FANS TRAVELLING TO France for the Euro 2016 championships can download a free smartphone app that will send them security alerts in the event of a terrorist attack.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has launched the app, TravelWise, that provides instant access to travel advice and consular information for 200 countries.
Football fans heading over to France for Euro 2016, which starts today, can use the app to receive customised security alerts and up-to-date information from the Dept of Foreign Affairs.
France is on high alert ahead of the football tournament in the aftermath of the November terrorist attacks in Paris, which killed 130 people. Fans have been warned that stadiums, fan zones and transport hubs may be possible targets for attack during the month-long event.
Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan said the TravelWise app will help travellers abroad stay safe and informed while travelling, living or working overseas, while relatives at home can also stay informed.
“All fans heading to Euro 2016 in France can download the App and ‘favourite’ France, to get France-related security updates from my department direct to their phone,” Mr Flanagan said. “Mothers and fathers back in Ireland can do the same.”
The department has also released a handy guide for people travelling to France for the tournament.
Know before you go
The TravelWise app provides information on local laws, entry requirements, health and emergency contacts. It also has a secure facility to register with the local Irish embassy or consulate.
In the event of a crisis such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, the department can then proactively contact citizens, ensure they are safe, keep them informed of developments and provide assistance where necessary.
Information is available offline once the initial download is complete, so travellers don’t need to worry about having an internet connection.
“This is an Irish-led and Irish-designed project that combines cutting edge technology and security features with ground-breaking levels of user-friendliness and flexibility,” Mr Flanagan said.
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