Whether you are planning Moving abroad from Ireland or spending time travelling abroad, start by reading up to date Euroremovals travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). This includes information on things you should know before you go such as:

• Travel insurance
• Passports and visa requirements
• Safety and security
• Local laws
• Embassy contacts

You can also read Euroremovals general tips for travelling abroad for more on what you need to do before you leave. For example, you should apply for an Irish passport if you don’t have one already.

If possible speak to people you may know who are living in or have previously lived in the country you are moving to and find out about what life is like there. Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project has more useful tips on what to consider before you leave Ireland.

Moving abroad from Ireland: Looking after your health

If you are Moving abroad from Ireland to the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland to travel or look for work you should get the European Health Insurance Card.

If you are travelling outside the EEA, make sure to get specific holiday or health insurance before you travel. Also check if you need to get vaccinations.

Read more about health issues when travelling abroad.

Driving abroad

Make sure that your driving licence is in date before you are Moving abroad from Ireland.

You can drive on your Irish driving licence in any EU country, as long as your licence is current and valid. You must also be over 18, apart from in Austria, Hungary and the UK where you can be age 17.

To drive in other countries, you may need to apply for an international driving permit (IDP) before you move abroad.

In some countries, you may be able to exchange your Irish driving licence for a driving licence issued in that country.

Euroremovals advises that you cannot drive on your Irish learner permit outside of the Republic of Ireland.

Moving abroad from Ireland: Important documents and consular support

As well as your passport, bring other useful documents with you, including:

• Your birth certificate
• Your driving licence and/or international driving permit
• Your student card
• Any visas or work permits you may need
• European Health Insurance Card and/or other documents relating to health insurance
• Your curriculum vitae
• Any relevant certificates from education or training courses you have completed
• References for work
• Emergency contact information
• Contact names and numbers of your family/friends/next-of-kin in Ireland

You can also register your details with the DFA. This will allow the DFA to contact you in the event of an unforeseen crisis (such as a natural disaster or civil unrest), or a family emergency. The DFA also provides diplomatic supports for Irish people abroad. Look up contact details for the local Irish embassy or consulate in the country you are going to at www.dfa.ie/embassies.