Travelling abroad with children

Information

Travelling abroad with children can be an extremely rewarding experience. Visiting other countries and experiencing different cultures can be a wonderful educational opportunity. It is important, however, to consider in advance whether the destination will suit all the members of your family, including children. Very small children (less than 18 months) really will be unaware of the holiday destination and so in most cases, they would prefer to be at home in familiar surroundings.

Passports

From 1st October, 2004 all children, regardless of age, must obtain an individual Irish passport in their own name. However, parents passports issued before 1 October on which children have been included remain valid and do not need to be replaced. Children who are included on a parent’s passport issued before 1 October, may continue to travel to most countries up to their 16th birthday along with that parent providing the passport is still valid. There are, however, some exceptions. See Passports for children for further information. You should ensure in advance of travel that all passports are in date with at least six months to their expiry date.

Vaccinations and health

Seek information and advice from your doctor if you will be travelling outside Western Europe, North America, Australia or New Zealand, as vaccinations may compulsory or highly advisable when visiting some countries. If malaria is a risk in the destination you plan to visit, then everyone including children should take appropriate precautions.

If your child has a history of illness at home, be prepared for a reoccurrence while abroad. Seek advice from your doctor in advance of travel and consider bringing an emergency supply of medication. If you plan to travel within the EU, download and complete an European Health Insurance Card before you leave Ireland as this will entitle you to emergency treatment in another EU country while abroad.

Sun exposure

Children (especially infants) can be very sensitive to the sun and sunburn is a common cause of discomfort. Seek advice from your pharmacy or doctor before you travel about using high factor lotions, creams and sunblock and remember to take sensible precautions and keep children covered up.

Food and water

Trying out new food is part of the experience while travelling abroad but taking sensible precautions can lessen the risk or illness or infection. It is also important that everyone in your party, particularly young children, drink plenty of bottled water if travelling to a hot country.

Animals

Encourage your children to stay away from all animals while abroad and never attempt to bring an animal into Ireland on your return. The risk of rabies infection may be quite small but you should seek medical advice immediately in the event of any bites or scratches, especially those from dogs, cats or monkeys, while abroad.