free travel department

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Operational Guidelines: Free Travel Scheme

From Department of Social Protection  

Published on 1 September 2019

Last updated on 8 May 2024

• 1. Legislation
• 2. Administration
• 3. Description of Scheme & Qualifying Conditions
• 4. Eligibility For Free Travel
• 5. Obtaining A Free Travel Card
• 6. Application Guidelines
• 7. Free Travel Entitlement Monitoring
• 8. Requests For Case Review
• 9. Appendix 1 - Eligibility For Companion Free Travel
• 10. Appendix 2 - Special Free Travel Arrangements
• 11. Appendix 3 - Cross Border Free Travel
• 12. Appendix 4 - All Ireland Free Travel Scheme (AIFT)
• 13. Contact Us

Legislation

The Free Travel Scheme is non-statutory, having been introduced and extended by Ministerial Announcement.

Administration

The Free Travel Scheme is administered by Free Travel Section. For contact details, see ‘Contact Us’ section at the end of this guide.

Description of Scheme & Qualifying Conditions

What is free travel.

The Free Travel Scheme operated by the Department of Social Protection, allows people who are aged 66 years or over and who are legally and permanently residing in the State, to travel free of charge on most CIE public transport services, LUAS, as well as on the public transport services of a large number of private operators in various parts of the country. Certain incapacitated people under age 66 are also entitled to free travel. From 29 July 2024, those medically certified as unfit to drive for a period of at least 12 months will also qualify for Free Travel.

CIE services are provided by Irish Rail, Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus. A list of private operators who participate in the Free Travel scheme is also available at: www.gov.ie/freetravel.

Permanent residents of the Aran Islands and Tory Island may avail of Free Travel on scheduled private air services between the Islands and the mainland. Free Travel on these services, to and from the Aran Islands (only) is available to non-resident Free Travel Card Holders at a reduced rate - See Appendix 2 of this Guide for full details.

Free Travel is also available on Cross-Border bus and rail journeys between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Details of the special arrangements which apply to Cross-Border Free Travel are given in Appendix 3 of this Guide.

In addition, the All Ireland Free Travel Scheme will entitle Free Travel recipients aged 66 years or over to travel for free on transport services operating internally within Northern Ireland, using a Senior SmartPass card. See Appendix 4 for full details.

Eligibility For Free Travel

You will qualify for Free Travel, if you are legally resident and living permanently in the State on an all-year-round basis and are aged 66 years or over. If you are under age 66, in addition to permanently residing in the State you must satisfy any of the conditions listed from (a) to (e) below.

Also, to avail of the Free Travel entitlement, you must register for a Public Services Card. When registered, a Public Services Card which identifies entitlement to Free Travel will be issued.

Eligibility conditions if under age 66 and permanently residing in the State

You must satisfy any of the conditions listed from (a) to (e) below:

a. be a recipient of one of the following payments

• Invalidity Pension
• Blind Person's Pension
• Disability Allowance (DA)
• Carer's Allowance (you may get a single status card only, if you are aged under 66)
• Incapacity Supplement or Workmen's Compensation Supplement with Disablement Pension, for at least 12 months
• a Social Security Invalidity, Incapacity Pension or Benefit, or an equivalent payment for at least 12 months, from a country covered by EU Regulations (see below for details), or from a country with which Ireland has a bilateral Social Security Agreement (see below for details)

b. be a specified carer for a person getting Constant Attendance Allowance or Prescribed Relatives Allowance from this department (you may get a single status card only, if you are under age 66)

c. be blind or severely visually impaired and you satisfy the medical conditions for a Blind Pension.

d. be a widowed person or surviving civil partner aged between 60 and 65 years inclusive, whose late spouse or civil partner held a Free Travel Card or Paper Pass from this department, and who at the time of their death, resided with them on a permanent basis, and who is now receiving one of the following payments and who satisfies the other conditions of the scheme:

• Widow’s Widower’ or Surviving Civil Partners Contributory or Non-Contributory Pension
• Widow’s Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partners Pension under the Occupational Injuries Benefits Scheme
• One-Parent-Family Payment
• Widow's or Widower's Pension under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme
• An equivalent Social Security Pension or Benefit from a country covered by EU Regulations, or from a country with which Ireland has a Bilateral Social Security Agreement
• an ORDINARY Garda Widow's Pension from the Department of Justice

e. be aged over 17 and under 66, and medically certified as unfit to drive for a period of at least 12 months (effective from 29 July 2024).

Countries covered by EU Regulations

Countries with which ireland has a bilateral social security agreement, “make work pay” initiative – 5 year extension to free travel entitlement.

From 6 April 2017 if you are in receipt of a long-term disability payment and move off the payment to get a job, you will retain your entitlement to Free Travel for a period of five years, providing all other qualifying conditions for the Free Travel Scheme are satisfied. The following schemes are considered as long-term disability payments and you will be entitled to retain your Free Travel entitlement for a further period of 5 years, where you previously had the entitlement to Free Travel on the scheme(s):

• Invalidity Pension (INV)
• Invalidity Pension to Partial Capacity Benefit
• Disablement Benefit paid along with Incapacity Supplement
• Customers who transferred from DA or INV to CE Scheme
• Customers who transferred from DA or INV to SOLAS Scheme
• Customers who transferred from DA or INV to Back to Work Scheme 

Obtaining A Free Travel Card

A Free Travel Card will be issued automatically at age 66 if you are registered for the Public Services Card and getting a pension from this department. Likewise, if you are under age 66, a Free Travel Card will issue on being awarded an Invalidity Pension, Blind Person's Pension, Disability Allowance, or a Carer's Allowance.

In all other circumstances, you must apply for a Free Travel Card by completing an application form for the Free Travel Scheme (FT1) which is available to download at: www.gov.ie/freetravel. It’s also available from your local Post Office or nearest Department of Social Protection Intreo Centre. The completed form, along with any supporting documentation required, should be forwarded to the Free Travel Section.

If you are not registered for the Public Services Card, you will be issued with a letter requesting you to make an appointment to register. If you do not register for the Public Services Card, you cannot avail of the Free Travel Scheme.

