Travel advice Contents:

• Safety & Security
• Travel Insurance
• Entry Requirements
• Crime
• Health
• Travel between Ireland and Great Britain
• Money Transfer

SAFETY & SECURITY

Those travelling are advised to take account of the terror threat level assigned by the British authorities when making travel decisions.  The British Government has raised the terrorism threat level from “substantial” to “severe,” the second highest alert level, which suggests that an attack is highly likely. Additional security measures are in place at airports and throughout transportation networks in the U.K. Travellers may experience delays. More information on these measures, including specific restrictions for carry-on-baggage, is available from the British Airport Authority.

The latest alert level is available on the Home Office website www.homeoffice.gov.uk . It is also recommended you monitor the media for information about threats to your safety and security in the United Kingdom. 

For information on current travel and transport within the United Kingdom see the Department of Transport website. ww.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before travelling to Great Britain. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Irish Citizens should note that the Irish Government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

You should also obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) free of charge which entitles you to emergency medical treatment. This card is NOT a substitute for travel insurance. See www.ehic.ie. The EHIC replaces the Form E111, which is no longer valid.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A Common Travel Area (CTA) is in existence between Ireland and the UK (including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man). Under the CTA, it is not necessary for Irish citizens travelling to the UK to carry their passport with them. They must, however, carry an acceptable form of photo-identification, examples of which are listed below.

• A Valid Passport
• A driver's licence with photo
• An international student card
• A national ID card
• A bus pass with photo
• A Garda ID with photo
• A work ID with photo

Please note, however, that some airlines and other carriers require that you have a valid passport before you can travel with them. Please check with your travel company regarding their requirements before travelling.

CRIME

Most visits to Great Britain are trouble-free.  You are advised to take normal, sensible precautions to avoid mugging, bag snatching and pick pocketing. 

HEALTH

Visitors requiring immediate treatment for serious injuries/illness should call 999 or go to the nearest hospital with an Accident and Emergency department (A&E).  For minor illnesses and injuries there are a number of National Health Service (NHS) walk-in-centres, details on www.nhs.uk .  NHS Direct provide a 24 hour telephone service for information on particular health conditions at telephone 0845 4647.  The UK Department of Health provides full details on entitlements and costs for overseas visitors on their website www.dh.gov.uk.  

TRAVEL BETWEEN IRELAND AND GREAT BRITAIN

Airline  website details
  
Aer Arann   www.aerarann.com
Aer Lingus   www.aerlingus.com
Aer France   www.airfrance.co.uk
Air Southwest   www.airsouthwest.com
bmi    www.flybmi.com
bmibaby   www.bmibaby.com
British Airways  www.ba.com
Cityjet   www.cityjet.com
easy Jet   www.easyjet.com
flybe   www.flybe.com
jet2.com  www.jet2.com
manx2   www.man2.com
Ryanair  www.ryanair.com

Ferry operator website details
   
Fastnet Line Ltd.  www.fastnetline.com
Irish Ferries   www.irishferries.com
Norfolkline   www.norfolkline.com
P&O Irish Sea   www.poirishsea.com
Steam Pack Company  www.steam-packet.com
Stena Line   www.stenaline.co.uk

Combined rail and ferry crossings
www.sailrail.co.uk/  

Bus services
www.eurobus.co.uk
Eurolines www.eurolines.ie /  www.eurolines.co.uk/coach/destinations/ireland/ireland-index.aspx

MONEY TRANSFER

Western Union can assist with transferring money.
Western Union UK         - call 0800 731 1815
Western Union Ireland    - call 1800 395 395
www.westernunion.co.uk
www.westernunion.ie