Mayo holidaymakers planning to head for the sun in the coming weeks should take a number of precautions before leaving for the airport, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Mícheál Martin.
The Minister has issued a holiday alert to Mayo sun-seekers following an increase of 20 per cent in the number of Irish people losing their lives abroad so far this year, with more than 100 deaths.
Take out personal travel insurance — this is vital. The lack of insurance can cause huge hardship for a family who are also dealing with the heartbreak of having a loved one involved in an accident or crime abroad.
Register on www.dfa.ie — by registering on the Department of Foreign Affars’ website it makes it easier for staff to contact people abroad in the event of a natural disaster or civil unrest, and also if there is a family emergency at home.
Check your medial entitlements — if travelling within the EU Irish people are entitled to the same emergency treatment as a local. However it is important that a European Health Insurance Card is acquired before travelling, this can be received from the HSE.
Check your passport — ensure your passport and other travel documents meet the requirements for entry and departure of the country you are visiting. This is important as failure to meet the requirements could leave you stranded at the airport.
There are other precautions which should be undertaken and these are outlined in full on the Department's website, www.dfa.ie