Free Travel For Your Spouse, Civil Partner or Cohabitant

Where you are married, in a Civil Partnership or co-habiting, you may be entitled to a Free Travel Card that will allow your spouse civil partner or cohabitant to accompany you free of charge when travelling. ( Note: This does not apply to persons under age 66 who are medically certified as unfit to drive, or in receipt of Carer's Allowance or who are nominated carers for people getting a Constant Attendance Allowance or Prescribed Relatives Allowance from this department).

Free Travel For A Companion (if you are unfit to travel alone)

If you qualify for Free Travel and are medically unfit to travel alone, you may be entitled to a Companion Free Travel Card. This type of card allows any one person, aged 16 years or over (not necessarily your spouse civil partner or cohabitant), to accompany you free of charge, when travelling. The conditions for receipt of a Companion Free Travel Card are set out in Appendix 1 of this Guide.

When a Free Travel Card can be Used

A Free Travel Card may be used to travel free of charge on the following transport services at any time on scheduled services:

• Dublin Bus (AIRLINK and Special Airport services are excluded)
• NITELINK services
• Bus Éireann & Bus Éireann Expressway services
• Go-Ahead services in the Outer Dublin Metropolitan area, Dublin commuter and Waterford services.
• provincial city services.
• Transport for Ireland Local Link services.
• participating private bus and ferry services
• participating Cross-Border scheduled services (Between Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland - See Appendix 3)

When Is Free Travel Not Available?

Free Travel is not available:

• on services which are not listed in the official rail and bus timetables of Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann or Irish Rail
• on excursion and special bus or rail services
• on organised group journeys
• on Dublin Bus AIRLINK services
• on Dublin Bus special Airport services
• on First Class or Super Class travel on any service (unless the appropriate fare supplement is paid)

How To Use A Free Travel Card or Paper Pass

Free travel card.

Please check with the individual operator for availability of Integrated Ticketing Systems (ITS).

Using your Free Travel Card on Dublin Bus

1. If travelling on your own, touch your card against the Validator on the right-hand side as you enter the bus until you hear the beep and see the green light flash.

2. If you have a companion or spouse with you, place your card on the reader by the driver, and request a ticket for that person: who should have the ticket ready for inspection at all stages of the journey

Using your Free Travel Card on Irish Rail services (including DART)

1. When travelling on your own and you are travelling on Intercity from stations with electronic or automatic gates, tag on with your Free Travel Card to open the gates. At all other Intercity stations, you will need to visit the ticket desk and request a ticket to travel. If the station is unmanned, you may board the train providing you have your Free Travel Card in your possession.

2. If you have a companion or spouse with you, you will need to visit the ticket desk and request a ticket for that person, who should have the ticket ready for inspection at all stages of the journey. If the station is unmanned, you may board the train providing you have your Free Travel Card in your possession.

Using your Free Travel Card on Luas services

Touch your card against the Validator on the platform before and after your trip. Remove the card when you hear a beep or see the green light.

Using your Free Travel Card on all other bus services

1. If travelling on your own, place your card on the card reader either at the bus entrance or by the driver. Remove the card when you hear a beep

2. If you have a companion or spouse with you, tell the driver who will issue them with a ticket.

Need assistance when travelling with your Free Travel Card?

Do not hesitate to ask a driver or any member of staff who will be able to assist you.

Free Travel Paper Pass

If travelling by Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann including Bus Éireann Expressway or on private bus operator services, you must produce your Free Travel Paper Pass to the bus driver on boarding the bus. A bus ticket is not issued, nor required.

Before using Irish Rail services, you must present your Free Travel Paper Pass at the ticket booking desk in the train station of departure, to obtain a free rail ticket. If undertaking a day return journey only, you will be issued with a Day Return ticket.

In all other cases, a Single journey ticket will be issued, and a further Single journey ticket must be obtained before making the return journey.

When using Private Ferry services, you should present your Free Travel Paper Pass to the Ferry Operator. In some instances, a ticket will be issued.

Evidence Of Identity

If you have a Free Travel Card, you do not need to provide extra proof of identity.

However, if you have a Companion or Spouse Free Travel Card and your companion or spouse, civil partner or co-habitant travelling with you, they may be asked to provide proof of identity.

Whenever you are travelling using your free travel entitlement, you must produce your Free Travel Paper Pass for inspection to an Inspector of the Transport Operator or to an Official of the Department of Social Protection, if asked. If considered necessary, you and your accompanying spouse, civil partner or cohabitant must also produce evidence of your identity by providing a sample of signature or photographic ID to the officials mentioned above. These officials have the authority to confiscate a Free Travel Paper Pass if there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that the pass is being misused.

In addition, if you live in Dublin, Cork city, Waterford city, Limerick city or Galway city you must also produce a Free Travel Photo ID if you have a Free Travel Paper Pass.

You may also be required to provide proof of identification irrespective of where you reside or photographic identification. This may be a condition of travel as outlined by the travel operator in question, but notification of this should be advertised by the operator either on their bus or by way of their website so that all intending passengers are fully aware of all documentation necessary to travel.

What To Do If The Free Travel Card or Paper Pass Is Lost, Stolen Or Damaged?

If your Free Travel Card is lost, stolen or damaged the card holder should contact 0818 837 000 to request a replacement

The department no longer issues Free Travel Paper Passes. If your Free Travel Paper Pass is lost, stolen or damaged, you should contact your nearest Department of Social Protection Intreo Centre to arrange an appointment to register for the Public Services Card. When you have registered, you will be issued with a Public Services Card which identifies that you have an entitlement to Free Travel.

In What Circumstances Must a Free Travel Card or Paper Pass Be Returned?

In the event of any of the following occurring, the Free Travel Card or Paper Pass must be returned to the address given below:

• The Free Travel Card or Paper Pass holder is no longer in receipt of the qualifying payment which entitled them to free travel
• The Free Travel Card or Paper Pass holder does not continue to reside on a permanent basis in the State.
• The Free Travel PAPER pass holder changes address. (Free Travel Paper Pass holder will be required to register for the Public Services Card)
• The Free Travel Card or Paper Pass holder no longer satisfies the criteria applicable to their particular Free Travel entitlement. (Companion status will be amended as necessary, and appropriate replacement card will be issued)
• The Free Travel Card or Paper Pass is worn or illegible.
• The Free Travel Card or Paper Pass holder is deceased.

