Travel Safely A GUIDE FOR PEOPLE TRAVELLING ABROAD
COLM
BROPHYTD CBrophy_TravelGuide_May17.indd 1
11/05/2017 11:47
DEAR RESIDENT As the summer months approach, many people will be taking a well earned break or travelling for business purposes. With that in mind, I have put together this handy travel booklet which might provide some useful information for those travelling abroad. Remember to also be sure your home is secure when you leave, check all locks, set the alarm and also any timers you might have for lights. The Gardai also ask people to check that they haven’t left any tools or equipment such as ladders outside as these can often be issued by potential burglars. If you require any assistance with the issues in this booklet, particularly passport applications, please do not hesitate to contact me. Best regards,
Colm Brophy T.D.
COLM
BROPHY TD Dáil Éireann, Leinster House, Kildare St, D02 A272. Tel: 01-6183196 Email: colm.brophy@oireachtas.ie @brophytalks ColmBrophyFineGael
CBrophy_TravelGuide_May17.indd 2
11/05/2017 11:47
CONTENTS GENERAL TRAVEL ADVICE Before you travel Your travel checklist Passports New Passport Cards Travel Insurance Bring medication with you Money Driving abroad Electrical Equipment TRAVELLING WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION The European Health Insurance Card New Changes EU roaming charges TRAVELLING TO NORTH AMERICA Travelling to the USA Travelling to Canada TRAVELLING ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD Visa Heath Precautions & Vaccines TravelWise Smartphone App CONTACT NUMBERS FOR CONSULAR ASSISTANCE
CBrophy_TravelGuide_May17.indd 3
4 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 9 9 9 9 10 11
11/05/2017 11:47
GENERAL TRAVEL ADVICE Before You Travel
Passports
Most Irish citizens who travel abroad do so without serious difficulty, often because they take the time to prepare themselves properly before they go. Before you travel, familiarise yourself with your destination. You can obtain information from your travel agent, from a guidebook or the Internet. Check the Travel Advice on the Department of Foreign Affairs website (www.dfa.ie) for further information and advice.
The Passport Service cautions parents that some European countries no longer permit children travelling on a parent’s passport. This follows a change in policy in some European countries. Therefore the Passport Service urges parents with their children named on their Irish passports to check with the Embassy of the country to which they are travelling so that they will be allowed to enter the country.
Below is a checklist of things to do to ensure that your time abroad is enjoyable and hassle-free.
As of 1 October, 2004, in line with best international practice, the Passport Service ceased the practice of including children on their parents’ passports. This was to increase the security of international travel for children and reduce the risk of kidnapping and child trafficking. However, there are still some valid Irish passports in use across the world with children under-16 included.
Your travel check list Is your passport/passport card in date? Do you need a visa? Get travel insurance and leave the policy details with someone at home
If a new passport is required, families are strongly recommended to apply in plenty of time in advance of planned travel. A full list of Foreign Embassies in Ireland and their contact details can be found on our website.
Bring your European Health Insurance Card for EU trips Pack any medications plus a few days extra, and prescriptions Get any vaccinations early (8 weeks) Be able to prove your right to accompany children (consent letter, court order)
With the exception of travel to the United Kingdom, Irish citizens require a valid passport for travel to all destinations. Please ensure, at least one month in advance of travel, that you have a valid, unexpired passport. Some countries now insist that your passport be valid for up to six months
Bring a backup debit card/credit card Subscribe to our travel advice updates, register with us for emergency 4
CBrophy_TravelGuide_May17.indd 4
11/05/2017 11:47
Travel Insurance
after your departure, so check the expiry date carefully.
The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that comprehensive travel insurance is obtained before travelling abroad. You should ensure that your policy covers medical treatment, accidents and unexpected losses such as cancelled flights, or stolen cash, cards, passports or luggage. Include enough cover to allow for the extra cost of travelling home (which might require an air ambulance) in an emergency. If you already have private medical cover, check with your insurer whether you are covered for foreign travel and, if so, find out how to avail of this cover.
Remember that some airlines now require all adults to produce photo-identity at check-in for travel to the United Kingdom
New Passport Card The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has introduced a credit-card sized Irish passport card which you can use for travel within the European Union/European Economic Area (includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and Switzerland. For all other travel you must use your passport book, that is, your normal passport.
