Ireland
The laws most likely to catch a visitor off guard. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.
Get alerted when this changesLawLert pings you if Ireland's laws change. Free.Get the free appCannabis
It is illegal to bring marijuana, cannabis, or CBD products or derivatives into Ireland.
Fines, arrest, or detention for long periods of time.
§ US State Dept — IrelandMedications
Carry prescription medication in its original packaging with your doctor's prescription, bring only personal-use quantities, and check with the Government of Ireland that your medication is legal there.
§ US State Dept — IrelandWeapons
It is illegal to bring guns, ammunition, and even spent shells or casings into Ireland; strictly enforced at entry.
Fines, arrest, or detention for long periods of time.
§ US State Dept — IrelandCustoms & Cash
Entering or leaving the EU via an Irish airport or port with EUR 10,000 or more in cash or equivalent — including cheques, travellers' cheques, money orders, and high-purity gold — must be declared to Customs.
Failure to declare, or an incorrect or incomplete declaration, is an offence; Customs may also seize amounts of EUR 1,000+ suspected of links to crime.
§ Irish Revenue CommissionersDriving
Cars drive on the left in Ireland — tourists driving on the wrong side cause serious accidents every year; a US license is valid for visits up to 1 year, and penalties for driving under the influence can be severe.
DUI penalties can be severe; some rental companies may also require an International Driving Permit.
§ US State Dept — IrelandLGBTQ+ Safety
There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations, services related to sexual orientation, or LGB events in Ireland.
§ US State Dept — Ireland