Misuse Or Fraudulent Use Of The Free Travel Card or Paper Pass

The Free Travel Card or Paper Pass is very valuable, is for your personal use only and is not transferable for use by any other person. It remains the property of the Minister for Social Protection. The misuse of the Free Travel Card or Paper Pass is a fraudulent offence. You may be prosecuted under relevant bye-laws applicable to the transport company. Fraudulent use includes giving the Free Travel Card or Paper Pass to another person or reproducing the Free Travel Card or Paper Pass. The department takes any claim of misuse of a Free Travel Card or Paper Pass very seriously and where it is found that you are fraudulently using the Free Travel Card or Paper Pass or have given your Free Travel Card or Paper Pass to another person to use fraudulently, your entitlement to Free Travel will be reviewed.

Events which may affect entitlement to the Free Travel Scheme

The following is a list of events that may affect your entitlement to Free Travel and if any of these events occur or your circumstances change, you must notify the department immediately:

• you are no longer in receipt of a qualifying payment from this department. (See Free Travel Scheme for qualifying criteria)
• you were awarded Free Travel as you were medically certified as unfit to drive for a period and this certification expires, or you resume driving again
• your marital status changes
• you are no longer living permanently in the State

The Free Travel Card or Paper Pass should be returned to the Department of Social Protection on the death of the holder.

Application Guidelines

Need to apply.

Free Travel will be awarded to you automatically if you are age 66 years and over, legally resident and living permanently in the State and in receipt of a pension from this department. To avail of the Free Travel entitlement, you must register for a Public Services Card. When registered, a Public Services Card which identifies entitlement to Free Travel will be issued.

Likewise, if you are under 66 years of age and in receipt of an Invalidity Pension, Blind Pension, Disability Allowance or Carer’s Allowance, Free Travel will be awarded to you automatically. To avail of the Free Travel entitlement, you must register for a Public Services Card. When registered, a Public Services Card which identifies entitlement to Free Travel will be issued.

In all other circumstances you must apply for the Free Travel Scheme by completing the appropriate application form for the Free Travel Scheme which is available to download at: www.gov.ie/freetravel. Application forms are also available from your local Post Office or your nearest Department of Social Protection Intreo Centre. The completed form along with any supporting documentation required should be forwarded to the Free Travel Section.

Please Note:

Before completing the appropriate application form you should visit www.gov.ie/freetravel for details of the qualifying conditions for the Free Travel Scheme.

Completing the Form

You should ensure that the following has been done before submitting your application form:

• Registered for the Public Services Card
• PPS Number (Personal Public Service) is supplied. If you do not know this number, please contact your local Department of Social Protection Intreo Centre).
• Application form is signed and dated.
• Birth or Marriage Certificates are enclosed (only if born or married outside the State)
• Medical certification, where necessary, is enclosed.

Free Travel Companion

See Appendix 1 of this Guide.

Free Travel Entitlement Monitoring

How long does free travel entitlement continue.

If you are aged 66 years or over, Free Travel entitlement continues as long as you are permanently residing in the State.

a. If you are under 66 years of age, Free Travel entitlement continues as long as you are legally and permanently resident in the State and continue to receive one of the qualifying payments for Free Travel'

b. continue to be certified by your doctor as unfit to drive for a period of at least 12 months.

Free Travel Retention

If you transfer to another payment from the Department of Social Protection, or participate in certain types of community work projects:

If you are in receipt of Free Travel and receiving Disability Allowance or Blind Person's Pension and you transfer to a Back-to-Work Enterprise Allowance scheme, you may retain your entitlement to Free Travel for the duration of the BTWA payment.

If you are in receipt of Free Travel and participate in a Community Employment project, an Employee Support Scheme, or a Pilot Project for People with Disabilities, you may retain your entitlement to Free Travel for the duration of the project.

If you are in receipt of Invalidity Pension, Disability Allowance or Blind Pension, you may retain your entitlement to Free Travel on transfer to another primary long-term Department of Social Protection payment (excluding Jobseeker's Benefit or Allowance, Illness Benefit and Pre-Retirement Allowance, One-Parent Family Payment and Carer's Benefit or as a Qualified Adult on your spouse civil partner or co-habitant’s payment).

If you transfer from any primary payment (and had an entitlement to Free Travel) to receive an Increase for Qualified Adult (IQA) on your spouse’s, civil partner’s, or cohabitant’s DSP payment, you will lose your entitlement to Free Travel.

What Happens If The Free Travel Recipient Dies?

The representative(s) of the deceased should return the Free Travel Card or Paper Pass to the Free Travel Section.

Requests For Case Review

As the Free Travel Scheme is a non-statutory scheme, there is no legislative right of appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. However, if you are dissatisfied with a decision in relation to your application for Free Travel you are entitled to a review by another and more senior official of the department.

In order to have a decision reviewed you should write to the Free Travel Section stating in detail why you think the decision is incorrect. The case will be considered fully and fairly, and you will be notified in writing of the outcome, at an early date.

Appendix 1 - Eligibility For Companion Free Travel

A Companion Free Travel Card entitles you to have any one person, aged 16 years or over, to accompany you free of charge when travelling. Entitlement to the Companion Free Travel Card may be subject to periodic review.

The following people are eligible to receive a Companion Free Travel Card:

Free Travel Cardholders aged 66 or over if:

• you are aged 66 to 69 inclusive and are medically assessed as unfit to travel alone.
• you are aged 70 or over and are medically unfit to travel alone.
• you are receiving full-time care and attention from someone who is getting Carer’s Allowance from this department.
• you are certified by either the Irish Wheelchair Association or by your GP as being a permanent wheelchair user.
• you are blind or severely visually impaired and satisfy the blindness condition for the Blind Pension or you are registered as a blind person with either the Vision Ireland or the National League of the Blind of Ireland

Free Travel Cardholders aged under 66 if:

• you are getting Disability Allowance or Invalidity Pension or Disablement Pension and Incapacity Supplement and are medically assessed as unfit to travel alone
• you are blind or severely visually impaired and you:

- are getting a Blind Pension or

- satisfy the blindness condition for the Blind Pension or

- are registered as a blind person with either the Vision Ireland or the National League of the Blind of Ireland.

