Tánaiste Announces Consular Support to Irish Fans Travelling for the British & Irish Lions Tour

As thousands of Irish fans travel to Australia for the 2025 British & Irish Lions Rugby Tour, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris TD, is urging supporters to plan ahead, stay informed, and make the right memories while abroad.

Ahead of the first test against Australia this Saturday, the Tánaiste said: “I know how important the British and Irish Lions tour is to Irish fans, with many set to travel long distances to attend Saturday’s game. Our job is to provide Irish citizens with the information that they need to stay safe and informed while they support the Lions.

“My department, through our Embassy in Canberra, the Consulate-General in Sydney, and our Honorary Consulate in Perth, will have a consular presence in place, including pop-up consular offices at a number of key locations around the test games.”

The Tánaiste shared some travel tips for Irish fans, including:

• Make sure you have an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or other visa before you travel Check Your Passport validity – it will need at least 6 months’ validity.
• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance.
• Emergency healthcare is available if you have an Irish passport and a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with ‘IE’.
• Driving in Australia - your Irish licence is valid while you are a temporary visitor.
• Research the local laws, culture and customs. Australians welcome Irish visitors, but public behaviour laws are strictly enforced.

If you run into difficulty, the Irish consular team in Australia can:

• Issue emergency travel documents
• Provide support if you are arrested or hospitalised
• Contact your family/friends on your behalf
• Help you access legal or medical contacts

The consular team cannot provide legal advice, medical treatment, or funds.

Wishing Irish supporters safe travels, the Tánaiste said: “Irish supporters are incredibly passionate, and we are proud to help them travel safe, proud and prepared. Visit our dedicated Lions Tour TravelWise page, British and Irish Lions Travel Advice | Ireland.ie for the most up-to-date travel and consular advice. Take the time to note the contact details for our Embassy and Consulate-General in Australia. We are there to assist if things go wrong, but I want to encourage fans to plan ahead, follow local rules, and make the right memories.”

📞 Key Contacts

Embassy of Ireland, Canberra: +61 2 6214 0000

Consulate General of Ireland, Sydney: +61 2 9273 8500

Honorary Consulate of Ireland, Perth: +61 2 6557 5802

DFAT in Dublin (24/7): +353 1 408 2000

Follow the Embassy and Consulate on social media:

📱 Instagram: @irishembassyaustralia | @irelandinsydney

🐦 Twitter: @irlembaustralia | @Irelandsydney

📘 Facebook: /IrishEmbassyAustralia | /SydneyIrishConsulate

ENDS

Press Office

16 July 2025