Dear Ms Ruska,

 

I refer to your correspondence dated 20/03/2018 regarding a minor travelling to Ireland and am directed by the Minister for Justice and Equality to respond.

 

Please note the following which you may find useful regarding travel to Ireland of a minor (person under 18 years), in general and regardless of nationality.

 

Immigration Officers may ask questions to establish the identity of persons presenting at Immigration Control. These routine enquiries are in place to protect vulnerable children and those who may potentially be trafficked into the State. Carrying relevant documentation to support particular circumstances will ensure that any experience through Immigration Control will be as fast and efficient as possible.

 

In the case where a minor is travelling alone it is advisable to carry:

 

- A passport and relevant visa if applicable

 

- A letter from the child’s parent(s)/guardian giving consent for travel, with copies of the biographical page of each parent’s passport to allow for the verification of signatures.

 

- Travel itinerary and contact details for person/organisation(eg. school) responsible for the child.

 

In the case where a minor is travelling with an adult who is not a parent/legal guardian:

 

- A passport and relevant visa if applicable.

 

- A letter from the child’s parent(s)/guardian giving consent for travel with the specified adult, with copies of the

biographical page of each parent’s passport to allow for the verification of signatures.

 

- Travel itinerary.

 

We hope you appreciate the importance of the additional checks we carry out for minors travelling into Ireland and understand the reasons for them.

 

Further information can be found at:

http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/travel-with-children

 

I trust this email addresses your concerns.

There is no issue with you distributing the information regarding the

requirements for minors travelling to Ireland.

 

Kind Regards

Border Management Unit

Dublin Airport,

Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service (INIS)

Department of Justice & Equality