• you are getting one of the qualifying payments for Free Travel and you are certified by either the Irish Wheelchair Association or by your GP as being a permanent wheelchair user
• you are receiving Free Travel as you are medically certified as unfit to drive and you are medically certified as unfit to travel alone
• you are receiving full-time care and attention from someone who is getting Carers Allowance from this department. To qualify for a companion pass based on this condition, you must be entitled to a Free Travel Card in your own right. See conditions for free travel
• you are a widowed person or surviving civil partner aged between 60 and 65 years inclusive, whose late spouse or civil partner held a Free Travel Card from this department, and who at the time of their death, resided with them on a permanent basis, is now receiving one of the following payments, is medically assessed as unfit to travel alone and who satisfies the other conditions of the scheme:

- Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partners Contributory or Non-Contributory Pension

- Widow’s, Widower’s, or Surviving Civil Partners Pension under the Occupational Injuries Benefits Scheme

- One-Parent Family Payment

- Widow’s, Widower’s, or Surviving Civil Partners Pension under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme

- An equivalent Social Security Pension or Benefit from a country covered by EU Regulations, or from a country with which Ireland has a Bilateral social Security Agreement

- an ORDINARY Garda Widow’s Pension from the Department of Justice

Free Travel Companion Card for a visually - impaired child:

A visually impaired child will qualify for a Free Travel Companion Card if they are under age 18 and either they:

• satisfy the blindness condition for a Blind Pension, or
• are registered with the Vision Ireland or the National League of the Blind of Ireland

Appendix 2 - Special Free Travel Arrangements

Airline service to and from the aran islands, co. galway.

If you have a Free Travel entitlement and are residing on a permanent basis on any of the Aran Islands (i.e., Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, Inis Oírr), you are entitled to travel free of charge on Aer Arann services from the islands to Galway City and vice versa. Aer Arann operates an airline service between the Aran Islands and Aerphort Chonamara at Indreabhan, Co. Galway. The company also provides a shuttle bus service between Aerphort Chonamara and Galway City.

You may undertake up to 12 single journeys (or up to 6 return journeys) between the Aran Islands and Galway City each year. Any number of additional journeys may also be made at a special reduced rate. Where the appropriate type of Free Travel card is held, your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant may accompany you free of charge on these trips. If you hold a Companion Free Travel Card, any one person, aged 16 years or over, may accompany you free of charge.

If you are not permanently residing on the Aran Islands you may travel on Aer Arann's airline and bus services between Galway City and the Aran Islands at a reduced cost. Your spouse, partner or a companion may accompany you at the reduced rate, where the appropriate type of entitlement is held. (This concession also applies to Northern Ireland Travel Card holders undertaking cross-border journeys to and from the Aran Islands (but not to their spouse or companion, unless they are a Card holder in their own right - See Appendix 3, first paragraph).

Helicopter Service To and From Tory Island, Co. Donegal

If you have a Free Travel entitlement and are residing on a permanent basis on Tory Island, Co. Donegal, you are entitled to travel free of charge on the helicopter service, which is operated during the Winter period only, between the island and Falcarragh on the mainland. You may undertake up to 8 single (or up to 4 return) journeys each year. Your spouse, civil partner, cohabitant, or companion may accompany you free of charge, where the appropriate type of Free Travel entitlement is held.

Appendix 3 - Cross Border Free Travel

Cross-border free travel.

A Free Travel Card or Paper Pass may be used to travel free of charge on cross-border journeys between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and vice versa. Your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant may accompany you free of charge where the appropriate type of entitlement is held. Alternatively, if you hold a Companion Free Travel Card or Paper Pass, any one companion aged 16 years or over may accompany you free of charge.

If you are a resident of Northern Ireland who holds a Northern Ireland Concessionary Travel Card, you may also travel free on cross-border journeys. However, your spouse civil partner or companion is not entitled to Free Travel on such journeys unless they also hold a Concession Travel Card in their own right.

Extent Of Free Cross-Border Journeys Available

A Cross-Border Free Travel journey must originate in one jurisdiction and terminate in the other jurisdiction.

The Cross-Border journey may be undertaken using one mode of transport only i.e., bus or train. It is not possible to use a combination of both modes of transport.

The journey must be undertaken on the basis of one through-ticket. This means, for example, that you can travel free by train from say, Cork to Belfast, provided that the free ticket which you obtained in the Cork railway station clearly denotes Belfast as the final destination. The same principle applies when travelling by bus on Cross-Border journeys.

Transport Operators Who Provide Free Cross-Border Travel

The following Transport Operators provide Cross-Border Free Travel services for both Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland Free Travel recipients:

• Bus Éireann
• Halpenny Transport Ltd., Blackrock, Dundalk, Co. Louth on their service Blackrock to Newry.
• Patrick Gallagher, Brinalack, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal on his route Dungloe to Belfast
• Leydon Coaches, Swanlinbar, Co. Cavan on their route Swanlinbar to Cavan and Enniskillen.
• Hugh McGonagle, Cockhill, Buncrana, Co. Donegal on his route Cockhill Buncrana to Derry.
• Philip McGonagle, Cockhill, Buncrana, Co. Donegal on his route Cockhill Buncrana to Derry.
• John McGinley, Gortahork, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal on his route Moville to Derry and on to Dublin.
• Citibus also known as Dublin Coach on their route Dublin to Belfast.

Travelling By Bus

When travelling by bus, your Free Travel Card or Paper Pass should be presented to the bus driver, on boarding the bus, before departure.

On Bus Éireann and Ulsterbus services, the bus driver will issue you with a single journey ticket. This ticket is valid on the date of issue only. If you wish to undertake a return cross-border bus journey, you should get a single journey ticket for the outward part of the journey, and later, a further single journey ticket for the homeward journey.

If travelling with any of the other bus operators mentioned in above, you will be issued with either a single or a return journey ticket as required.

Travel by Rail

To undertake a cross-border journey by train you should present your Free Travel Card or Paper Pass at the ticket desk in the train station of departure. You will then be issued with either a free single or a free return Standard Class ticket as required.

The Free Travel entitlement is Standard Class travel. If you wish to travel "First Plus" class, you may do so on payment of the appropriate fare supplement.

