We have compiled the following list of travel tips for our registrants who are traveling to Northern Ireland to join us at the C.S. Lewis Summer Institute 2025.

This information is offered for your convenience, and the C.S. Lewis Foundation assumes no liability for errors or omissions. Hopefully, this will help in your planning. Please note that the information is subject to change.

Before the Summer Institute

General Travel Tips

Rick Steves has an expansive website full of travel tips, specially geared towards international travel. The various categories here will give you plenty of helpful information and suggestions for traveling overseas.

The TSA provides this page about what you can and cannot bring in your luggage. They also have a very helpful page about the “Liquids Rule.” 

Passport

Make sure your passport is current. Your passport cannot expire within six months of your return date. In the U.S. and other countries, passport renewals are taking longer than usual, up to 11 weeks in the busiest areas (shorter with expedited service).

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

Starting January 8, 2025 will be required for most travelers arriving in the country, including from the United States, U.S., Canada, Australia, Mexico, and more. Then on April 2, 2025 travelers from European countries will similarly be required to apply to enter the UK. 

An ETA costs £10 ($12.51) to apply and is linked to a traveler’s passport. Each authorization will be valid for multiple trips over two years (or until the traveler’s passport expires) for stays of up to six months at a time.

Travelers can apply either through a mobile app for iOS or through Google Play, or online. Each person must apply separately, and decisions are typically offered within three working days or less.

Travelers who apply through the app are more likely to get a faster decision.

To apply for the ETA, travelers will need to upload a photo of their passport and a photo of themselves. They will also need access to their email as well as a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. For more information on exemptions and in depth explanation you can read more here.

Banking

Alert your ATM and/or credit card issuers of your travel plans (at least a week) before departure in order to avoid blockage due to suspicion of fraudulent charges being made overseas. Please note that credit companies increasingly don’t require these notifications but you’ll have to make sure to check with your bank.

Some things to think about:

• Does your credit card charge foreign transaction fees? (Note this is often in addition to the exchange rate, if so you may want to get a card that doesn’t charge these fees.)
• Are you planning on bringing an American Express or Discover card? Know that Discover isn’t accepted widely in Europe and the U.K. and American Express isn’t accepted at some vendors. You may want to have a back up card incase your card is not accepted.
• Are you planning on renting a car? Some car companies do not allow ATM/Bank Cards to be used to reserve your car, or if they are accepted they have to put a large deposit on your card that won’t be returned until up to several weeks after your trip.
• If you’re using an ATM card, for your safety, we recommend that you use an ATM in a well lit area or inside the bank branch of well known banks. You’re also more likely, at a well known bank, not to be charged high transaction fees to take out your money.
• TIP: If a transaction (at an ATM machine or when you purchase something) asks if you want to convert the price to your home currency or to local currency, always choose local currency of the country you are in. If you choose your home currency you will very likely be charged much higher exchange rates than your credit card will charge you.

NOTE: You may need to change your pin number at your bank to a four digit pin (if yours is greater or fewer digits) in order to access funds from overseas ATMs. ATM, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express cards yield the best exchange rates and are widely accepted at most hotels and shops throughout the U.K. Note: some places do not take American Express or Discover card. Check with your credit card company concerning fees for international use. Your bank may have a “partner bank” in the U.K. which might not charge extra for withdrawals.

Cash

Much of the U.K., including Northern Ireland, operates cashless in 2025. Unless you want to have cash for emergencies or some local booth vendors, you may not need to take out cash. If you download an app for Uber or taxi companies you can likely pay by credit card or through the app. Public transportation in Belfast also allows for tap-to-pay payments.

Note: public transportation in Dublin (in the Republic of Ireland), however, does require either cash, bus passes, or a “Leap Visitor Card” that you can purchase at the Dublin airport or Dublin City Centre locations. More information can be found here: https://about.leapcard.ie/leap-visitor-card

PLEASE NOTE: If you are flying into Dublin or plan on traveling in the Republic of Ireland, they are part of the EU and only take euros as payment.

Healthcare

Be sure to know how your health care service works should you need medical treatment while overseas. If you are taking prescription drugs, make sure you have an adequate supply for your entire trip. It is also advisable to carry a copy of your prescriptions described by their generic names. There are also companies that sell travel healthcare insurance, we do not have any recommendations but are available as part of travel insurance packages.

