The Department of Foreign Affairs is renewing its consular assistance charter to prepare Irish citizens for travel abroad.
According to Fiona Penollar of the Department, the DFA “so far this year we’ve provided consular assistance in 20pc more new cases than last year. We have assisted and am assisting citizens impacted by significant conflicts as you know in the Middle East and Sudan.”
The charter states that the Department of Foreign Affairs provides consular assistance to Irish citizens in difficulty abroad through its network of embassies and consulates, and through the consular directorate in Ireland.
We are committed to being responsive, professional and supportive in out contact and handle all cases confidentially.
The charter is not live yet but here is are proposed points:
Know Before You Go
- Follow the Department’s travel advice
- Check that your passport is valid and also bring your passport card where accepted
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance
- Bring your European Health Insurance Card when travelling in Europe
- Have a valid visa where required
- Before you go, register on the Department’s Citizens Registration platform
- Check what vaccinations are recommended for your trip
- Share your travel plans with family and friends
We Can
- Offer you practical advice and assistance in the case of a death, serious injury, detention, or other emergency abroad
- Issue you with a temporary travel document in emergency circumstances
- Provide you with information on local legal and medical supports
- Advise you on relevant local practices, and on organisations and services which may be able to provide you with additional assistance
- Make contact with your family or friends on your behalf
- Provide assistance in the event of an emergency.
We Cannot
- Provide you with legal advice, legally represent you or intervene in the judicial processes of another country. You should be aware that laws and practices across the world can differ greatly
- Influence the visa or immigration decisions of other countries
- Glve you medical advice or pay for your medical bills
- Intervene in commercial or insurance matters or provide financial support
European Union Cooperation
- EU citizens can seek consular assistance from other EU Member States abroad if their own country does not have consular representation
- See consular-protection.ec.europe.eu for information
- Contact number +35314082527
- Out of hours contact number +35314082000
