TravelWise app to keep Irish citizens informed while overseas

A free TravelWise app designed to help Irish citizens to stay safe and informed while travelling, living or working overseas has been launched.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan has launched the app, which offers instant access to a global network of Embassies and Consulates.

The Department of Foreign affairs estimates Irish people will make more than 7 million trips abroad this year, with an increasing number travelling to high-risk locations.

The app provides a means of getting user-friendly, trusted and comprehensive travel advice and consular information for 200 countries straight to the user’s phone.

Key information

This includes information on visas, health & safety, local laws and customs. It also covers major events such as the Rio Olympics next month.

Speaking at the launch today, Mr Flanagan said he would “encourage all Irish people travelling abroad to download and use the app, all Irish citizens currently living abroad, any citizens with an interest in travel abroad, or even mothers or fathers who have sons or daughters travelling abroad.”

Users can favourite any number of countries of interest to get all significant security updates from the department instantly via push notifications.

All content including emergency contact details is then available offline, free from roaming charges.

Any citizen travelling to a higher risk destination can register with the nearest Embassy, using the app.

Registering means that in the event of an unforeseen crisis such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, the department can proactively contact the citizen, ensure they are safe, update them on developments and provide assistance as necessary.

Colour coded system

The app also rates a country’s safety level in a colour coded system to help those travelling to make informed decisions. The colours are:

Normal Precautions (Green)

High Degree of Caution (Yellow)

Avoid Non-Essential Travel (Amber)

Do Not Travel (Red)

A “Know before you go” section provides information relevant to multiple travel types and destinations.

This includes passport information, travel insurance information and the consular role of the Irish Embassies network.

There is also a “My Trip” checklist is to help travellers ensure they are well prepared for their upcoming journey.

Mr Flanagan said in recent days the department was liaising with Irish citizens in South Sudan, where violence between government and opposition forces has extended to attacks on civilians and UN peacekeepers.

“I am very concerned at the deteriorating security situation in Juba, South Sudan.

"My department is monitoring the situation closely and our Embassy team in Addis Ababa is liaising with Irish citizens in the area who are registered with the department."