All the countries on the Ireland ‘do not travel’ list as citizens issued warning
Ireland issues ‘Do Not Travel’ warning for 24 countries
Irish citizens planning trips abroad are being urged to check the latest government guidance after Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued updated travel warnings covering dozens of countries worldwide.
The warning comes amid growing international tensions and instability in several regions, particularly in the Middle East. Officials say Irish travellers should carefully review official advice before booking or travelling overseas.
The DFA operates a four-level travel security rating system designed to clearly show how safe – or unsafe – a destination may be.
According to the department, the ratings provide “a clear way for us to show you how safe or unsafe we believe a country may be to visit, and to help you make informed decisions about overseas travel.”
At the most serious level is “Do Not Travel”, where Irish citizens are advised not to visit under any circumstances.
Currently, 24 countries fall under this highest warning level.
Travelling to countries under this advisory may also lead to travel insurance or overseas health insurance becoming invalid, potentially leaving travellers without cover in an emergency.
Countries Irish citizens are told not to travel to
The following destinations are currently listed under the highest ‘Do Not Travel’ warning from Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs:
- Afghanistan
- Belarus
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Central African Republic
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Haiti
- Israel
- Iran
- Iraq
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Mali
- Myanmar / Burma
- Niger
- Palestine
- Russia
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Syria
- Ukraine
- Venezuela
- Yemen
These countries are considered high risk due to factors such as war, terrorism, civil unrest or political instability.
Several countries moved to ‘avoid non-essential travel’
Alongside the highest warning category, the DFA also issues “Avoid Non-Essential Travel” advice, which is the second highest alert level.
In recent weeks, several Gulf states have been upgraded to this category following increased tensions in the region after military strikes involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Countries currently under non-essential travel warnings include:
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- United Arab Emirates
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Cameroon
- Chad
- Cuba
- Ecuador
- Eritrea
- Gabon
- Guinea-Bissau
- North Korea
- Mauritania
- Nigeria
While travel is not completely banned, the government advises Irish citizens to carefully consider the risks before travelling.
Advice for Irish travellers
Anyone planning an overseas trip is encouraged to check official guidance before travelling, particularly if visiting regions experiencing political tension or security concerns.
The Department of Foreign Affairs provides updated travel safety advice for every country, helping Irish citizens understand potential risks and stay informed.
Full travel advice can be viewed here:
Travellers are also advised to ensure their insurance policies remain valid and cover their destination, especially if conditions change after booking.
