Ireland

Ireland has an airport sector that is strategic for the European economy, serving as a vital hub for transatlantic and intra-European flights. Dublin Airport (DUB) is the main gateway and handles the vast majority of traffic. The regulator is the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), which absorbed the former Commission for Aviation Regulation in May 2023 and is responsible for aviation safety, airport charges and passenger protection. Ireland is a member of the European Union but not of the Schengen Area.

• Passport: must be valid for the whole stay in Ireland.
• ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System): Does not apply to Ireland. Ireland is outside the Schengen Area and is not among the ETIAS countries; ETIAS itself is not yet in operation (checked in October 2026).
• Visas: visa-exempt visitors can usually stay up to 90 days, but immigration may ask for proof of accommodation, sufficient funds for the stay and a return ticket. Travellers who go through UK immigration on the way (which usually happens on connections to Ireland) also need the British ETA.

Ireland fully enforces the European Union’s Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.

• Compensation: In the event of delays exceeding 3 hours, cancellations, or denied boarding (overbooking) not caused by extraordinary circumstances, passengers are entitled to fixed compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance.
• Material Assistance: In cases of significant delays, airlines must provide food, beverages, access to communication, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation and transport, regardless of the cause of the delay.
• Complaints: since May 2023, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), which absorbed the former Commission for Aviation Regulation, has been the national body that enforces these rules and handles complaints when the airline does not respond satisfactorily.

There is no Irish or European law that dictates a minimum free weight allowance for carry-on baggage; airlines maintain commercial autonomy to define their own policies.

• Transparency: Under European Consumer guidelines, airlines are required to disclose the total cost of baggage before the final checkout of a purchase.
• Prohibited items: EU security rules on liquids apply (containers of up to 100 ml in a 1-litre clear bag); airports with new-generation scanners may accept larger volumes: check the rule at your departure airport.

The entry of pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets) into Ireland is governed by EU animal health regulations:

• Microchip: Must be implanted prior to any vaccination.
• Rabies Vaccination: Must be administered after the microchip and at least 21 days prior to travel.
• Pet Passport: For travelers arriving from the EU, an EU Pet Passport is mandatory. For third countries, an official Veterinary Health Certificate is required.
• From Brazil and other countries not listed by the EU: a rabies antibody test, taken at least 3 months before travel, is also required.
• Echinococcus multilocularis Treatment: Ireland requires specific tapeworm treatment for dogs prior to entry, which must be recorded on the certificate.

• Documentation: Minors traveling alone or accompanied by only one parent may be subject to rigorous checks by Irish immigration (Immigration Service Delivery - ISD). It is recommended to carry a notarized letter of consent from the parents or legal guardians, especially if the surname differs.
• Assistance: Airlines operating at Irish airports have "Unaccompanied Minor" (UM) protocols for children traveling alone, involving specific fees and ground assistance services.

Ireland complies with Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006, which guarantees the right to air travel for persons with disabilities or reduced mobility at no additional cost.

• Airport Assistance: Passengers must request assistance at least 48 hours in advance from the airline or tour operator. The airport is obligated to provide support from the point of arrival until the passenger is seated on the aircraft.
• Infrastructure: All Irish airports are equipped with accessibility facilities, including elevators, adapted restrooms, and priority assistance at immigration control.

• Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) - Passenger Rights: https://www.iaa.ie/consumer-protection/air-passenger-rights
• Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) - Entry Requirements: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/
• Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine - PETs: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/pet-travel/
• ETIAS Official Website: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/
• Citizens Information - Travel Rights: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel-and-recreation/air-travel/