It is the responsibility of bearers of Irish passports to check with the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the country of destination or transition as to whether their passport should have a visa

Special requirements for entry to, or transit through, the USA

Handwritten Irish passports will not be accepted by US Immigration without a visa, which must be applied for and received, prior to travel.

Citizens travelling on Irish machine readable or ePassports may qualify to enter the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme.

Citizens travelling on an emergency Irish passport are required to have a USA visa, which must be applied for and received, prior to travel

Entry to other countries

All types of Irish passports are accepted by most other countries. However, travellers are advised to contact the Embassy or Consulate of the country they are travelling to, or through, prior to travel to confirm that country’s requirements

Additional Information

Handwritten Irish passports ceased to be issued by the Consulate General of Ireland in Auckland on 31 August 2005

All other passports are either machine readable or ePassports

An ePassport can be identified by the logo at the bottom of the front cover

USA contact details

All travellers wishing to enter the USA on Irish passports, under the Visa Waiver Programme, are required to obtain a travel authorisation via the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) prior to travelling.
ESTA is accessible online at ESTA

Applications in New Zealand for a USA visa should be made on-line via the website of the Embassy of the United States of America

Australia contact details

All travellers wishing to enter Australia on Irish passports as a visitor must apply for and be granted a visa prior to travelling. Full information and eVisitor applications can be made on line at the website of the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship

This award is made by the President of Ireland to Irish born citizens who have reached the age of 100 years and who are resident either inside or outside the State.

The award is a one off payment of €2,540 or approximately $4,900 New Zealand Dollars and is issued by the President’s office accompanied by a letter from the President.

The Centenarian Bounty is one way in which Ireland’s Government rewards and recognises Irish Communities abroad. The Bounty has previously only been available to those living in Ireland regardless of their nationality, however the Irish Government have extended the scheme in view of the huge contribution emigrants have made to Ireland over the years, especially during hard economic times.

Centenarian’s born in Ireland and living permanently in New Zealand who wish to apply for the Bounty should contact the Consulate General of Ireland at (09) 977 2252 or by email to consul@ireland.co.nz for further information.

Latest benefit and pension information on the Irish/NZ Social Security Agreement from International Services, Ministry of Social Development, New Zealand.

Visit the Work and Income website by clicking below:
Click Here

Read about the Global Irish Economic Forum held in Dublin 18-20 Sept 2009.

Search your Irish family history...The 1901 and 1911 Census of Ireland for the island of Ireland are now available to search on line and at no cost.

Puzzling over an Irish location in your family history? Consulate the Placenames Database

Birth, Death or Marriage Certificates
Copies of Irish certificates can be ordered online from the General Register Office
Certificates for Northern Ireland can be obtained from General Register Office for Northern Ireland

Police Clearance Certificates
If you require such a clearance e.g. to apply for residency in New Zealand you should follow the instructions provided on the website of the Irish Police / An Garda Síochána

Recognition of Foreign (non-Irish) Adoption
If you are an Irish citizen and have adopted a child for whom you wish to apply for citizenship, or for an Irish passport, or if you have been adopted by an Irish parent and wish to apply, it is necessary to first have the adoption recognised under Irish law.
The appropriate office to contact to apply for this recognition is The Adoption Authority of Ireland

Medication
You are permitted to bring your personal medication into Ireland with you. You should have a letter from your Doctor stating the medication that has been prescribed for you, and you must keep the medication in its original packaging.

Quarantine for Animals
If you are moving to Ireland and wish to bring your pet(s) you will find the relevant information from The Dept of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

Prohibited or Restricted Goods
Certain goods may not be imported to Ireland from outside the European Community. The principal items are:
- dangerous drugs
- indecent or obscene goods
- plants or bulbs
- live or dead animals
- poultry, birds or eggs
- hay or straw or articles packed with these materials
- with specific exceptions meat or meat products, milk or milk products and certain foodstuffs

Certain other items may only be imported under licence, such as:
- domestic cats and dogs (pets)
- firearms and ammunition
- fireworks and explosives

For further information, consult the website of Irish Tax and Customs

Use this form (FB1A) to apply if you are aged 18 or over

Use this form (FB1B) if you are applying on behalf of a minor (someone under 18 years old).

Please note, all non-EEA Nationals entering Ireland and wishing to stay in the country for more than three months must obtain an Immigration Certificate of Registration Card within the first month of their arrival in the State.

A fee will be charged in respect of each immigration certificate of registration issued to a non- EEA national.