Travel Insurance

The C.S. Lewis Foundation is not responsible for any costs you may incur if you have to cancel your trip. We strongly encourage you to obtain travel and trip cancellation insurance. One potential company used by past Summer Institute registrants is Travelex Insurance, but we have no official recommendations.

Packing

Northern Ireland is beautiful in the summertime; however, it can often be cool, damp, and overcast. Plan for daytime temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, layering is recommended due to variations in climate, and you always want to check on the forecast before you pack for your trip. Casual, neat casual, and business casual dress, as well as comfortable footwear, will serve most occasions (see conference dress code below). A raincoat and/or umbrella are a must, as it is extremely likely that it will rain at some point during your trip.

This is not a comprehensive list, but here are several important items that are easily forgotten:

• Airline ticket – good to print even if you have it on your phone; customs in the UK also needs to see this and it’s easier to show on paper
• Passport and driver’s license
• Printouts/receipts of everywhere you are staying while in the UK for customs
• ATM card/credit cards
• A good, broken in, pair of shoes. There will be a decent amount of walking to do, often on pavement that can be a bit uneven (or cobblestones). Our attendees will be walking to/from lunch and our evening venues. If you have mobility issues allow yourself more time to get to where you need to be and/or call an Uber or Taxi.
• A three-prong plug/outlet adapter designed for the UK. If you are from another country it is likely the prongs on your devices won’t fit and you will need to have an adapter to plug in.
• Voltage converter. Ideally, you don’t need to bring one of these but you do need to be aware if any of your devices need it. Check your various electronic device plugs to see whether they have 220V listed as voltage. If you have anything that doesn’t take 220V, then you will either need to leave it at home or bring a voltage converter. Devices that use a lot of power and heat like heaters, curling irons, and blow dryers generally are risky to bring and could burn out/explode given their high energy use. Do so at your own risk. Also, don’t forget to double check the chargers for their voltage (for anything that has a rechargeable battery like toothbrushes, razors, etc).
• Toiletries; Look at what your lodging provides you and plan accordingly.
• Bible, journal, and notebook
• Extra hangers.
• Chargers for your cell phone and other devices

Cell Phone Service

Check with your provider to see if your cell phone will work internationally and if you need to purchase an international plan.

If not, and you are tech-savvy, you may want to purchase a pre-paid phone or sim card in Northern Ireland. You may be able to order these ahead of time. “Orange“, “Three“, and “Vodafone” are trusted companies that we’ve used before but there are many others, you may even be able to buy at the Dublin or Belfast airports but be aware that they may be more expensive. Also, make sure that the card that you purchased will work with countries you are traveling in especially cross border with Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland.

Luggage

• Check with your airline regarding the number and weight limit of luggage allowed each passenger.
• Before you go, itemize the contents of your luggage as this will assist you in the event you need to file an insurance claim.
• Put your home address and destination address on the outside and inside of each piece of luggage, including carry-on bags.

Walking

You will be walking a decent amount around Belfast. You’ll be walking to and from your hotel, to lunch, and to some evening venues. Most of these walks should be under a mile each. If you have mobility issues you’ll likely want to take public transportation, an Uber, or a taxi. Please allow yourself extra time for these options if you need them. See above for a shoe recommendation under the packing section.

Past registrant tip: you might also want to prepare for the conference by getting some walks in ahead of time, especially if you have a new pair of shoes to break in. TIP: We recommend moleskin padding for preventing blisters.

Dress code

While there is no set dress code, per se, most guests dress in casual, neat casual, or business casual attire. Some of us do dress up a bit more during the receptions (opening and closing) and church service at the end of the conference (shirt/tie or suit, a dress, etc.).

Flight and Arrival

Belfast is conveniently reachable through three airports: Belfast City Airport, Belfast International Airport, or Dublin International Airport. Belfast City Airport is closest to city center followed by Belfast international and Dublin International. However, you may find that the most direct and inexpensive flight could be to Dublin International Airport. There is a two hour bus from Dublin International to Belfast City Centre, we encourage you to make the choice that is most convenient, efficient, or cost effective for you.

