Minister Flanagan's "First 11" Top Tips For Travelling Irish Fans

Charlie Flanagan, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, has published '11 Top Tips' for Irish citizens travelling to the upcoming Euro 2016 Football Championship in France.

Eight weeks ahead of Ireland's first game, Minister Flanagan said: "With just eight weeks to go before Ireland's first game I want to draw the attention of the many supporters who will be travelling to France for the Euro 2016 championship to our 11 Top Tips for travel, which have been uploaded to my Department's website.

"With less than 40 working days remaining before Ireland's first game, I urge travelling fans to check their passport's validity. I also recommend to fans to apply for the award- winning credit card sized Irish Passport Card which can be used for travel to France and can be applied for online. It fits inside a wallet which helps keep it safe and is accepted instead of a passport booklet."

The Minister, who has been working closely with the Irish Embassy in Paris, added: "It is vital that Irish citizens use the intervening time between now and travelling in June to prepare properly so that they can have an enjoyable and memorable time supporting the Boys in Green in what we hope will be a very successful tournament for them."

The 11 Top Tips included:

1. PASSPORT and PASSPORT CARD

Check your passport now and make sure that it is valid for duration of your intended travel. Make a copy of it and email it to yourself and a family member at home, in case it gets lost or stolen and you need replacement travel documents.

Apply for the new Irish Passport Card. This is valid for travel within Europe and can fit in your wallet, allowing you to leave your passport in a safe place.

As France is in a State of Emergency, a valid form of photo ID should be carried at all times while in France.

2. EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD

Ensure you bring your European Health Insurance Card with you and if you don't have one apply now.

3. BE PREPARED

Check out and familiarise yourself with the department's latest Travel Advice for France and information on the different regions, laws and customs. Plan your travel itinerary and book accommodation well in advance.

4. INSURANCE

Don't go to France without comprehensive travel insurance.

5. REGISTER

Let the department have your details through its Citizen Registration facility so that it can contact you in case of an emergency.

When you get there…

6. FOLLOW THE RULES

Local laws and customs – familiarise yourself with the local laws and customs. You can learn a lot from our comprehensive travel advice at www.dfa.ie/travel. There are likely to be long queues to access public transport and stadiums and Fanzones, so arrive early and follow advice from the local authorities.

7. CONTACT

Win, lose or draw, let your family and friends know that you're ok. Call, text or post on social media, and ensure your loved ones have information about your itinerary and travel plans.

8. BE RESPONSIBLE

Avoid unnecessary risks – steer clear of trouble, drink responsibly and behave respectfully when engaging with local authorities, including local law enforcement agencies.

9. IF YOU NEED HELP

For an emergency in France dial 112. For consular assistance from the Irish Embassy in Paris, a dedicated phone line will go live on 10th June: +33 1441 767 80.

You can also send an email query through the Embassy's website.

10. STAY CONNECTED

Follow the department on @dfatirl @dfatravel and @irlembparis and keep an eye out for the DFAT travel app which will be launched at the end of May.

11. COME ON YOU BOYS IN GREEN!

(MH/LM)