Frequent travellers are strongly advised to take out an annual travel or Multi-trip insurance policies. These are offered by a wide range of service providers and eliminate the need to take out travel insurance for each individual trip. You should be aware of the trip duration options provided for in Multi-trip policies if one is travelling over long periods at a time.
The card has a maximum validity of 5 years. You apply for the card online. You must be aged 18 or over when applying for the passport card. You must hold a valid Irish passport with at least 3 months’ validity. The personal details you provide when applying must be exactly the same as those on your passport book. The card is valid for a maximum of 5 years or the remaining validity of your passport
Bringing medication with You
If you intend travelling using your passport card, you must use the passport card number when checking in online.
If you take medication on a regular basis, you should ask your doctor to prescribe an amount adequate for your visit and bring it with you. It is also advisable to bring a letter from your doctor outlining your medical condition and the type of medication you require. Keep all medication in its original packaging when travelling.
The passport card costs €35. For applicants from outside Ireland, there is an additional delivery cost of €5. Payment is made using a debit or credit card. You can apply for a passport card online.
5
CBrophy_TravelGuide_May17.indd 5
11/05/2017 11:47
Money
Driving Abroad
Generally, travellers’ cheques and international credit cards are the safest way to carry funds when travelling abroad. In more remote areas, however, you may not be able to use them. Check with your travel agent prior to departure about the best way to carry funds. It is advisable always to carry a small amount of local currency to pay bus or taxi fares or make small purchases or telephone calls.
If you intend to drive while abroad, make sure that your driving licence is valid and that you bring it with you. Some countries outside the European Economic Area (the Member States of the European Union, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) may require you to hold an International Driving Permit in addition to your Irish driving licence. Check this prior to departure with the Embassy or Consulate of the country concerned. Make sure that you are properly insured for driving while overseas.
Make a note of the 24-hour emergency number of the bank that issued your credit card so you can cancel it in the event it is stolen.
Please note that you may encounter difficulties if the name on your driving licence is different to that on your passport.
Make a note of the serial numbers of your travellers’ cheques to facilitate their replacement in the event they are stolen.
Electrical Equipment
Note that you may encounter difficulties if the name on your travellers’ cheques or credit cards is different to that on your passport.
Different countries use different electrical plugs and sockets and you may need special adapters to enable you to use electrical appliances such as hair dryers, shavers, etc brought from Ireland. These adapters can be purchased at airports.
If you are entering or leaving the European Union and carrying €10,000 or more in cash, you must make a declaration to the Customs authority of the member state you are entering or leaving. You must lodge the declaration at the airport, seaport or land frontier through which you are entering the EU. For further information see http://www.revenue.ie
Remember that the voltage in the United States is 110v as opposed to 220v in Ireland, and many Irish appliances will not therefore work in the US. If you are bringing a mobile phone with you, check that it will work in the country to which you are travelling. Check the cost of making and receiving calls with your service provider.
6
CBrophy_TravelGuide_May17.indd 6
11/05/2017 11:47
TRAVELLING WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION The European Health Insurance Card
Currently, the EEA comprises the 28 member states of the European Union together with Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. Your European Health Insurance Card is valid for use throughout any of these countries and in Switzerland.
The following information explains how to apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you are living in Ireland. If you live in Ireland but you are linked to another EU/EEA State’s Social Security System, contact the health authorities in that country for more information.
New Changes to EU Roaming Charges
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) replaced the E111 form making it easier for you to get medical care quickly and easily. To obtain healthcare with the Card, you can go to the nearest public system doctor, public hospital, or other public treatment centre and present your Card.
The European Union will abolish mobile phone roaming charges from 15 June 2017 following a vote in the European Parliament. MEPs backed a deal between operators and European Union member states that will mean the end of extra charges when people use their phones abroad in other EU states.
Public health care systems vary from country to country, and few countries pay the full cost of health care for holders of the Card, so there may be some element of co-payment for the services you receive.
From mid-June, EU citizens will no longer pay extra charges for calls, SMS messages or internet outside their home countries, when travelling in the EU.
7
CBrophy_TravelGuide_May17.indd 7
11/05/2017 11:47
TRAVELLING TO NORTH AMERICA Travelling to the USA
How long does it take to apply for ESTA?