Breaks In Cross-Border Rail Journeys

It is not necessary to complete a Cross-Border Free Travel train journey in one day. For example, if travelling from Cork to Belfast, you may spend up to 2 nights in Dublin as part of your journey. However, the outward part of the journey must be fully completed within 3 days of the date of issue of the ticket.

Transfer Between Connolly And Heuston Railway Stations

If, as part of a Cross-Border Free Travel rail journey, you have to transfer between Connolly and Heuston stations in Dublin, you may travel free of charge on the LUAS red line.

Refunds or Discounts

No monetary refunds or discounts will be given for late train departures, or for any other delays experienced while undertaking a Cross-Border Free Travel journey.

Appendix 4 - All Ireland Free Travel Scheme (AIFT)

What is the all ireland free travel scheme.

Since April 2007, the All Ireland Free Travel Scheme allows you to travel for free on the various travel services operating within Northern Ireland.

Similarly Northern Ireland Senior SmartPass holders are entitled to travel for free on services within the Republic of Ireland using their existing Senior SmartPass.

Who can travel?

• To qualify for free travel within Northern Ireland, you must be in receipt of a Free Travel Card or Paper Pass and be aged 66 years or over.
• Under the terms of the concessionary fares scheme in Northern Ireland, only Free Travel recipients over age 66 are entitled to travel free of charge in Northern Ireland. Your spouse, civil partner, cohabitant, or companion is not eligible to accompany you for free in Northern Ireland under this scheme.
• Similarly, only the Northern Ireland Free Travel recipient is eligible for Free Travel in Republic of Ireland. Spouses or companions are not eligible.
• If you have a Companion or Spouse Free Travel Card, your spouse, partner, or companion may continue to travel you for free on cross-border journeys (that is, journeys starting in the Republic of Ireland and ending in Northern Ireland or vice versa).
• If you wish to avail of All Ireland Free Travel within Northern Ireland, you must first obtain a Senior SmartPass card. This Senior SmartPass must be used while travelling in Northern Ireland only.

Obtaining a Senior SmartPass

An application form for Senior SmartPass (FTNI1); available from Department of Social Protection Intreo Centres, or Citizens Information Centres, must be completed. As these forms are individually bar coded, photocopies cannot be used. The completed application form must be brought in person to your nearest Department of Social Protection Intreo Centre (See note below) along with:

• A recent passport standard colour photograph
• Evidence of identity (driving licence, passport, or any other form of photo id, if available)
• Evidence of address (a recent utility bill, e.g., electricity, gas, phone, waste charges bill or a bank, building society or credit union statement)
• Your current Free Travel Card or Paper Pass

Your application will be forwarded to the authorities in Northern Ireland who will send you your Senior SmartPass card, together with instructions for use, by post direct to your home address. It may take up to six weeks to process your application.

A Senior SmartPass card will expire after 5 years. If you used the Senior SmartPass card within the last 2 years, a new card automatically issues in the post from Translink when the card expires.

If you have not used the Senior SmartPass card in the last 2 years, you will be sent a renewal application form from Translink.

If you have never used the Senior SmartPass card, you will not hear from Translink at all. You must contact Translink by email at: [email protected] or by phone on: 0044 2890759129. Translink will then send you a renewal application.

You can find the name and address of your local Department of Social Protection Intreo Centre at www.gov.ie/intreocentres

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Travel With a Pet

Do you want to travel with your pet to another State or country? Before you go, you may need to complete certain paperwork or tasks, such as getting a health certificate for your pet. Meeting these requirements takes time, so contact your veterinarian for help as soon as you decide to travel (whether by plane, car, boat, train, or other means).

Not all animals qualify for pet travel.

What is considered a pet? A pet is a privately owned companion animal not intended for research or resale and includes only certain animal groups.

Find out if your pet qualifies to travel

Your animal doesn't qualify for pet travel and is subject to different import regulations and export regulations if you:

• Don't see your pet listed below.
• Are exporting semen or embryos from any animal.
• Have a pet that's considered livestock or poultry, like pigs or chickens.

The following animals qualify as pets, meaning they're subject to pet travel requirements:

The following birds DON'T qualify as pets, meaning they're subject to different regulations:

Because they may carry and transmit certain diseases to the U.S. poultry industry, these birds are regulated as poultry.

• Guinea fowl

View import regulations and export regulations if the type of animal you have does not qualify as a pet.

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U.S. passports

Find out how to apply for or renew a passport and what to do if your passport is lost or stolen.

Apply for a new adult passport

You need a passport to travel to most countries outside the U.S. Learn how to apply for a passport in person, check your application status, and get it changed or corrected.

Renew an adult passport

Find out if you can renew your passport or need a new one. Learn how to renew your passport by mail, get it changed or corrected, or what to do if it expires soon.

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Find out how to get a child's passport, depending on their age.

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If your passport is lost or stolen you must report it to the State Department right away. How you replace it depends on if you are inside or outside the U.S.

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DHS Announces Start of Applications for Visa-Free Travel to U.S. for Eligible Israeli Citizens and Nationals

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is announcing the start of visa-free travel for short term visits to the United States for eligible Israeli citizens and nationals following Israel’s admission into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Starting today, Thursday, October 19, eligible Israeli citizens and nationals can start applying for authorization to travel to the United States through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

On September 26, 2023, DHS, in consultation with the Department of State, designated Israel into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which allows eligible travelers to apply online for authorization to travel to the United States through ESTA. These authorizations allow successful applicants to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without first obtaining a U.S. visa. Israeli citizens and nationals with valid B-1/B-2 visas may continue to use them for business and tourist travel to the United States.

Participation in the VWP requires that any citizen seeking to enter the United States visa free be from a country that extends to U.S. citizens and nationals the privileges we would extend to their citizens and nationals. Israel has committed in writing to the United States that all U.S. citizens traveling with a U.S. passport may seek to enter Israel without regard to national origin, religion, or ethnicity. The United States continuously monitors implementation of program requirements by all Visa Waiver Program countries, including Israel, to ensure that they remain in good standing with all program requirements.

Eligible Israeli citizens and nationals must have a biometrically enabled passport book. Travelers who possess non-biometric, temporary, or emergency travel documents, or travel documents from a non-Visa Waiver Program designated country, are not eligible for travel under the Visa Waiver Program and may instead apply for a U.S. visa. ESTA applications may take up to 72 hours for processing. The ESTA application will be available in English only at this time and will be available in other languages no later than November 1, 2023.

