[Updated 10th March] This information note provides basic information to Ukrainians coming to Ireland. You can find a Ukrainian language version of this page here. More information is available on a Centralised Government Website. If you have a question that we have not answered below, you can contact our Advocacy Service.
Ukrainians who left Ukraine on or after 24th February are now entitled to Temporary Protection. All Ukrainian nationals can travel to Ireland without a visa. There are no requirements to quarantine after arrival.
Travelling to Ireland
Can I travel without an up to date passport? Yes. Carriers (like airlines, ferry companies) have been asked to accept government issued identity documents including expired passports, internal passports, birth certificates or national ID cards. The Department of Justice confirmed this in their FAQ of the 4th March.
Do I need a PCR test or proof of vaccination to travel to Ireland? No, from 6th March 2022 travellers to Ireland are not required to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR Test to enter Ireland.
Arrival in Ireland
What happens when I arrive in Ireland? Most people arriving in Ireland are likely to arrive in one of our airports. At Dublin airport, there will be officials from the Irish Department of Justice and Department of Social Protection on hand to assist you. Arrangements are being put in place for people who arrive in one of Ireland's other airports or sea ports.
Will someone help me find accommodation? Yes, if you do not have family or friends in Ireland who have accommodation available for you, the Irish government will help find you accommodation. This may initially be a hotel room and you may be moved to longer-term accommodation later. Simply tell an official that you need accommodation.
Do I need to apply for international protection (asylum)? No, you don’t have to apply for international protection as the government are working on how to implement Temporary Protection for Ukrainians. Within the next few days/weeks we expect they will publish information on how you can get your Temporary Protection status.
What will Temporary Protection status allow me to do in Ireland? You will be able to live and work in Ireland. The permission letter you will receive from the Department of Justice confirming that you have been granted Temporary Protection under the EU Directive is all the proof you need to be able to immediately access employment, income support, accommodation (if needed) and other State supports in Ireland.
Settling into life in Ireland
What do I need to do after I arrive in Ireland? One of the most important steps is to apply for your Irish Personal Public Services (PPS) number. This is like a national insurance number and will be important for you to apply for services. All adults and children will need their own number.
How do I apply for a PPS Number? You can go to a local INTREO Office and apply in person.
Please do not try and use the online form to apply for a PPS number. A special (faster) process is in place for Ukrainians and you will need to attend an office in person.
You may then be able to apply for a Supplementary Welfare Allowance payment and, if you have children, a Child Benefit payment. Read more here (English) and Ukrainian version.
Temporary Protection Directive: Who does it apply to?
All Ukrainians who have fled Ukraine since the outbreak of war on the 24th February 2022 are eligible to benefit. The Temporary Protection Directive can also apply to family members of Ukrainian nationals, as well as some third country nationals and their family members.
I am Ukrainian and have a close family member who is not Ukrainian or an EU national. Can they benefit from the Temporary Protection? Yes. The family members who can benefit are:
- Spouse
- Unmarried partner in a stable relationship
- Minor unmarried children of Ukrainian national or their spouse
- Any other close relatives who lived together as part of the family unit on 24th February and who were wholly or mainly dependent on the Ukrainian national.
I had refugee status in Ukraine. Can I benefit from Temporary Protection? Yes, people with refugee status (or an equivalent status) and stateless persons in Ukraine before 24th February 2022, can benefit from Temporary Protection. Your family members who were residing in Ukraine with you on or before 24th February 2022 can also benefit.
- Spouse
- Unmarried partner in a stable relationship
- Minor unmarried children of refugee/stateless person or their spouse
- Any other close relatives who lived together as part of the family unit on 24th February and who were wholly or mainly dependent on the refugee/stateless person.
I am not Ukrainian but I was legally resident there at the outbreak of the war. Can I benefit from Temporary Protection? To benefit from the Temporary Protection Directive, you will need to show that you are unable to return in safe and durable conditions to your country or region of origin
I am living in Ireland and I would like to help.
Currently efforts are focused on securing safe accommodation for everyone fleeing Ukraine. If you have a spare room or a vacant property that you would like to make available, you can do so through the Irish Red Cross Pledge campaign. The Irish Red Cross pledge campaign is supported by the Government.
If you don't have accommodation but you can interpret or offer other supports, we would be glad to hear from you. In the coming weeks, Nasc will be supporting communities hosting refugees and we may be able to match your skills with a community or a family in need.
