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Dail Éireann · 2025-04-01

Foreign Policy

FF Naoise Ó Cearúil · Kildare North

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Summary of this debate

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Does the Tánaiste intend to issue updated travel advice to those planning to travel to the United States? There have been some changes, however, particularly with the new Administration in the United States, and some people have come across difficulties when travelling to the United States.

On 24 March, in consultation with the embassy of Ireland in Washington DC, an update was issued for our United States of America travel advice. To add additional context, in recent weeks I have been contacted by people and received reports of them attempting to travel to the United States from Dublin and Shannon, with electronic system for travel authorization, ESTA, visas and without any criminal conviction or criminal record.

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Most used terms in this debate

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united 12
states 13
travel 10
advice 9
esta 2
entry 4
tánaiste 4
dfatravelwise 1
sex 2
travelwise 1
authorization 1
embassy 2

The full debate

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FF Naoise Ó Cearúil

Does the Tánaiste intend to issue updated travel advice to those planning to travel to the United States? There has been much talk this week, naturally, about tariffs, etc., and the impact of what could come down the line tomorrow. There have been some changes, however, particularly with the new Administration in the United States, and some people have come across difficulties when travelling to the United States. Does the Tánaiste's Department intend to issue any updated travel advice?

FG Simon Harris

I thank Deputy Ó Cearúil for the question. My Department publishes advice for outward travel in respect of more than 200 countries and territories. The advice provides an objective assessment of the risks individuals could face if travelling overseas. This is done with a view to trying to help them to make informed decisions for themselves. The advice is based on consultation with our embassies and consulates on the ground, the relevant local authorities in each country and other partners as appropriate.

On 24 March, in consultation with the embassy of Ireland in Washington DC, an update was issued for our United States of America travel advice. The advice page is visible to the public on our website at Ireland.ie/Travelwise . The substantive changes to the advice related broadly to US entry and immigration laws, and advice that failure to adhere to these laws can result in refusal of entry, detention or removal from the US. An update was also added with regard to transgender citizens and a US requirement that travellers should declare their sex on all visa application forms, which, according to the US authorities, should reflect what they term as the traveller's biological sex at birth.

FF Naoise Ó Cearúil this contribution

To add additional context, in recent weeks I have been contacted by people and received reports of them attempting to travel to the United States from Dublin and Shannon, with electronic system for travel authorization, ESTA, visas and without any criminal conviction or criminal record. There seems to be no reason for them not to have gained entry into the United States. I appreciate it is for the United States immigration service to deal with matters such as this but there are questions there, particularly when our citizens seem to be going by the rules that have been laid out by the United States.

Will the Tánaiste liaise with his counterpart in the United States or with the US Embassy here in Ireland? We have an excellent relationship with that country. There is a two-way flow, as the Tánaiste mentioned, not just in terms of trade but between our peoples. It is crucial that Irish people can travel to the Unites States for both pleasure and business. There must be a certainty that if people have an ESTA and have abided by the rules, they will get into the US.

FG Simon Harris

If the Deputy wants to send me on details, I would be happy to use them as examples, albeit anonymised, with which to engage on this matter. As he rightly said, our two countries, Ireland and the United States, have deep and strong bilateral relations built on a rich foundation of ancestral ties. We have economic, diplomatic and political links, including the long-standing US support for peace on our island. Now more than ever, trying to support the continuation of those significant people-to-people links is a priority for the Government. We recognise the importance of travel to the continuation of those personal connections and relationships between our diaspora and this island. For anyone wishing to travel, I always recommend carrying out research on the destination, including on our website and social media channels. Our DFATravelWise service provides the latest updates. Citizens should be well informed about how my Department can help should they find themselves in any difficulty while overseas. The security status of the United States is currently set at normal precautions.

FF Naoise Ó Cearúil

I will be in touch with the Tánaiste's office regarding particular cases where persons were denied entry into the United States from Dublin and Shannon. I have spoken to other Oireachtas Members who have received similar reports. I thank the Tánaiste for his response and his work on this matter.

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