ESTA is an automated system that assists in determining eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program and whether such travel poses any law enforcement or security risk. Upon completion of an ESTA application, travelers are notified of their eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. DHS uses the application data to vet travelers before granting authorization to travel to the United States. As part of this vetting process, information that identifies suspected or known violators of the law and other persons of concern will be provided to the appropriate law enforcement, national security, and/or counterterrorism agency.

Individuals traveling under the Visa Waiver Program for an intended stay beyond 90 days may be determined to be inadmissible to the United States. Individuals determined to be inadmissible will be refused admission to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. In addition, individuals admitted under the Visa Waiver Program who overstay their authorized period of stay will be removable under the Visa Waiver Program and ineligible for future Visa Waiver Program travel.

Traveling on a visa may still be the best option for some travelers such as those who would like to stay in the United States longer than 90 days or those who think they may wish to extend their stay or change their status once in the United States. 

ESTA applications may be found at  esta.cbp.dhs.gov  or download the “ESTA Mobile” app through iOS App Store or the Google Play Store.

• Border Security
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Find a Clinic

There are several places you can get vaccines and medicine before you travel.

Call your doctor or local health department to see if they can provide pre-travel advice, vaccines, and medicines.

List of health departments

If you want to see a travel medicine specialist, the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM) can help you find a clinic.

Directory of travel clinics

If you need yellow fever vaccine you must get vaccinated at an authorized yellow fever vaccine clinic. Many of these clinics also give other shots and medicines.

Yellow fever vaccine clinic search

Find where you can get a COVID-19 vaccine in your area.

Need to get tested? Find a COVID-19 testing clinic .

• Find out what vaccines you need for your destination
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Traveler Advice
• Clinician Tools and Resources

CDC provides these links as a convenience to international travelers. CDC does not endorse, recommend, or favor any clinics on these lists, nor does the appearance of a clinic on these lists imply a guarantee of service quality.

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Vaccines for Travelers

Vaccines protect travelers from serious diseases. Depending on where you travel, you may come into contact with diseases that are rare in the United States, like yellow fever. Some vaccines may also be required for you to travel to certain places.

Getting vaccinated will help keep you safe and healthy while you’re traveling. It will also help make sure that you don’t bring any serious diseases home to your family, friends, and community.

On this page, you'll find answers to common questions about vaccines for travelers.

Which vaccines do I need before traveling?

The vaccines you need to get before traveling will depend on few things, including:

• Where you plan to travel . Some countries require proof of vaccination for certain diseases, like yellow fever or polio. And traveling in developing countries and rural areas may bring you into contact with more diseases, which means you might need more vaccines before you visit.
• Your health . If you’re pregnant or have an ongoing illness or weakened immune system, you may need additional vaccines.
• The vaccinations you’ve already had . It’s important to be up to date on your routine vaccinations. While diseases like measles are rare in the United States, they are more common in other countries. Learn more about routine vaccines for specific age groups .

How far in advance should I get vaccinated before traveling?

It’s important to get vaccinated at least 4 to 6 weeks before you travel. This will give the vaccines time to start working, so you’re protected while you’re traveling. It will also usually make sure there’s enough time for you to get vaccines that require more than 1 dose.

Where can I go to get travel vaccines?

Start by finding a:

• Travel clinic
• Health department
• Yellow fever vaccination clinic

Learn more about where you can get vaccines .

What resources can I use to prepare for my trip?

Here are some resources that may come in handy as you’re planning your trip:

• Visit CDC’s travel website to find out which vaccines you may need based on where you plan to travel, what you’ll be doing, and any health conditions you have.
• Download CDC's TravWell app to get recommended vaccines, a checklist to help prepare for travel, and a personalized packing list. You can also use it to store travel documents and keep a record of your medicines and vaccinations.
• Read the current travel notices to learn about any new disease outbreaks in or vaccine recommendations for the areas where you plan to travel.
• Visit the State Department’s website to learn about vaccinations, insurance, and medical emergencies while traveling.

Traveling with a child? Make sure they get the measles vaccine.

Measles is still common in some countries. Getting your child vaccinated will protect them from getting measles — and from bringing it back to the United States where it can spread to others. Learn more about the measles vaccine.

Find out which vaccines you need

CDC’s Adult Vaccine Quiz helps you create a list of vaccines you may need based on your age, health conditions, and more.

Take the quiz now !

Get Immunized

Getting immunized is easy. Vaccines and preventive antibodies are available at the doctor’s office or pharmacies — and are usually covered by insurance.

Find out how to get protected .

Moscow Throws Putin Fanboy Scott Ritter Under the Bus

The former U.N. weapons inspector turned sex offender says he was pulled off a plane heading to Russia.

Allison Quinn

News Editor

David McNew/Getty Images

Former U.N. weapons inspector turned sex offender Scott Ritter has made a name for himself parroting Kremlin propaganda about the war against Ukraine.

But if he was hoping Moscow would back him up after he says he was barred from traveling to Russia because Washington is “afraid” of him appearing at a St. Petersburg economic forum, he was apparently sadly mistaken.

While Ritter and his supporters—including Russian media—have played up the notion that his passport was seized because he has the U.S. administration shaking in their boots, the Kremlin did not share in this hysteria.

Asked about the scandal Tuesday, Vladimir Putin ’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov played down Ritter’s claims. He told reporters the “details” about the situation were not clear and that there was nothing unusual about a former intelligence officer facing certain travel restrictions.

“This is practiced in almost all countries in relation to former intelligence officers,” he said.

He added, however, that if Ritter truly was thrown off the flight to stop him speaking in Russia then it was part of a “frenzied campaign to prevent U.S. citizens from establishing at least some contacts with Russia.”

Ritter famously visited Chechnya in January and delivered a pep talk in broken Russian to thousands of troops who’ve been waging war in Ukraine, so he’s already had plenty of “contacts” apparently even with Russian leaders sanctioned by the West.

The State Department has declined to comment on the “status” of Ritter’s passport. Ritter, who was convicted in an underage online sex sting in 2011, told Kremlin-controlled media on Monday that he was pulled off a flight on his way to the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, where he was slated to speak.

