Press release
Minister Coveney welcomes the department’s restoration of ‘Normal Precautions’ security rating
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
The Department of Foreign Affairs has reinstated the security rating of ‘Normal Precautions’ to its Travel Advice, in light of the relative easing of the COVID-19 pandemic and resumption of international travel.
Over 70 countries across the world have been designated the department’s lowest security rating, ‘Normal Precautions’, which indicates a similar security environment and risks to that in Ireland. Countries with this rating include many popular with Irish tourists, such as EU destinations, Canada and USA, Australia and New Zealand, as well as some countries further afield including Argentina, Japan, South Korea, and Namibia.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney welcomed this development, saying:
"My department’s security ratings are a vital part of our advice to prepare Irish citizens travelling overseas. We closely monitor international developments, primarily through our network of Missions worldwide, and through close consultation with our international and EU partners, to deliver the most up-to-date and accurate advice for our citizens.
"My department is pleased to be able to return the security statuses of many countries to their pre-pandemic levels, welcome news for many citizens travelling abroad. Although citizens are now advised to take ‘Normal Precautions’ for travel to many popular destinations, I still advise all citizens to check our travel advice before embarking on a trip, to be ‘TravelWise’ and importantly to take out comprehensive travel insurance."
The Department of Foreign Affairs has 4 levels of security rating, ranging from ‘Normal Precautions’ to ‘Do Not Travel’, the highest level of warning. The department’s Travel Advice service also provides citizens with information on safety, health, local laws and customs and other relevant issues. Our advice aims to empower Irish citizens to ‘Know Before You Go’ and make informed decisions around international travel.
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, all travel advisories worldwide were designated at ‘Avoid non-essential travel’.
More information on the department’s security ratings can be found at: Your guide to our security ratings
Travel Advice for 199 countries is available at ireland.ie/travel and citizens with queries can contact traveladvice@dfa.ie with any queries.