Visa and Passports
Everyone entering Ireland must have a valid passport, or in the case of European Union Member States, a national identity card. Visitors are advised to check what form of ID is required by their airline carrier before travelling. Some airlines within Europe will only accept passport identification.
Visas are required by delegates travelling from some countries. We would encourage all delegates to check with their local Irish representation and also with your travel operator if your originating country requires a visa.
The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has primary responsibility for Ireland’s immigration and visa policy. For more information on visa requirements for Ireland please see their website www.inis.gov.ie
Delegates who require a visa will require a letter of booking confirmation from the congress office. During the congress registration process, you will have the option to request a Visa Assist Letter. Please note that we cannot issue a letter until your registration and payment is completed in full. It is advisable that you have booked and paid for accommodation for the duration of your stay. This should be included with your visa application.
Note that VISA applications can take 6+ weeks for Ireland. We would encourage all delegates to ensure that you have left ample time.
Do I need a visa?
Please consult with the relevant Irish Embassy/Consulate/Visa Office or visit the official government website:
How do I apply for a visa?
You can apply using the online AVATS process.
Before beginning the online process you should have the following information to hand:
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Passport and details of any previous passports – number, date of issue/expiry
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Details of any previous Irish visa applications
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Contact details for your host in Ireland & itinerary
Following submission of your online application using AVATS, note that you will also be required to submit a signed summary of your application form, original passport, passport-sized colour photograph, the relevant fee, and all supporting documents, to the relevant Irish Embassy/Consulate/Visa Office per your application procedures.
When you complete AVATS there will be a website shown on the printed summary of your application form for details of the appropriate office, the fee payable, and the method of payment accepted. Please ensure that you read the visa information contained on the website www.inis.gov.ie and their provided Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS).
Letter of support for Visa application
In order to issue a visa letter, we have to be able to confirm that a delegate is registered and has paid for their registration. Registration payments are required in advance of the congress either by bank transfer or debit/credit card, we cannot accept payment on arrival at the congress. This will also support your visa application, if they have proof that you have paid.
Other Information
Electricity
220 / 240 volts . 3 Pin Plug.
Driving in Ireland
Traffic in Ireland drives on the left.
Insurance
The Congress Organising Committee or its agents will not be responsible for any medical expenses, loss or accidents incurred during the conference. Delegates are strongly advised to arrange their own personal insurance to cover medical and other expenszes including accident or loss. Where a delegate has to cancel for medical reasons, the normal cancellation policy will apply. It is recommended that citizens from EU countries bring with them a current European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) card.
Language
The main languages are English and Irish and most signposts in the Republic are bilingual. English is spoken by everyone while Irish is generally confined to pockets of the south-west, west and north-western coastal areas.
Money
The Euro is the currency in the Republic of Ireland. The Euro has 100 cents in the euro with coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 & 50 cents and 1 and 2 euros. Euro notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euro.
Foreign exchange bureaus are available in most banks, post offices, Tourist Information Offices, airports, some shops and accommodation. Bureau de Change kiosks are also situated in many towns and most cities. There are no exchange controls in Ireland. Any sums of money in any currency can be freely brought into or taken out of the country without disclosure or other formalities.
Smoking
Under current legislation, smoking is banned in all public areas and work places, including restaurants, pubs and bars. Smoking is still permitted in hotel bedrooms which are designated as smoking bedrooms by the hotel. Smoking in bedrooms in guest houses and bed and breakfast accommodation is at the discretion of the owner. There are substantial penalties in place for those found to be in breach of these regulations.
Tax
Refunds Value Added Tax (VAT) is charged at 23% on most goods. Cash back is the simplest and most widely used VAT refund service that issues cash refunds on departure for a handling fee. Ask for cash back form when you make your purchase.
Time
From March to October, Ireland operates on GMT Greenwich Mean Time + 1 hour.
Tipping
Hotels and restaurants often add 10-15% to the bill especially for large parties. This is not mandatory in the Republic of Ireland. Tip cabs 10% and porters 60c per bag.
Weather
Ireland enjoys a temperate climate, with mild winters and relatively cool summers. The daily temperature in October is on average 12°C