Irish Citizens are required to apply for ESTA to enter the USA as a tourist
The ESTA online application form takes between 5 and 10 minutes to complete. Upon the submission of your application, you will most likely know within seconds whether you are pre-approved to travel or not. Anyone who is denied via ESTA, must apply for a United States visitor visa (B-1 Business or a B-2 Tourist visa).
Since 2009 Irish citizens entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program have been required to apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). ESTA is a required “travel permit;” it is not a U.S. visa. The ESTA requirement applies to travellers entering the United States by air or sea under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA Applicants must also have a valid machinereadable passport or ePassport. Irish travellers without an approved ESTA Travel Authorization or a valid U.S. Visitor Visa may be denied boarding on all U.S.-bound flights. Don’t let this happen to you! The U.S. government recommends that all Irish applicants apply for ESTA at least 72 hours prior to traveling to the United States. The cost is $14US.
Who needs to apply for ESTA? Any Irish passport holder who wants to enter or transit through the United States (by air or sea) under the visa waiver program is required to apply for ESTA. It is not possible to apply for ESTA as a family. Each traveller including babies and infants must have his or her own approved ESTA Application before being allowed to board any U.S.-bound flight.
What is the visa waiver program?
What is ESTA? ESTA stands for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. ESTA is an online application system developed by the United States government to pre-screen visa waiver travelers before they are allowed to board an airplane or ship that is bound for the United States. ESTA and a US Visa are not the same. ESTA is only a U.S.-entry requirement for passport holders from visa waiver countries (including Ireland).
The visa waiver program is a U.S. government program that enables citizens and nationals from 38 countries (including Ireland) to enter the United States for business or visitor purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. The advantage of entering the United States under the visa waiver program is that you can travel to the United States on a short 8
CBrophy_TravelGuide_May17.indd 8
11/05/2017 11:47
notice without first waiting to obtain a visa. A visa application process can take weeks or months to complete, while the ESTA application process can be completed online the same day.
South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.
Travelling to Canada Irish Citizens are required to apply for eTA to enter Canada as a tourist
What countries are included the visa waiver program?
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada. The authorization is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. The cost is $7CAD.
The following countries are currently a part of the visa waiver program: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia,
TRAVELLING ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD VISA
If an Embassy is not listed,you should telephone International Directory Enquiries to obtain the address and telephone details of the nearest Embassy of that country or search for the information on the Internet.
Check whether you require a visa for the country to which you are travelling. The Department is not in a position to advise you of the visa requirements of other countries. If your travel agent is unable to give you this information, you should contact the Embassy of the country you plan to visit.
Health Precautions and Vaccines Before travelling abroad for an extended period, you should consider consulting your doctor to discuss known or possible health risks. This is particularly
A comprehensive list of Embassies of countries with which Ireland has Diplomatic Relations are listed on the Department of Foreign Affairs website. 9
CBrophy_TravelGuide_May17.indd 9
11/05/2017 11:47
TravelWise Smartphone App
important if you have an existing medical condition or are visiting a tropical area where the conditions exist for the spread of infectious diseases. If you take medication on a regular basis you should ask your doctor to prescribe an amount adequate for your visit and bring it with you. It is also advisable to bring a letter from your doctor outlining your medical condition and the type of medication you require.
A new smartphone app designed to help Irish citizens to stay safe and informed while travelling, living or working overseas. TravelWise has been developed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide travel advice and consular information to citizens to keep them informed and aware.
Certain diseases are prevalent in particular world regions. Malaria is present in parts of Africa, Central and South America, Asia and the Pacific. If you are proposing to visit any of those regions you should seek specific medical advice on how to protect against insect bites and make arrangements to obtain any recommended preventative or curative medication. Some diseases or illnesses - e.g. cholera, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid, and various types of food poisoning - can be contracted from consumption of contaminated food or water, especially in areas where standards of hygiene are low. If you are visiting such areas, you should avoid certain foodstuffs, particularly dairy products, salads, seafood, and drink only bottled water.
