Some information to keep in mind for supporters travelling to France.
Euro 2016 is just around the corner and for many fans on the Emerald Isle, the preparations for the big trip are well underway. Passport? Check. Money? Check. Accommodation booked? Check. Vintage Gary Breen jersey packed? You don't even need to ask.
For everything else though, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Charlie Flanagan has released his own preferred XI list of things to remember for those embarking on the adventure this summer.
As reported by the
Sunday Business Post, here is the copy of the government's 11 top tips for Irish fans ahead of Euro 2016:
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 of Foreign Affairs’ 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 of Foreign Affairs have your details through its
Citizen Registration facility so that you can be contacted 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 10 June: +353 1441 767 80.
You can also send an email query through the Embassy’s website.
10. STAY CONNECTED
Follow the Department of Foreign Affairs on @dfatirl @dfatravel and @irlembparis and keep an eye our for the DFAT travel app which will be launched at the end of May.
11. COME ON YOU BOYS IN GREEN!
The 11 Top Tips can be found at
dfa/ie/euro2016.
Minister Flanagan stated:
“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.”
