Ireland
Country Specific Information
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June 08, 2011

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Ireland is a highly developed democracy with a modern economy. The global economic downturn affected the Irish economy severely and resulted in the end of a prolonged property market boom and problems within the domestic banking system. Tourist facilities are widely available. Read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Ireland for additional information.

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SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live in or visit Ireland, please take the time to tell our embassy about your trip. If you enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency.

U.S. Embassy Dublin
42 Elgin Road
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Telephone: 353-1-668-8777
Emergency after-hours telephone: 353-1-630-6200
Facsimile: 353-1-668-8056

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ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS: You will need your valid passport to enter Ireland, but you will not need a visa for tourist or business stays of up to three months. Visit the Embassy of Ireland website for the most current visa information. You may also contact the Irish Embassy at 2234 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, Tel: 1-202-462-3939, or the Irish consulate nearest you; these are located in Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco and Atlanta.

Irish Immigration strictly enforces national immigration laws and regulations. You will be expected to present all documentation relating to the purpose of your trip to Ireland to the Irish Immigration officer upon your entry into Ireland. Irish Immigration may grant a stay of up to three months; however, they may grant a lesser period than three months depending on the documentation provided. In the past two years, an increased number of U.S. citizens have been refused entry or have been granted limited stays because they failed to comply with and/or satisfy Irish immigration laws. Some cases have also involved other EU states’ immigration authorities when U.S. citizens traveling from Ireland to another EU state have been deported back to Ireland due to visa-related matters.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Ireland.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.

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THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: Ireland remains largely free of terrorist incidents. The political situation in Northern Ireland has improved substantially since the days of the “Troubles,” with the successful completion of a four-year term by the Northern Ireland Assembly in March 2011 and the devolution of policing and justice authorities to the Assembly in April 2010. Nevertheless, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) assesses the dissident republican threat in Northern Ireland to be severe. These groups have used firearms and explosives to target police and military personnel, attacking private vehicles and homes of security personnel, police stations, and other justice sector buildings. While these incidents have the potential for some spillover into Ireland, American citizens and tourists have not been targeted. 

Because of an increase in the number of attacks in Northern Ireland, U.S. citizens traveling to Northern Ireland should remain alert to their surroundings and should be aware that sporadic violence remains a possibility. Tensions may be heightened during the summer marching season (April to August), particularly during the month of July (around the July 12th public holiday). Travelers to Northern Ireland should consult the Country Specific Information for the United Kingdom and Gibraltar.

Stay up to date:

  • Bookmark our Bureau of Consular Affairs website
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Become a fan of the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook
  • You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or call a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.

Take some time before travel to improve your personal security—things are not the same everywhere as they are in the United States. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

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CRIME: Ireland has a low rate of violent crime. According to the Irish Central Statistics Office, although there has been a marked drop in most categories of recorded crime, there was an increase in theft, fraud, and public-order offenses during the first three months of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. There have been a limited number of assaults on foreigners and tourists, including violence toward members of racial minority groups. There have also been several reported assaults in Dublin by small, unorganized gangs roaming the streets in the early morning hours after the pubs close, and a high incidence of petty crime in major tourist areas—mostly theft, burglary, and purse-snatching. Thieves target rental cars and tourists, particularly in the vicinity of tourist attractions. In some cases, purse- and bag-snatching have involved physical assault or violence, especially in Dublin. Take extra caution to guard your passports and wallet. We recommend you leave your passport in a secure location separate from your purse or luggage in case an incident occurs. Do not leave your drinks unattended at bars/restaurants, as there have been some instances of drinks being spiked with illegal substances, leading to incidents of robbery and sexual assaults.

ATM Fraud: Crimes involving automated teller machines (ATMs) are also a concern. Protect your PIN at all times and look closely at ATMs for evidence of tampering before use. Ireland has seen an increase in the use of “skimmers” on ATMs, especially in tourist areas. Skimmers are usually small electronic devices that are attached to the outside of an ATM in order to steal the ATM or credit card data for later criminal use. Most ATMs in Ireland now have signs or electronic warnings that advise customers to look closely at the ATM for evidence of tampering before using it. Be aware that in busy areas, thieves use distraction techniques such as waiting until the PIN has been entered and then pointing to money on the ground/asking for loose change. While the ATM user is distracted, another person will quickly withdraw the cash and leave. If you are distracted in any way, cancel the transaction immediately. If the machine does not return your card, report the incident to the issuing bank immediately. 

Internet scams: Over the past few years, we have seen an increase in the number of incidences involving scammers using online sources (including email, chat rooms, and dating/social networking sites) to target individuals in an attempt to defraud them of money. These fraudulent schemes can include lotteries, online dating/social networking services, inheritance notices, work permits/job offers, bank overpayments, or schemes that make it appear you are helping a loved one or a friend in trouble. In many cases, scammers troll the Internet for victims and spend weeks or months building a relationship. Once they have gained their victim's trust, the scammers create a false situation in order to ask for money. Scammers can be very clever and deceptive, creating sad and believable stories that will make you want to send them money. U.S. citizens may be contacted by persons they have “met” over the Internet – or even receive an email purportedly from a friend or family member – who now need funds urgently to pay for hospital treatment, hotel bills, taxes, or airline security fees. Invariably, the person contacted is the victim of fraud. If you receive an email from family or friends requesting assistance, we advise you to first try and contact the loved one at the last known phone number and/or to verify the story/circumstances with a neutral third party you know and trust before sending any funds. You should view any unsolicited invitations to travel to Ireland to collect winnings or an inheritance with skepticism. Also, there are no licenses or fees required when transiting an Irish airport, emergency medical treatment is never withheld pending payment of fees, and hotels in Ireland will not detain guests for lack of funds without involving the police. A claim that a hospital or hotel will not let someone depart until their bill is settled is usually a sign of a scam. Visit the U.S. Department of State's website for more information on International Internet Financial Scams and how to protect yourself.

Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal to bring back into the United States, you may be breaking local law, too.

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VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates).

If your passport is stolen we can help you replace it. For violent crimes such as assault and rape, we can help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends, and help them send you money if you need it. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if you need one.

The Irish Tourist Assistance Service (ITAS) is a free nationwide service offering support and assistance to tourists who are victimized while visiting Ireland. If you are a tourist victim of crime, report the incident to the nearest Garda Station (police station), which will contact ITAS. All tourist victims are referred to ITAS by the Gardai.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Ireland is 999 and/or 112. The number 112 is used throughout the EU and is accessible from any phone, free of charge.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

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CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in Ireland, you are subject to local laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own. If you break local laws in Ireland, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It is very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going. In some circumstances driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States; for instance, you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

Persons violating Ireland’s laws, including its tough drunk-driving rules, even unknowingly, may be arrested, imprisoned and/or deported. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in Ireland are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Arrest notifications in host country: Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements with certain countries, and customary international law, if you are arrested in Ireland you have the option to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the U.S. Embassy of your arrest, and to have communications from you forwarded to the Embassy.

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SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Most Irish banks will not accept U.S. $100 bills. Due to a decrease in demand, many Irish financial institutions have recently stopped accepting and/or cashing traveler’s checks. Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Ireland. ATMs are widely available, but some, particularly in rural areas, may not accept debit cards from U.S. banks.

Some airlines have advised their passengers that their passport must remain valid for six months after their entry into Ireland; however, the Government of Ireland states that this is a recommendation of the airline industry and is not an Irish legal requirement. Travelers must be in possession of a valid passport to enter Ireland.

Accessibility: While in Ireland, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. Irish law requires access to public buildings for persons with disabilities, and this requirement is enforced. Under Irish law, public service providers should ensure the service is accessible to those with mobility, sensory, and/or cognitive impairments. Significant changes have been made in recent years to having an accessible public transportation system. People who live in Ireland and are in receipt/meet the medical conditions of a disability allowance may apply for free travel passes; there is also a blind/invalidity pension from the Irish Department of Social Protection for those who qualify. The majority of buses and trains in the main city areas of Ireland are now equipped for those with limited-mobility, sight, or hearing disabilities, although some train stations and pathways may not be as easily accessible. Local authorities and commercial premises such as shopping outlets have no legal obligation to provide external disabled parking facilities for their customers; however, on-street parking, public building parking lots, and internal parking lots always have a certain number of disabled spaces available .

Mainline and suburban trains require special portable ramps to permit boarding from the platforms to the carriages. These are available at all terminal points and major junctions and stations that have staff on duty. They are also available on some trains. Travelers are advised to contact the local railway station in advance to ensure such facilities are available. The website for Dublin Bus provides information on its travel assistance scheme. Regional and intercity bus services are provided by Bus Eireann. 

All service providers at state airports are required to have specific facilities for air travelers with disabilities. Air travelers are advised to notify the airline/airport authority in advance if they require any specific facilities. 

There are many resources available online for those with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments traveling to, or living in Ireland. You may contact our consular office by email/ telephone for further information on this topic.

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MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Modern medical facilities and highly skilled medical practitioners are available in Ireland, but due to high demand, access to medical specialists and admissions to hospitals for certain non-life-threatening medical conditions may result in extensive waiting lists. It is not unusual for emergency room services to be very highly prescribed or for post-treatment admissions to include a long wait (sometimes overnight) on a gurney in an ER hallway rather than in a shared or private room.

Over-the-counter medications of most types are available, but many U.S. brands are not (ask the pharmacist for substitutes). Some medications available over the counter in the United States may require a prescription in Ireland. Irish pharmacists may not be able to dispense medication prescribed by U.S. physicians and may direct you to obtain a prescription from an Irish doctor before providing your required medication.

If you are traveling to Ireland and may require medical treatment while in the country, consult your personal physician prior to traveling. A list of Irish general practitioners in each area of Ireland may be obtained from the website of the Irish College of General Practitioners. Emergency services usually respond quickly. Good information on vaccinations and other health precautions can be found via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website, which also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

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MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can’t assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It’s very important to find out BEFORE you leave whether or not your medical insurance will cover you overseas. You need to ask your insurance company two questions:

  • Does my policy apply when I’m out of the United States?
  • Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or a medical evacuation?

In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctors’ and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy doesn’t go with you when you travel, it’s a very good idea to take out another one for your trip. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.

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TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: Motorists drive on the left side of the road in Ireland, and road conditions can differ significantly from those in the United States. If you do not have experience in left-drive countries, you should be especially cautious as tourists driving on the incorrect side of the road are the cause of several serious accidents each year. Most intersections in Ireland use circular “roundabouts” instead of signals, and it is important that motorists pay close attention to signs and yield the right of way to those already in the roundabout. At signals, turning on red is illegal; you must wait for either a full green (any direction turn permitted) or directional green light (which could be straight, left, or right). Most rental cars in Ireland have manual transmission; it can be difficult to find automatic transmission rental cars.

Road conditions are generally good, but once you come off of the main highways, country roads are likely to be narrow, uneven, and winding. Roads are more dangerous during the summer and on holiday weekends due to increased traffic. Police periodically set up road blocks to check for drunk drivers. Penalties for driving under the influence can be severe.

You may use your existing U.S. driving license in Ireland for a temporary stay; this can be for any period of time up to a maximum of one year. Some insurance and car rental companies may request an International Driving Permit in addition to your existing driving license. Should you wish to apply for an International Driving Permit, please contact the American Automobile Association. You are required to apply for an Irish driving license if you become a resident of Ireland.

More information on driving in Ireland can be found on the U.S. Embassy Dublin’s website. For specific information concerning Irish driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please visit the official tourism guide for Ireland.

Taxis are reasonably priced but availability varies with time of day and location. Ask your hotel or innkeeper for the number of a call-dispatched taxi service if you plan to be out and about at less busy times. Bus service in the cities is generally adequate, although many buses are crowded and frequently run late. Pay close attention to where bus stops are in both directions, as the drop-off and pick-up locations could be several blocks away from each other. Intercity bus and train services are good.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of the Irish Tourism Board, Discover Ireland and the website for the National Roads Authority of Ireland, which is responsible for road safety.

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AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Ireland’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Ireland’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

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CHILDREN’S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.

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This replaces the Country Specific Information for Ireland dated October 2010 to update sections on Threats to Safety and Security; Crime; Arrest Notifications in Host Country; Special Circumstances and Traffic Safety and Road Conditions.

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