With TravelWise, you get user-friendly, trusted and comprehensive travel advice and consular information for 200 different countries,straight to your phone. This includes information on visas, health & safety, local laws and customs as well as up to date information on many viruses such as Zika and Avian Flu. Users can favourite any number of countries of interest to get all significant security updates from the department instantly via push notifications. All content including emergency contact details is then available offline. Any citizen travelling to a higher risk destination can register with the nearest Embassy, using the app. Registering means that in the event of an unforeseen crisis such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, the department can proactively contact the citizen, ensure they are safe, update them on developments and provide assistance as necessary.
For further information on vaccinations or health advice, please consult your doctor or local travel health clinic. Tropical vaccinations are available from the Tropical Medical Bureau which has centres throughout Ireland.
10
CBrophy_TravelGuide_May17.indd 10
11/05/2017 11:47
CONTACT NUMBERS FOR CONSULAR ASSISTANCE ABROAD Please note that numbers are given as if dialling from outside the country. If dialling from within the country, the international prefix should be dropped and normally a ‘0’ added before the area code. Further information on Consular missions abroad is available from the Department of Foreign Affairs at www.dfa.ie or you may use LoCall 1890 426 700.
Country Argentina +54 11 27870801 Australia +61 262733022 Austria +43 1 7154246 Belgium +32 2 2356676 Brazil +55 61 32488800 Bulgaria +359 2 9853425 Canada +1 613 233 6281 China (PRC) +86 10 6532 2914 Cyprus +357 22 818183 Czech Republic +420 257530062 Denmark +45 354 23 233 Egypt +2 02 27358264 Estonia +37256908340 Ethiopia +251 911 217166 Finland +358 9 646006 France +33 1 44176700 Germany +49 30 220720 Great Britain Embassy +44 20 7235 2171 Great Britain Passport & Visa Office +44 20 72257700 Greece +30 2107232771 Hungary +361 3014960 India +911124626733 Iran +98 2122297918 Israel +97236964166 Italy +39066979121 Japan +81332630695 Latvia +37167039370 Lesotho +26622314068 Lithuania +37052629460
Luxembourg +3524506101 Malawi +2651776408 Malaysia +60321612963 Malta +35621334744 Mexico +5255555205803 Mozambique +25821491440 Netherlands +31703630993 Nigeria +23494131753 Norway +4722017200 Poland +48228496633 Portugal +351213929440 Romania +40213102131 Russian Federation +74959375911 Saudi Arabia +96614882300 Singapore +6562387616 Slovak republic +421 2 59309611 Slovenia + 386 13008970 South Africa +27123425062 South Korea +8227746455 Spain +34914364093 Sweden +4686618005 Switzerland +41313521442 Tanzania +255222602355 Timor Leste +6707230605 Turkey +903124466172 Uganda +256414344344 USA +12024623939 Vietnam +8449743291 Zambia +260211290650
The information supplied in this booklet is for information purposes only and is not intended to provide full and comprehensive travel advice. Colm Brophy TD is not responsible for any omissions or errors contained within this booklet. Designed May 2017.
11
CBrophy_TravelGuide_May17.indd 11
11/05/2017 11:47
COLM
BROPHYTD Member of the Committee on EU Affairs Dáil Éireann, Leinster House, Kildare St, D02 A272. Tel: 01-6183196 Email: colm.brophy@oireachtas.ie @brophytalks ColmBrophyFineGael
YOUR FINE GAEL TEAM IN DUBLIN SOUTH WEST: CLLR PAULA DONOVAN Rathfarnham Ward
CLLR ANNE-MARIE DERMODY Rathfarnham Ward
CLLR BRIAN LAWLOR Templeogue -Terenure Ward
Email: pdonovan@cllrs.sdublincoco.ie Tel: 087 2200741
Email: amdermody@cllrs.sdublincoco.ie Tel: 087 2264226
Email: blawlor@cllrs.sdublincoco.ie Tel: 087 6445472
BRIAN HAYES MEP Dublin
0612
Email: Brian.hayes@ep.europa.eu Tel: 01-2096548
GET INVOLVED! Getting involved in politics at a local level can be a very enjoyable experience! There are lots of different ways to participate and make a difference. I am always very grateful for any help people are willing to give. If you’d like to play a part in public affairs in our area please email: info@GetOnBoard.ie
CBrophy_TravelGuide_May17.indd 12
11/05/2017 11:47