“They took my passport. When asked why, they said ‘orders of the State Department,’” he told RT, later claiming that the real “purpose” of the move was to deprive Russia of his presence.

“They stuck it to the Russians,” he claimed.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday that there’s nothing Moscow can do to help Ritter.

“He’s not a Russian citizen,” he said.

Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast  here .

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Information for U.S. Citizens in Russia – Travel Options Out of Russia

U.S. citizens should leave Russia via commercial options still available. The situation on Russian borders is always changing.  We update this page once a month.

Air travel options for U.S. citizens:

• Be aware the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) downgraded the air safety rating for Russia, as a result of Russia’s Federal Agency for Air Transport failing to meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards. For more information on this matter, click  here .
• Explore commercial air routing through non-European destinations.
• Ask family and friends outside of Russia to help buy airline tickets. This is especially helpful if credit/debit cards are not working, as described below.
• Consider contacting a global travel company to buy airline tickets.

Travelers may also depart via some of Russia’s land borders. More information is below.

Use of Credit/Debit Cards & Access to Foreign Currency:  International sanctions have been imposed on Russian banks due to Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. As a result, U.S.-issued credit and debit cards will not work in Russia. Travelers may consider using local credit cards, cash, or other forms of payment. Travelers can also ask family and friends outside of Russia to buy their ticket. U.S. citizens should take this into account when making plans.

Be aware the exclusion of Russia from the SWIFT system has made money transfers to/from the United States impossible. The Bank of Russia announced that non-residents from “both friendly and unfriendly countries” may transfer funds abroad in the amount of their wages although there remains a ban on transferring funds abroad for non-residents from “unfriendly countries” that do not work in Russia, as well as legal entities from such states. This ban may be extended beyond its current end date of September 30, 2024. In addition, non-residents may have difficulty withdrawing foreign currency, including USD, from accounts held in Russian banks.

We encourage you to enroll in our  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) . STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and it makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency. U.S. Citizens in Russia can email  [email protected]  for assistance.

Click  here  for more updates from the U.S. Embassy in Russia.

Latest Travel Advisory and Alerts

Security Alert

Departing Russia by Air:

If you want to leave Russia by air, be prepared to comply with your destination's entry requirements. Direct flights are now operating from Moscow and other major Russian cities to Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Thailand, India, and other destinations.

Departing Russia by Land:

If you want to leave Russia by land, be prepared to comply with your destination’s entry requirements,  which may differ from the entry requirements for travelers arriving by plane . Travelers should also be aware that not all border crossings may be open. Travelers should check the website of the U.S. Embassy in the country you wish to visit for more information. For a list of embassies, click  here .

Departing Russia by Sea:

While ferry availability changes often, some ferries from Russia to other countries may be running, including from Sochi to Trabzon, Turkey.

Visa Requirements for Families with U.S. and Russian Citizen Family Members

The following information may be useful to families with both U.S. and Russian citizen family members that are considering departure options:

No Visa Required for Russian Citizens

Azerbaijan:  Russians do not need a visa to enter Azerbaijan and can stay for up to 90 days.

Bahrain:  Russians can get visas on arrival.

Georgia:  Russian citizens do not need a visa to enter Georgia.

Kazakhstan:  Russian citizens can enter Kazakhstan without a visa by air for up to 90 days but not more than 90 days within a 180-day period.

Mongolia:  Mongolia does not require a visa for temporary (30-day) stays of Russian nationals. It only requires a passport with at least six-months validity.

Qatar:  Russian citizens can enter Qatar visa free for an initial 30-day stay. They have the possibility to extend 30 additional days.

Serbia:  Russians do not need visas to enter Serbia and can stay for up to 30 days.

UAE:  UAE offers visas on arrival for Russian tourists with authorization for a 30-day stay. Russian tourists can extend these visas to 90 days.

Visa Required for Russian Citizens

Estonia:  The Estonian government does not allow Russian citizens with short-term Schengen visas to enter Estonia for tourism, sports, or culture.  The entry restrictions do not apply to Russian citizens who are long-term residents of Estonia or to individuals traveling to Estonia to visit family who are Estonian citizens or long-term residents.  The rules also exempt workers involved in transporting goods and passengers, and also include individuals in certain humanitarian circumstances. The Estonian Police and Border Guard website has more information. 

Finland:  Russian citizens need a visa to enter Finland. Finland has greatly reduced the acceptance of tourist visas for Russians. Priority is given to those applying for a visa due to family reasons, work, or study. In extreme cases, the Finnish Border Patrol will consider parole entry if the person is transiting Finland or has other extraordinary circumstances.

Latvia:  Visas are required for Russians to enter Latvia. They are currently not being issued except for some specific funerals. For more information, please contact the  Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Lithuania:  Russian citizens need a visa to enter Lithuania. Lithuania is no longer issuing visas to Russian citizens. Lithuania does not allow Russian citizens with short-term Schengen visas to enter Lithuania for tourism, sports, or culture. Exceptions apply for family members of EU nationals, seafarers, people transiting to Kaliningrad, and in other humanitarian situations. 

SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON ENTERING NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES FROM RUSSIA:

Azerbaijan To reach the U.S. Embassy in Baku, call +994 12 488-3300, or email the American Citizens Services unit at  [email protected]

Click  here  to see all Messages and Alerts for U.S. Visitors to Azerbaijan.

• Azerbaijan's land borders with its neighboring countries remain closed, except for freight transportation. Entry into Azerbaijan is possible only by air.
• Azerbaijan’s national air carrier, AZAL (Azerbaijan Airlines), operates regular flights from Moscow's Domodedovo and Vnukovo airports, St. Petersburg, Astrakhan, Kazan, Mineralniye Vody, Makhachkala, Novosibirsk, Samara, Sochi, Ufa, Volgograd, and Yekaterinburg.

Belarus Do not travel to Belarus due to the Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus. U.S. citizens in Belarus should depart immediately. Read the  travel advisory for Belarus here .

Estonia To reach the U.S. Embassy in Estonia, call 372-668-8100, or email  [email protected] .

Click  here  to read all Messages and Alerts for U.S. Visitors to Estonia.

