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The Department of Foreign Affairs issues their top travel tips ahead of the Euros

Fans around the country are counting the pennies and checking the balance sheets as the...



The Department of Foreign Affa...
Soccer

The Department of Foreign Affairs issues their top travel tips ahead of the Euros

Fans around the country are counting the pennies and checking the balance sheets as they try to find a way to make it to France this summer and watch Ireland in action at the Euros. 

However, before they get too excited, Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan is handing out some sensible advice to those who are planning on making the trip.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) issued a number of suggestions for those who are making the trip, all of which can be found on their specific Euros 2016 section here, but these are a few of the main ones that you'll need to keep an eye on in advance of your trip. 

Check your passport

The DFAT advises you make sure you know where your passport is, and to make two copies of it - travel with one copy and mail the other one to yourself. 

They also point out that those who were lucky enough to actually get tickets to the games will need to carry photo ID with them to the games to collect their tickets.

Given that France is in a state of emergency, everyone who goes will need to carry photo ID at all times, such as a Passport Card.

Travel insurance

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade "strongly recommends that you take out comprehensive travel insurance" before your trip, noting that they "can’t pay for emergency medical repatriation, repatriation of remains, or for expenses as a result of a personal emergency". 

They also advise you to check the small print of any policy you do take out to make sure there's nothing excluded that you may actually need. 

Planning

As sensible as it sounds, the DFAT underscores the need to plan your itinerary in advance and make sure that your accommodation is all booked up before you go. 

Register

They also encourage all Irish people headed over to register through the Citizen Registration facility so that they have a point of contact for you in case of emergency.

While all of that is for your checklist before you leave, Mr Flanagan had a few words of warning for once you do make it across to France, stating that they should "avoid unnecessary risks, steer clear of trouble, drink responsibly, [and] behave respectfully when engaging with local authorities."

And, of course, you should be ready for "long queues to access public transport, stadiums and Fanzones", so they suggest that you make sure you arrive early before every game and follow advice from the local authorities.

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