Consular assistance charter
The Department of Foreign Affairs provides a range of help and support to citizens in distress abroad. The Consular Assistance Charter outlines what you can expect from us and steps that we strongly encourage Irish people travelling abroad to take.
The support offered by us is non-judgmental and built around your needs. We will share with you any information received regarding your case, and commit to being transparent in our actions. Your trust is very important to us and we will treat your case in a strictly confidential manner. We will not share information about your situation, even to your family, without your consent.
We are committed to constantly improving how we conduct our business and to ensuring that our staff across our global network of Embassies and Consulates act in a highly professional manner at all times. This includes delivering sensitive and compassionate customer service and knowledge of the appropriate support available.
We are available and accessible 24/7 in Dublin, during office hours on +353 (0)1 4082527 or in case of an emergency out-of-hours on +353 (0)1 4082000.
We also offer worldwide assistance through our Embassies and Consulates. For all Embassy contact details visit our Embassy list.
We also provide clear, reliable and up-to-date travel advice for 200 countries worldwide. This information is available on our website, and on Twitter @dfatravelwise.
Download the Consular Assistance Charter
The Consular Assistance Charter outlines the type of help we can provide and our values and commitments in providing this support. Download the charter document below:
What you can do
- Follow the Department's travel advice.
- Check that your passport is valid and also bring your passport card where accepted
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance.
- Bring your Health Insurance Card (EHIC) when travelling in Europe.
- Have a valid visa where required
- Before you go, register on the Department's Citizen's Registration platform.
- Check what vaccinations are recommended for your trip.
- Share your travel plans with family and friends.
What we can do
- Offer you practical advice and assistance in the case of a death, serious injury, detention, or other emergency abroad.
- Issue you with a temporary travel document in emergency circumstances.
- Provide you with information on local legal and medical supports.
- Advise you on relevant local practices , and on organisations and services which may be able to provide you with additional assistance.
- Make contact with your family or friends on your behalf.
- Provide assistance in the event or an emergency/crisis overseas.
Our Assistance will be:
Confidential
We will not release information about your situation, even to your family, if you don’t want us to. We will safeguard your information in full compliance with Ireland’s Data Protection Acts.
Professional
Experienced multinational, multilingual consular staff We will treat you in a sensitive, compassionate manner. We work with external partners to supplement our practical support.
Informative
We provide clear and reliable travel advice for 200 countries on ireland.ie/overseas-travel and on Twitter, @dfatravelwise. We provide real-time updates on major crises.
Helpful
You and your needs are the focus of our work Action taken on 90% of requests for help within 24 hours. We acknowledge queries within 3 working days, respond within 15 days.
Transparent
We publish our consular policies on ireland.ie/overseas-travel. Your case officer will communicate with you using clear and simple language. We will share your personal information with you if requested under the Freedom of Information Acts.
Learning
We will monitor, evaluate and improve the service we offer We welcome your feedback through ireland.ie/overseas-travel. We take complaints seriously. A senior official will respond to you
What we cannot do
- We cannot provide you with legal advice, legally represent you or intervene in the judicial processes of another country. You should be aware that laws and practices across the world can differ greatly.
- We cannot influence the visa or immigration decisions of other countries.
- We cannot give you medical advice or pay for your medical bills.
- We cannot intervene in commercial or insurance matters or disputes.
- We cannot provide financial support.
European Union Cooperation
EU citizens can seek consular assistance from other EU Member States abroad if their own country does not have consular representation. See consular-protection.ec.europa.eu for information.
Contacting us
We are available and accessible 24/7 in Dublin, during office hours on +353 (0)1 4082527 or in case of an emergency out-of-hours on +353 (0)1 4082000.
We also offer worldwide assistance through our Embassies and Consulates. For all Embassy contact details visit our Embassy list.
We also provide clear, reliable and up-to-date travel advice for 200 countries worldwide. This information is available on our website, and on Twitter @dfatravelwise.