• Estonia does not allow air traffic from Russia due to EU sanctions. U.S. citizens may cross into Estonia but family members of other nationalities may need Estonian visas to enter.
• Estonia no longer allows vehicles with Russian Federation license plates to enter Estonia. Drivers and passengers of Russian-plated vehicles may cross the border on foot and must leave the vehicle behind in Russia. The ban does not apply to international passenger transport buses.
• Lux Express continues to offer bus service between St. Petersburg and Tallinn. If you travel by bus from Russia to Estonia, expect longer than normal wait times to cross the border.
• Dual U.S.-Russian citizens have reported difficulties entering Estonia. U.S. citizens with other nationalities should be ready to prove their citizenship and show travel details to Estonian border guards.
• There are currently no ferries operating from Russia to Estonia.
• As of February 1, 2024, the Russian Federation closed the Narva-Ivangorod border crossing for construction. It is closed to all motor vehicle traffic in both directions. Russian authorities say the border may be closed for approximately two and a half years. It is still possible to cross the Narva-Ivangorod border on foot but crossing by vehicle is not possible. Buses still travel between Russia and Estonia, as noted above, but passengers will have to cross the border on foot and transfer to a different bus. In addition, as of May 1, 2024, the Narva-Ivangorod border crossing will be closed at night between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. and no crossings will be permitted during that time, including for pedestrians.
• Vehicles can still cross the Estonian-Russian border at the Koidula-Kunitsina Gora and Luhamaa-Shumilkina border crossings, with limitations imposed on Russian Federation license plates as noted above.

Finland To reach the U.S. Embassy in Finland, call +358-9-616-250, or email  [email protected]

Click  here  to read all Messages and Alerts for U.S. Visitors to Finland.

• All land border crossing points between Finland and Russia are closed. Check the Finnish Border Guards website for updated information regarding Finland’s borders and entry requirements, check the Finnish Border Guards website.
• Finland’s national railway operator has suspended service between
• No air travel between Finland and Russia is possible.
• There are currently no ferries operating from Russia to Finland.
• When the border is open, travelers may not cross the land border on foot.

U.S. citizens with expired passports may transit Finland to the United States, but they must contact the U.S. Embassy in Helsinki at  [email protected]  in advance and provide the traveler’s name, arrival time, vehicle information, and U.S. airline ticket information.

Passengers transiting Finland may not cross the border outside regular opening hours except to make connecting flights/ferries.

You can find requirements for entry from the  Finnish Border Guards website .

Georgia To reach the U.S. Embassy in Georgia, call +(995 32) 227-70-00, or email the American Citizens Services unit at  [email protected] .

For information on the Georgian border, please visit the Georgian State Commission on Migration Issues .

Kazakhstan To reach the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan, call +7 (7172) 70-21-00, or email the American Citizens Services unit at  [email protected] .

Click  here  to see all Messages and Alerts for U.S. Visitors to Kazakhstan.

• While Air Astana and FlyArystan have suspended flights between Russia and Kazakhstan, other airlines may continue to fly between the two countries. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from using Kazakhstani airlines for official travel without prior approval, except for Air Astana and FlyArystan, due to safety concerns. For more information about travel, see Kazakhstan’s Country Information Page .
• U.S. Citizens with expired passports will not be admitted to Kazakhstan, including for transit.

Latvia To reach the U.S. Embassy in Latvia, call +371 6710 7000, or email  [email protected] .

Click  here  to read all Messages and Alerts for U.S. Visitors to Latvia.

• The Russia-Latvia border remains open, but border crossing points may be limited. Travelers to Latvia should check with  Latvian Border Police  before starting travel. U.S. citizens may cross into Latvia with U.S. passports that have a validity of at least six months.
• Latvia no longer allows entry for Russian-registered and plated private vehicles. This includes those owned or driven by U.S. citizens. We recommend traveling via plane or bus.
• There is direct bus service from Moscow and St. Petersburg to Riga via the Ecolines buses, which depart daily.
• There is no train or ferry service which travels directly from Russia or Belarus to Latvia.
• Latvia is not issuing visas to Russian citizens to enter the country at this time, including for accompanying Russian family members of U.S. citizen minors. 
• Latvia currently allows U.S. citizens to cross into Latvia from Belarus through only one land border crossing. Please check hours and locations as they may change without notice.
• There are extended waits to cross the land border from Russia to Latvia. The wait time can be as long as 72-96 hours, with limited or no access to food, water, or sanitary facilities.

Lithuania To reach the U.S. Embassy in Lithuania, call +370 5 266 5600, or email  [email protected]

Click  here  to read all Messages and Alerts for U.S. Visitors to Lithuania.

• Russian citizens need a visa to enter Lithuania. Lithuania is no longer issuing visas to Russian citizens. Lithuania does not allow Russian citizens with short-term Schengen visas to enter Lithuania for tourism, sports, or culture. Exceptions apply for family members of EU nationals, seafarers, people transiting Kaliningrad, and in other humanitarian situations. 

Mongolia To reach the U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar, call +976-7007-6001, or email the American Citizens Services unit at  [email protected] .

Click  here  to see all Messages and Alerts for U.S. Visitors to Mongolia.

• There are no reports of any border/Point of Entry closures.
• The Mongolian government requires those entering to be in possession of a passport with at least six month validity.
• U.S. and Russian nationals can travel and enter Mongolia visa-free, but may be required to register after arrival depending on the length of stay.
• There are flights each month operating on Aero Mongolia from Ulan Ude to Ulaanbaatar and from Irkutsk to Ulaanbaatar. These tickets can only be purchased inside Russia.
• See Mongolia’s Country Information Page for more information about travel to Mongolia, and entry and exit requirements for U.S. citizens.

Poland To reach the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, call +48 22 504-2000, or email the [email protected] .

Click  here  to read all Messages and Alerts for U.S. Visitors to Poland.

• U.S. citizens are restricted from entering Poland from Belarus and Russia unless they meet one of the exceptions currently in place.  You may find the list of exceptions on the  Polish Border Guard website .
• U.S. citizens who do not meet one of the listed exceptions, but who want to return/evacuate from Belarus to the United States in transit through Poland, or who need to enter Poland for humanitarian reasons, may apply for a special permit to enter Poland only at the border crossing point in Brest-Terespol.

The information above is provided for general information only and may not be applicable in a particular case. You should ask private legal counsel about interpreting specific U.S. or foreign laws.

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