Rules for entering Ireland for Ukrainians

What documents are required to enter Ireland?

To enter Ireland, Ukrainians are required to have a valid biometric passport for the entire duration of your stay in country. In addition to the biometric passport, the following documents may be required:

• Confirmation of the purpose of the trip, such as a hotel reservation or invitation.
  
• Return ticket or confirmation of onward travel.
  
• Documents for children - if you are traveling with children, they also need their own biometric passport. If the child does not have a passport, it is recommended to obtain one before the trip or add information about the children to the parents' passports.
  
• Health insurance is recommended. The policy provides coverage in case of illness or injury while abroad.

Do I need a Green Card to travel to Ireland by car?

Yes, the Green Card is mandatory for anyone traveling abroad by car, including refugees.

Just follow the link, choose the appropriate policy term and apply for the Green Card online in a few minutes. 

Do I need health insurance to travel to Ireland?

Yes, when traveling to Ireland, more attention is now paid to the financial readiness of tourists, in particular to their ability to cover medical expenses.

In practice, having medical insurance is considered an important part of preparing for a trip, especially given the cost of medical care for foreigners. If you need to go to the hospital, the costs without insurance coverage can be significant, even for basic services.

👉 We recommend taking out medical insurance for the entire duration of your stay to avoid unexpected expenses.

Can I travel with pets to Ireland from Ukraine?

Yes, Ukrainians can travel to Ireland with pets, but there are some important requirements:

• Microchip - your pet must have a microchip that meets international standards.
  
• Rabies vaccination - you must provide proof that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before traveling.
  
• Veterinary passport - a document confirming the health of the animal.
  
• Mandatory blood test - for animals arriving from countries with a high risk of rabies, it is necessary to conduct a test for the level of rabies antibodies.
  
  

It is also recommended to have the necessary documents in English to avoid problems at the border.

Important: Ukrainians need a valid biometric passport to travel abroad

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has announced that, as of October 29, 2025, it will no longer be possible to extend the validity of foreign passports. The inclusion of children's details in their parents' passports has also been abolished.

Now, leaving Ukraine or entering from abroad is only possible with a valid biometric passport.

If your document has been extended or a child has been added to it, you will need to apply for a new passport — in Ukraine or abroad through a consulate.

If you do not have a passport, you can obtain a temporary identity card for return (“white passport”).

How much money do you need to have to enter Ireland in 2026?

Officially, Ireland does not set a specific fixed amount of money that you must have with you when crossing the border. However, border guards may ask you to confirm that you have sufficient funds for the entire period of your stay (e.g., bank statement, proof of payment for accommodation, booking confirmation, return ticket, etc.).

⚠️ When entering Ireland, border services may check more carefully that your documents match the stated purpose of your trip.

In practice, even minor inaccuracies in proof of residence, itinerary, or financial documents may give rise to additional questions. They also pay attention to the history of previous trips and the logic of the stay.

👉 Legal advice will help you assess the possible risks, prepare your documents correctly, and avoid problems when crossing the border.

Your trip to Ireland can be safe and hassle-free if you prepare all the documents in advance. But even with the best of plans, legal issues or unforeseen circumstances can arise. The Visit Ukraine team is ready to provide qualified legal assistance for Ukrainians staying in Ireland.

Our lawyers can help with:

• Preparation of documents for entry and temporary protection.
  
• Advice on tax and customs issues.
  
• Legal support in case of problems with documents or stay in the country.

💡 A written consultation will provide you with clear answers to all your questions at a time convenient for you. Introductory consultation (30 minutes) will help you quickly navigate your situation and get recommendations on further steps. A basic consultation (60 minutes) will provide an in-depth analysis of your problem and develop an optimal solution strategy. For more serious cases, we offer the support of a lawyer who will help in resolving issues related to visas, residence permits or other legal procedures.

🫂 You can be sure that you will receive professional assistance in any legal issues that may arise during your trip to Ireland.

Transit is allowed.

How to travel abroad with a child in 2026?

According to the current legislation of Ukraine, the following rules apply to children's travel during martial law:

• Children under the age of 16 can travel with one parent without the consent of the other.

• A child may also leave accompanied by a grandparent, adult brother or sister, stepmother, stepfather or other persons authorized by one of the parents in a written statement certified by the guardianship authority.

• Children over 16 years of age have the right to leave Ukraine on their own in accordance with Article 313 of the Civil Code of Ukraine.

• The main routes of departure are currently through the land borders with Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and Moldova.

📄 Documents for traveling with a child

Before traveling, prepare all the necessary documents:

• The child's foreign biometric passport

• Birth certificate (especially if the surname is different from the parents' surname)

• A notarized power of attorney (if the child is traveling with only one parent or with accompanying persons)

• Health insurance (recommended to cover expenses in case of illness)

• Accommodation reservation or letter of invitation (from friends, relatives or the host).

🎒 What to take on a trip with a child?

• Documents and important papers: passports, insurance, power of attorney, tickets.

• Clothes and shoes: Ireland has a changeable weather, so you should take warm clothes and raincoats.

• Snacks and water: It is useful to have something light to eat on the road or during excursions.

• Entertainment for the child: books, toys, downloaded favorite cartoons or audio stories.

• First aid kit: antipyretics, allergy remedies, band-aids, and necessary medications.

⚖️ Legal aspects of traveling abroad with a child

When crossing the Irish border, additional checks may occur, so it is important to have all documents in proper order.

Rules for issuing a power of attorney:

• If a child is traveling with only one parent, a notarized permission from the other parent is required.

• If traveling with relatives or friends, the power of attorney must contain information about the accompanying person and the purpose of the trip.

• The power of attorney should be translated into English and notarized.

🔹 Need help with paperwork? Visit Ukraine lawyers will help you understand all the nuances of a child's travel abroad, tell you what documents are needed, and help you prepare a power of attorney.

📌 Don't take risks - get a consultation and prepare all the papers in advance!

🌿 The best places for family vacations in Ireland

Dublin

• Dublin Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Europe with large natural enclosures.

• Imaginosity is an interactive museum for children where you can experiment, play and learn.

• Phoenix Park is a huge park with wild deer, playgrounds and picnic areas.

Outside the capital

• Cliffs of Moher - impressive cliffs that can be reached by a special tourist bus.

• Tayto Park is an amusement park with roller coasters, a water park, and a petting zoo.

• Galway Atlantaquaria - Ireland's national aquarium with marine animals and interactive areas.

Useful contacts in Ireland

Embassy of Ukraine in Ireland

Address: 16 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland, D04 NY31

Phone: +353 1 668 5189

Hotline: +353 86 069 0930 (round the clock)

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://ireland.mfa.gov.ua/ua

Consular reception of citizens is carried out daily on a first-come, first-served basis from 09:00 to 21:00

Emergency numbers in Ireland

• Police, fire service and ambulance - 112 or 999

🌍 Practical tips for traveling with a child

• Choose an accommodation with a kitchen - so you can cook the usual food for your child.

• Check the airline's rules - most carriers allow you to bring a stroller for free.

• Health insurance is a must for a safe trip. The insurance policy will cover the costs of emergency care, medical consultations and possible treatment.

Are you planning a trip to Ireland with your child? Then take care of all the nuances of the trip in advance - documents, routes, and health insurance. Even in safe countries, there is always a risk of getting sick or injured. Health insurance will cover the costs of treatment, medical consultations, and emergency care.

✨ You can buy an insurance policy online on the Visit Ukraine website in just a few minutes - just enter your details, pay and receive an electronic document.

📌 Don't risk your health and budget - take out insurance before your trip and travel without worries!