Ireland

Overall country Risk Rating: 

 

AA - Stable state, there is a low HSE risk. Worksite risk is deemed to be low. The number of road traffic accidents is higher than the european average. The country scores 17/175 on the corruption perceptions index.

Genvisec advises that all travel can continue to Ireland.

 

Crime

 

Most visitors to Ireland experience no difficulties during their stay. Take sensible precautions to protect yourself from bag snatching and pick pocketing. Try to avoid carrying valuables and large sums of money. Make sure your vehicle is properly secured, and where possible park in secure parking areas.  Most incidents occur in the Dublin area. If you need to contact the emergency services call 112.

 

The Irish Tourist Assistance Service (ITAS) offers free support and practical help to victims of crime. This includes liaison with travel companies and financial institutions and, in emergency situations, arranging accommodation, meals and transport. ITAS recommends that you report any incident in person to the nearest Garda (Police) Station who will then contact the organisation.

 

Road travel

 

In 2013 there were 190 road deaths in Ireland (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 4.1 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 2.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2013.

 

Don’t drink and drive. You may be heavily penalised or even imprisoned if you are found driving over the limit. New legal limits were introduced in October 2011. The new limit is 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood (0.05%) for fully licensed drivers, and 20mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood (0.02%) for professional, learner and novice drivers. The police conduct random breath-tests on drivers. Holding and using a mobile phone whilst driving is banned.

 

If you relocate to Ireland you must register your vehicle within a week of arriving. Your car may be impounded if you fail to do so. 

 

Local laws and customs

 

Don’t become involved with drugs of any kind. Possession of even small quantities can lead to a long term of imprisonment. Don’t offer to carry any items for anyone else when entering or leaving Ireland.

 

Money

The currency of Ireland is the Euro.

 

Check before you travel that your bank cash card can be used in ATM machines in Ireland.

 

Health

If you’re visiting Ireland you should get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving your home country (EU Nationals only). The EHIC isn’t a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but it entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Irish nationals.  The EHIC won’t cover medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment, so you should make sure you have adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company immediately.

 

Entry requirements

 

Ireland, along with the UK, is a member of the Common Travel Area. British nationals travelling from the UK don’t need a passport to visit Ireland. However, Irish immigration officers will check the ID of all passengers arriving by air from the UK and may ask for proof of nationality, particularly if you were born outside the UK. You are therefore advised to take your British passport with you. Other foreign Nationals require passport and/or EU identity card.

 

For more information about the types of ID you might be asked to present, see the website of the Ireland Citizens Information Board.

 

Most airlines and other transport providers won’t carry passengers to and from Ireland unless they have seen satisfactory photographic ID. Check with your carrier before tcity card, this is normally a passport.