Getting Ready for Christmas
News
10 November 2022
Passports
When is the last time you checked that your passport was in date?
The period leading up to Christmas is one of our busiest times of year in terms of passport applications.
If you are making travel plans for Christmas, make sure your passport is valid for travel. Don’t leave it until it’s too late! Apply for your passport online here.
Further guidance here: https://www.dfa.ie/irish-consulate/sydney/news-and-events/latest-news/passport-application-guidance-sheet.html
Travel advice
If you are planning to travel this holiday season, the Consulate strongly recommends reviewing the Department’s travel advice for the latest country updates to ascertain what you need to know before you go.
Australia Post
Christmas is a jolly time to remind your loved ones that you’re thinking of them. However, as it’s such a busy time of year, we recommend sending your Christmas gifts as early as possible, and by the cut-off dates below, so that they reach their destination in time for the holiday period.
| Economy Air Letters (Incl. Registered Post) | Economy Air Parcels | Standard Parcels and Letters | Express parcels and Letters | Courier Parcels and Letters |
| 21st November | 21st November | 28th November | 5th December | 9th December |
Further guidance on how to send post from Australia to Ireland is available here: https://www.dfa.ie/irish-consulate/sydney/news-and-events/latest-news/australia-post-parcel-guide.html
Samaritans
A reminder to all during the holiday season that the Government-funded Samaritans Ireland hotline is available 24/7 to Irish citizens across Australia. ☘��
No matter what someone’s reason for calling is, Samaritans offers a space to explore how they are feeling, in their own time and in their own way. Anyone suffering from emotional distress, or who needs a listening ear, can call Samaritans in Ireland anonymously on Freephone 1800570699.
For a list of other mental health services available in NSW see here: https://www.irishsupportagency.org.au/mentalhealth
To be Irish
Whether you are going home or staying down-under for Christmas there are plenty of activities to get involved in! Check out the Christmas events calendar organised by To Be Irish to support local Irish events: