Travellers Urged To Check Up-To-Date Travel Advice

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade has urged people to read up-to-date travel advice and familiarise themselves with the new passport card ahead of travelling.

Minister Flanagan issued the advice ahead of this weekend's Holiday World show which is being held at the RDS arena. He recommended that travellers renew their passports during the off-peak season, and said that advice on the new passport cards would be available from the Passport Office stand during the exhibition.

Speaking ahead of the event, Minister Flanagan said: "The number of Irish people travelling abroad has continued to increase in recent years. For example, just over 670,000 passports were issued last year, which was an increase of 11% since 2011. At the same time, the Department provided consular assistance to over 2,300 Irish people.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade can play a crucial role where Irish citizens overseas require emergency assistance so I am strongly advising those travelling, especially to remote locations, to register with my Department, read our travel advice, and take out travel insurance before they head away.

"I would like to remind travellers that they can check the travel advice and local laws and customs of different countries on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's website which provides comprehensive and detailed country specific travel advice including information on the local security situation."

He continued: "Our website has useful tips for staying safe while abroad and reminds travellers that it is vital to take out comprehensive travel insurance before they holiday abroad and also to comply with local laws.

"We see all too many cases where the absence of comprehensive travel insurance has caused complex difficulties for the individuals and families involved, including with access to urgent medical treatment. The website also has information on where to seek help if things go wrong while abroad."

(MH/JP)