Know Before You Go

Planning a trip abroad? You’ve come to the right place!

Here you will find thematic information about everything from travelling with children to backpacking and volunteer tourism.

This advice is intended to complement our destination specific travel advice pages. Be prepared, Know Before You Go and TravelWise.

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Travel insurance

See why we strongly recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance

Passports and visas

Our advice about passports and visa matters

Security ratings

A guide to our security ratings.

Tourist in Bangkok grand palace looking out at the views of Bangkok city

Local laws and customs

Always respect the local laws and customs of the country you are visiting.

TravelWise

Advice Irish Citizens can trust for travel worldwide. If you are planning a trip abroad, follow our basic travel advice and be prepared.

A woman wearing blue and a bright yellow backpack has her back to the camera and is looking at a large map

Safety and security

Your personal safety, health and security should always be your top priority.

A hand holding a phone with a storm weather warning, there are raindrops on the phone screen

Natural disasters and climate

How to prepare for the local environment

A measles information booklet with a stethoscope, syringe and pills on it

Measles advice

Citizens travelling to countries or regions experiencing outbreaks are advised to ensure their vaccination status is up to date before travel

Someone with a stethoscope around their neck placing a block with the first aid symbol on a pyramid of blocks with various medical symbols on them

Medical, dental and cosmetic procedures abroad

Our advice for citizens travelling abroad for medical, dental and cosmetic procedures.

Three people in walking gear crossing a bridge in the valley between two mountains

Backpacking and volunteer tourism

Detailed information and advice for people setting out on backpacking or volunteering adventures.

Woman sat and working on her laptop outdoors at sunrise. Her feet are up on the railing

Female travellers

Travel Advice for women travelling alone or in female-only groups.

Two people holding hands, both are wearing rainbow bracelets

LGBTQI+ abroad

Advice for LGBTQI+ travellers. Guidance in dealing with and preparing for differing customs and laws overseas

Silhouette of a woman in a hat with a reflection of the sun and clouds on her head

Mental health and travel

Practical information and guidance on accessing resources.

A group of seven teenagers of different genders and ethnicities sat on a fence outdoors

School trips

Our top ten tips for a successful school trip.

Mother and father pushing their daughter on a luggage trolley with suitcases. The little girl is pretending to fly.

Travelling with children

When you’re travelling with children, it’s useful to be aware of the particular issues and complications that can arise.

Three young people wearing school bags holding an American flag behind them and laughing together

Advice for J1 students

The J1 programme allows students to work and travel in Ireland and the US.

Outside the Irish embassy building in London, where 'No. 17 Irish Embassy' is carved into the stone.

Embassy contacts

How you can make contact with your local Irish Embassy.

Someone in a classroom setting with their hands raised

TravelWise SPHE lesson

These educational resources for teachers, parents and students help young people prepare and stay safe when travelling abroad for the first time or independently.

Overhead view of a laptop screen and someone planning travel

TravelWise Checklist

Download our helpful checklist of things to do before you book your holidays.