Passports
The Passport Office, which is part of the Department of Foreign Affairs, issues passports to Irish citizens.

All Irish citizens are entitled to apply for an Irish passport. Services are provided by the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork and by Irish Diplomatic and Consular Missions overseas.
Passports are required for travel to all countries except the United Kingdom. (However, you should note that some airlines now require photo-ID for flights to the UK). With the exception of travel to the U.K., Irish citizens require a valid passport for travel to all other destinations in the E.U.
All EU citizens have the right to enter and reside in the territory of any other Member State of the Union for a period of up to three months simply by presenting a valid passport or national identity card: no other formality is required. Member States cannot set additional conditions concerning the minimum validity of duration of the identity card or passport.

Irish citizens travelling to destinations outside the EU are subject to the specific requirements of those countries for the entry of non-nationals into their territory and they should contact the relevant Embassy of those countries before they travel for the most up-to-date information on these requirements.

Visas
Many countries require Irish Citizens to have a visa before they can enter that country on holiday or to work. Please check with your Worldchoice agent about visas for your destination or the Embassy or Consulate of the Country you intend to visit.

Please allow plenty of time to apply for your visa if required.

Health Issues & Vaccinations
Prior to travelling abroad for an extended period you should consider consulting your doctor in order to discuss known or possible health risks. This is particularly important if you are visiting a tropical region or a country where the conditions exist for the spread of infectious diseases. If you take medication on a regular basis you should ask your doctor to prescribe an amount adequate for your visit and bring it with you.

Certain diseases are prevalent in particular world regions. Malaria is present in parts of Africa, Central and South America, Asia and the Pacific. Some diseases or illnesses - e.g. cholera, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid, various types of food poisoning - can be contracted from consumption of contaminated food or water, especially in areas where standards of hygiene are low. If you are visiting such areas you should avoid certain foodstuffs, particularly dairy products salads, seafood and untreated water

For further information on vaccinations click on www.travelvax.net