ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
**Requirements due to COVID-19 are constantly changing. Please check your own country's international travel advice as well as the airline requirements before travel.**
UK guests please see the UK Government Foreign Office Travel website for latest entry and exit advice; https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ireland/entry-requirements
US guests please see Travel State website; https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/ireland-travel-advisory.html
Visas:
Currently, U.S., Canadian, Australian and European citizens may enter the Republic of Ireland for tourist purposes without a visa. All other nationalities must check the visa entry requirements before your departure.
N.B. - For entry requirements to Northern Ireland, please check our United Kingdom Travel Tips
Passports:
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the period of stay. It is advised to have 1 blank page in your passport. Please be sure to fill out the "Emergency Next of Kin" section in your passport
N.B. Please note, visa and entry requirements, regulations and restrictions can vary on a regular basis. Please ensure you check in good time prior to travel the current requirements applicable to you.
Travel Insurance
All passengers must have valid travel insurance before traveling, including health and cancellation insurance. Please ensure you have a copy of your insurer’s 24-hour emergency telephone number and your policy number.
Medical Conditions and Personal Medication
Please advise us prior to travel if you have any medical conditions requiring special attention during your trip. If you have a specific medical condition, it is wise to carry the relevant doctor’s prescription with you.
Important:
- Pack a sufficient supply of any medications you are taking, copies of the prescriptions and the telephone/fax numbers of your doctor.
- Please note, some countries require that prescription drugs be carried in their original container, with the label clearly visible. In the event of you losing your medication, a qualified pharmacist should be able to source a replacement.
Travelling with CPAP or other Medical Machines
Please inform The Big Journey Company that you are travelling with such a device as early as possible, and well before you travel. Please note, if you require distilled or ionised water, you must inform The Big Journey Company of this at the time of booking, so we are able to make preparations with our ground agents. There may be an additional charge for this.
LUGGAGE
What to Pack and Wear
We would recommend comfortable clothes and shoes for this tour. Feel free to include a smart-casual outfit for dinner if you wish, however there is no pressure to follow a dress code. Layers suit the Irish weather best as there can be a cool breeze, especially near the coast. For those used to warmer climates, a hat and a warm coat are essential. An easily packable, light rain-jacket and foldaway umbrella will come in handy on Irish tours, as we will most likely encounter rain at some point during the tour.
Don't forget your camera, with charger/spare batteries and memory cards.
Luggage Allowances
International airlines are often strict about the size and weight of checked in baggage and carry-on luggage. Prior to your departure, please contact your airline or visit their website for specific luggage requirements, as size and weight limitations may vary according to the airline and destination.
LANGUAGE
The main language of Ireland is English. However, Irish is also the official language of Ireland. Though generally only spoken on a daily basis in rural communities nowadays, it is still taught in schools and promoted as the official language. You will see if written on official buildings, on road signs and in many locations around the country.
WEATHER
Ireland doesn’t get called the Green country for no reason – rain! Located in the middle of the Atlantic, it is the first land the clouds encounter, so it is almost inevitable you will encounter some rain during your tour – be it summer or winter. Weather can be blustery and cold in the winter, with some snow in rural areas. Spring and autumn are generally nice but not without showers. Summer days are long and can be warm, but it is still advisable to bring layers.
ELECTRICITY
In Ireland, the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. You will need a UK style plug adapter, and/or converter depending on which electrical appliances you bring with you.
MOBILES & INTERNET COMMUNICATION
Moblie coverage is widely avaliable across Ireland, be sure to check with your mobile provider for coverage and rates, as data roaming can be extremely expensive.
MONEY
The currency of Ireland is the Euro € (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted at mid-high range establishments, but it is advisable to carry money in cash with you as well, especially when in pubs, restaurants and rural areas. ATMs are widely available in cities, but not so in rural areas smaller villages.
After feedback from previous guests, we offer a group tipping package for this tour, more information on this will be shared in the 'Pre-Tour Emails'.
WATER
When in Ireland, tap water is generally considered to be safe to drink. https://www.tapsafe.org/tap-water-safety-in-ireland/ Bottled water can be bought at supermarkets, kiosks and many shops if you choose to avoid drinking tap water.
SAFETY & SECURITY
As visitors, tourists may be more vulnerable to petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams, so we recommend staying aware and taking simple precautions.
RELIGION
Ireland is predominantly Catholic, though there are pockets of Protestantism close to the northern border. However, in recent years, the power of the Catholic church has weakened over the country.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Ireland offers photo opportunities one after another. You will return with many photos that can never be repeated. Remember to pack your camera, along with the charger, spare batteries and a spare memory card!
ARRIVAL IN IRELAND
Please note, standard hotel check-in is around 3pm, so should you arrive earlier than this, your room may not be available upon arrival. For those arriving early morning, we will do everything we can to work with the hotel to get you an earlier check-in subject to availability.
If you have any other questions that we have not covered here; then please send us an e-mail to: info@thebigjourneycompany.com
Disclaimer: The above information is provided as a guideline only. The Big Journey Company assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in this document.
Updated November 2024