Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Ó Cearúil for the question. My Department publishes advice for outward travel in respect of more than 200 countries and territories. The advice provides an objective assessment of the risks individuals could face if travelling overseas. This is done with a view to trying to help them to make informed decisions for themselves. The advice is based on consultation with our embassies and consulates on the ground, the relevant local authorities in each country and other partners as appropriate.

On 24 March, in consultation with the embassy of Ireland in Washington DC, an update was issued for our United States of America travel advice. The advice page is visible to the public on our website at Ireland.ie/Travelwise. The substantive changes to the advice related broadly to US entry and immigration laws, and advice that failure to adhere to these laws can result in refusal of entry, detention or removal from the US. An update was also added with regard to transgender citizens and a US requirement that travellers should declare their sex on all visa application forms, which, according to the US authorities, should reflect what they term as the traveller's biological sex at birth.

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