Latest Official Travel Advice
Consular Assistance
On 16 March the Mayor of the City and County of San Francisco, London Breed, issued a 'Shelter in Place' Order. Similar orders are in place across the six counties of the Bay Area and all across the thirteen states for which the Consulate General of Ireland, San Francisco provides consular support.
The Consulate's public office is closed in accordance with this Order.
During this period normal consular services (passport renewal, visa applications, working holiday agreement etc.) will not be available except in cases of genuine emergency.
If you are in need of emergency assistance, you can contact the Consulate, through our website "Contact us" form: https://www.dfa.ie/irish-consulate/sanfrancisco/contact-us/
Alternatively you can call our emergency number: +1 415 823 7150 and leave a message.
The mailbox and answering machine are both monitored regularly and an officer will contact you as soon as possible.
Latest Official Travel Advice
Security status
In line with a Government of Ireland announcement on 16 March 2020 we advise against all non-essential travel to the USA in response to the outbreak of COVID-19. We are also urging all Irish visitors to the USA, including those on short-term visas (Including J1) who risk losing employment, financial security and access to healthcare to return to Ireland from the USA, as soon as possible. Direct flights continue to operate from Chicago, New York (JFK) and Boston, but options are narrowing.
There is an increased threat of terrorism and extremist violence worldwide and this should be borne in mind by Irish citizens living and working in the USA. The USA has also witnessed a number of mass shootings in recent years.
Latest Travel Alert
Protests, in some cases violent, have taken place in major cities across the United States in recent weeks. Curfews have been enforced in many cities as a result. There is potential for further protests and curfews. Irish citizens are advised to avoid large gatherings of people, and to follow the advice of the local authorities.
Novel Coronavirus
In line with a Government of Ireland announcement on 16 March 2020 we advise against all non-essential travel to the USA in response to the outbreak of COVID-19. We are also urging all Irish visitors to the USA, including those on short-term visas (Including J1) who risk losing employment, financial security and access to healthcare to return to Ireland from the USA, as soon as possible. Direct flights continue to operate from Chicago, New York (JFK) and Boston, but options are narrowing.
As a result of the COVID- 19 outbreak the US has implemented special entry restrictions for their territory.
Entry into the US is restricted for those travelling from Ireland, the UK, Schengen Area countries, Brazil, China and Iran.
Non US nationals including Irish nationals who have visited, or are resident in the countries listed above for 14 days or less prior to their travel to the USA will be denied entry, unless they are legal permanent residents of the US, or the spouse or child of a US national.
Non-US nationals with legal permanent residence in the US (e.g. Green Card holders) and their immediate family, as well as immediate family (spouse and children) of US nationals are not restricted from entering the US. However, if travelling from a restricted country they will now be required to enter the country through one of thirteen designated airports and will undergo additional screening on arrival. Further information can be found here. The US Center for Disease Control have also recommended staying home for 14 days from the time of arrival after international travel. Further information can be found here.
The US Government will not permit entry to the USA of any foreign nationals who have visited China or Iran 14 days or less prior to their travel to the USA.
There are currently no restrictions on flights from the USA to Ireland or the UK. You should check with your airline for any additional information they may require before you can board.
There are also a number of restrictive measures in place at the state of city level. If you are an Irish citizen planning to travel to, or resident in, the US we ask that you refer to the nearest Irish consulate and the local health authority for the most up to date advice.
A number of cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have been confirmed in the USA.
See links below for details.
US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
If you are in America, you should monitor developments regularly and follow the advice of local authorities.
Be alert to common signs of infection: respiratory problems, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Seek medical advice if you experience these symptoms.
HSE medical advice to protect yourself from getting COVID-19 is below.
Do:
• wash your hands properly and regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze
• put used tissues into a bin and wash your hands
Don’t:
• touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
Additional information on COVID-19 can be found via the following links:
As a result of this outbreak some governments have implemented special entry restrictions for their territory. The US Government will not permit entry to the USA of any foreign nationals who have visited China or Iran 14 days or less prior to their travel to the USA.
Please refer to Centre for Disease Control (CDC) website for further updates on travel restrictions to the US.
Atlantic Hurricane Season
The Atlantic hurricane season generally runs from June to November, presenting regular significant risks in coastal zones.
Visa Waiver Programme
Note: With effect from 21 January 2016, the US authorities implemented changes to the Visa Waiver Programme affecting travellers who are Dual Nationals of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Yemen or any country that the US designates as a State sponsor of terrorism, and persons who have visited any of those countries since 1 March 2011.
The US has introduced new measures for certain travellers with effect from 27th January 2017. On 31 January 2017, the US Embassy in Dublin clarified that the travel of dual nationals from Iraq, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Yemen, Libya or Somalia would not be restricted, so long as the individuals hold the passport of an unrestricted country and possess a valid US visa. Prospective travellers who feel they may be affected should consult the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or the U.S. Embassy website for up to date information.
Update: For the next 90 days, foreign nationals from Sudan, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen who are outside the United States on the effective date of the order, do not currently have a valid visa on the effective date of this order, and did not have a valid visa at 5:00 eastern standard time on January 27, 2017, are not eligible to travel to the United States.
Emergency Assistance
The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, start by talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.
Our tips for safe travels
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance which covers all your intended activities
- Add an alert for your destination within the Travelwise App.
- Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly in an emergency, such as a natural disaster or a family emergency
- Follow us on twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates
- Read our Topical ‘Know Before You Go’ guide
