

Some countries require you to carry identification at all times, possibly including proof of your immigration status in the country. Check our travel advice pages or find out from your travel agent or the Embassy or Consulate of the country you’re visiting about these requirements.

Registration

In some countries, you need to register with the authorities when you arrive. If you’re staying in a hotel, staff may do it for you (sometimes for a fee). However, if you’re staying with friends or in self-catering accommodation, you’ll need to register yourself. Check our travel advice pages, get local advice or talk to your travel agent or the Embassy or Consulate of the country you’re visiting to find out what’s required.

Driving licence

Depending on where you travel, you may just need a full Irish driver’s licence to drive or rent a vehicle. However, in some countries you must have an international driving licence. Check our travel advice pages for more details or contact the Embassy or Consulate of the country you’re visiting. You can download an application form for an international driving permit from AA Ireland.