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Ireland - Consular Information SheetIreland - Consular Information

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:
Ireland is a highly developed democracy with a modern economy.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
A passport is necessary, but a visa is not required for tourist or business stays of up to three months. For information concerning entry requirements for Ireland, travelers can contact the Embassy of Ireland at 2234 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008; telephone:(202) 462-3939, fax: 202-232-5993, or the nearest Irish consulate in Boston, Chicago, New York, or San Francisco. The Internet address of the Irish Embassy is: http://www.irelandemb.org.

SAFETY/SECURITY:
A peace agreement for Northern Ireland was ratified by voters in Ireland and Northern Ireland in May 1998. Nonetheless, there have been periodic incidents of violence in Northern Ireland associated with paramilitary organizations, with at least the potential for some spill over into Ireland. Travelers to Northern Ireland should consult the Consular Information Sheet for the United Kingdom for more specific information.

CRIME INFORMATION:
Although Ireland has a low rate of violent crime, there have been incidents in which non-nationals and tourists have been victims of assault, including instances that appear to have been racially motivated. There is a high incidence of petty crime, mostly theft, burglary, and purse snatching. Rental cars and tourists, particularly in the vicinity of tourist attractions, are targeted by thieves. There has been an increase over the last year in the number of crimes involving credit cards and Automatic Teller Machines (ATMS). The use of "skimmers" to record credit card details has increased, and these recorded details are being sent elsewhere to program false and stolen credit cards.

The primary target of these scams have been individuals, often tourists, at ATMs. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a trouble-free trip. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

MEDICAL FACILITIES:
Modern medical facilities and highly skilled medical practitioners are available. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services

MEDICAL INSURANCE:
U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Please check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas. Additional coverage for medical evacuation is recommended. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION:
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at tel. 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-800-CDC-FAXX (1-800-232-3299), or via their Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov.

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National Hymne of Rep. Ireland