Official Global Travel Advisories
- Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice
- Avoid all cruise ship travel outside Canada until further notice
Mandatory COVID-19 testing
To be allowed to board a flight to Canada, all air passengers 5 years of age or older, including Canadians, are required to show a negative COVID-19 molecular test result taken within 72 hours of their scheduled time of departure to Canada. If the traveller has a connecting flight to Canada, the pre-departure test must be conducted within 72 hours of the last direct flight to Canada. This means they may need to schedule a COVID-19 test at their transit city within 72 hours of their direct flight to Canada.
All travellers 5 years of age or older, including Canadians, arriving to Canada by land are required to show a negative COVID-19 molecular test result taken in the United States within 72 hours prior to crossing the border into Canada.
Alternatively, travellers can present a positive COVID-19 molecular test taken between 14 and 90 days prior to departure.
More information on measures in place to enter Canada – Government of Canada
Ireland Register Travel insurance Destinations
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Latest updates: Safety and security - Update on preventative measures and restrictions
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Risk level(s)
Risk level(s)
COVID-19 – Global travel advisory
Effective date: March 13, 2020
Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice.
This advisory overrides other risk levels on this page, with the exception of any risk levels for countries or regions where we advise to avoid all travel.
Ireland - Take normal security precautions
Take normal security precautions in Ireland.
Safety and security
Safety and security
COVID-19 - Preventative measures and restrictions
Preventative measures and restrictions are in place.
You must wear a face covering on public transportation, in most closed public spaces and busy outdoor spaces.
If you violate these restrictions, you could be fined or face imprisonment for endangering public health.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities, including those related to physical distancing
- Avoid crowded areas
Latest health measures – Government of Ireland
Crime
Petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching and passport theft) occurs, particularly in areas frequented by tourists.
Violent crime, although rare, occurs in larger cities. Avoid secluded parks and unlit areas.
Car theft and break-ins occur, particularly in tourist areas in Dublin and surrounding areas. Rental vehicles are a target of choice.
- Ensure that valuables in vehicles are kept out of sight at all times
- Use secure parking facilities where available, particularly overnight
- Ensure that your personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times
- Avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash
Assistance for victims of crime
The Irish Tourist Assistance Service (ITAS) offers support and assistance to tourists who become victims of crime while in Ireland. The service can arrange accommodation, transportation and meals, and can liaise with many companies, such as travel insurance and financial institutions. They can also assist with contacting the local police and embassies.
More about assistance for victims of crime - ITAS
Fraud
Credit card fraud and ATM scams occur. Fraudulent electronic readout devices are sometimes used at ATMs in Ireland. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:
- pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
- use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
- avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
- cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
- check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements
Terrorism
There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities. There is a potential for other violent incidents.
Targets could include:
- government buildings, including schools
- places of worship
- airports and other transportation hubs and networks
- public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
- Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Road safety
Use caution when entering a traffic circle (roundabout).
Road conditions are generally good. Some roads can be narrow and winding, particularly in rural areas.
Reduce speed on narrow, uneven country roads. These may become hazardous during severe weather conditions.
AA Road travel advice and route planning - Ireland’s Roadwatch Newsroom
Public Transportation
Taxi rates can vary based on the time of day and location.
Intercity bus and train services are occasionally affected by overcrowding and traffic congestion. Strike actions may also cause disruptions.
Air travel
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
General information about foreign domestic airlines
Entry/exit requirements
Entry/exit requirements
COVID-19 - Entry requirements
Ireland has implemented special entry requirements for its territory. We have obtained the information below from Irish authorities. This information may change at any time. It is your responsibility to verify this information with the appropriate foreign diplomatic office and to ask if you will be allowed entry, based on your individual circumstances and your itinerary.
The information provided is based on travel from Canada. Keep in mind that your transit points could affect your ability to enter the country.
The Government of Ireland recommends avoiding non-essential travel to Ireland. However, travellers arriving from Canada may be allowed entry if they meet the additional requirements below.
Passenger locator form
You must fill out an online passenger locator form before your arrival to Ireland.
Passenger locator form - Government of Ireland
PCR tests
You must present a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival in Ireland.
Quarantine
You must quarantine for a minimum period of 10 days in a government-designated hotel. You must book and pay your hotel quarantine before arrival to Ireland.
Mandatory hotel quarantine - Government of Ireland
Local authorities may impose additional requirements without notice and your travel plans could be severely disrupted. You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance related to changes to your travel plans.
Monitor the media for the latest information.
Useful links
- Travelling to Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic - Department of the Taoiseach
- Foreign Representatives in Canada
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from the Irish authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Regional travel
Ireland is a member of the European Union but it is not part of the Schengen area. A passport is required to travel between Ireland and other European countries, including Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom.
If you plan to travel to Northern Ireland, make sure you meet the entry/exit requirements for the United Kingdom.
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for the expected duration of your stay in Ireland.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.
Useful links
Visas
Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days
Business visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days
Student visa: Not required
Work permit: Required (except for the Student Work Abroad Program)
Other entry requirements
Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
Children and travel
Learn about travel with children.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Health
Health
- Pandemic COVID-19 all countries: avoid non-essential travel outside Canada - April 22, 2021
- Global Measles Notice - July 23, 2019
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Risk
- There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*
- Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.
Recommendation
- Vaccination is not recommended.
About Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Western Europe. When in doubt, remember…boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in Western Europe, certain insects carry and spread diseases like Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis, and West Nile virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Malaria
Malaria
There is no risk of malaria in this country.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Certain infections found in some areas in Western Europe, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
Medical services and facilities
COVID-19 - Testing facilities
Consult the following links to find out where you can get a COVID-19 test:
- Local COVID-19 testing facilities - Dublin airport
Health care is excellent. Payment is required before treatment.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
Laws & culture
You must abide by local laws.
Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Canada and Ireland are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Ireland to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Irish authorities.
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Ireland.
If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Ireland, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.
General information for travellers with dual citizenship
Illegal drugs
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe.
Driving
Traffic drives on the left.
You should carry an International Driving Permit.
Turning at a red light is prohibited.
The use of a cellular telephone while driving is prohibited, unless it is fitted with a hands-free device.
Motorways in Ireland are subject to tolls.
Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, but 0.02% for new drivers. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
- More about the International Driving Permit
- More information about driving in Ireland - European Commission
Money
The currency of Ireland is the euro (EUR).
Credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are available in urban centres.
If you are carrying more than €10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs upon your entry or exit to the European Union. The sum can be in cash, cheque, money order, traveller’s cheque, or any other convertible asset. This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.
More information about cash controls - European Commission
Natural disasters and climate
Natural disasters & climate
Ireland is subject to wind storms that can cause severe damage to infrastructure. Heavy flooding, fog, rain and snow can have widespread impacts, including the disturbance of essential services such as transportation, power distribution, telecommunication networks and emergency services.
- Met Éireann - Irish Meteorological Service
Assistance
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
Dial 112 for emergency assistance.
Alternatively, dial 999 for ambulance, police or in case of fire.
Consular assistance
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Embassy of Canada in Dublin is limiting in-person services. If you need consular assistance, contact the Embassy by email or telephone.
Dublin - Embassy of Canada
For emergency consular assistance, call the embassy of Canada to Ireland, in Dublin, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.
The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.
If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
Learn more about consular services.