We are hearing that international travelers should arrive at the airport 3-4 hours before LOADING (not departure). These two videos offer helpful, current information for flyers: How to Get From Dublin Airport to the bus loading area (and more) and Complete Dublin Airport Guide: Terminals, Car Rentals, Public Transport, & Flight Connections

Have a valid passport, driver’s license, and your airline ticket. You may wish to keep a copy of your passport separate in a safe place with you in case the original is misplaced or stolen. 

Transportation to Belfast from the Airports

If you are not coming directly to the conference from the airport we encourage you to do your own research on how best to get to Belfast. Do note that there is both bus service and train service from the city of Dublin to the city of Belfast if you are going directly from Dublin city centre to Belfast city centre.

Bus from Dublin International Airport to Belfast City Centre

There are three bus companies that travel to Belfast every day, Dublin Express, AirCoach, and Translink so there should be no issue finding one that fits your schedule. You can find more info on schedules and buses here: https://www.dublinairport.com/to-from-the-airport/by-bus/all-ireland-bus-routes, most bus rides can be from €9-22 with the average being around €13-15 for a one-way trip.

You can choose to book ahead of time or after your arrival. Here are the pros and cons of each:

• If you book ahead of time your ticket will be handled and you may get a better rate. If your flight is delayed you can usually use your bus ticket on a later bus. (see bus companies’ terms and conditions on your ticket). However, you will have to be very careful about planning how much time you need to grab your luggage, use the restroom, set up a phone with a new sim card, contact important contacts, get through customs, etc. but the ticket may be more expensive the day of.
• If you choose to book after you arrive at the airport, you will need to make sure that you have cell data to book on their app. This may mean you spend more time in the airport getting it all set up. However, this can be mitigated by entering all your information in the app before you leave home. You can also, if there is space, buy a ticket from the bus driver from a few of the services. See link above. The benefit of this option is that you can take all the time you need at the airport and this option works if you have travel delays.

You will follow the signs in the airport to the bus loading, there are different zones depending on which terminal you enter (T1 or T2) so make sure to double check you are at the right loading zone.

Once you reach Belfast you will be dropped off either by Grand Central Station or Upper Queens Street, both are a short walk form the Assembly Buildings the Summer Institute will be held in, and both are located close to most hotels near city centre.

Bus or Train from Belfast International Airport to Belfast City Centre

You can buy bus tickets in advance at https://www.belfastairport.com/to-from/by-buscoach

To/from Belfast : Airport Express 300 – Airport Express 300 service operates 7 days a week. At peak times on Monday to Friday, services run every 15 minutes. Please check the Translink website for timetable. Tickets are available from the tourist information desk in arrivals or from the driver.*

Airport to Belfast: £9.50* (single)

*you can also purchase your tickets from your smartphone, download the FREE mLink app from any Android or Apple device. Make sure to download this app before you leave home!

For more information on how to get from Belfast International Airport to Belfast City Centre by taxi, private car service, car rental, and more, check out https://www.belfastairport.com/to-from

Belfast City Airport to Belfast City Centre

Public Transportation: https://www.belfastcityairport.com/Public-Transport

Taxis: https://www.belfastcityairport.com/Taxis

Car Rental: https://www.belfastcityairport.com/Car-Hire

Pedestrians: https://www.belfastcityairport.com/Pedestrians

Transportation In Belfast

There are a couple different ways you can get around Belfast, ones that we have used before are Uber, Value Cabs. We recommend downloading both options for your phone and having payment information ahead of time with whatever you’re going to use while in Belfast.

Please note that we will be providing transportation to/from Assembly Buildings and the following venues for our programs: St. Mark’s Dundela, Belfast Cathedral, and the Titanic Museum.

Conference Check In

Proceed to Belfast City Hall (signs and volunteers will direct you) for conference check-in. Volunteers will be on hand during check-in time to point you in the right direction. (See schedule for more information).

Conference Check Out

Belfast 2025 official programming ends Wednesday, July 30th after our optional Bag End Cafe ends at 11:30 PM.

Transportation to the Three Airports:

Belfast International Airport: https://www.belfastairport.com/to-from

Belfast City Airport: https://www.belfastcityairport.com/Public-Transport

Dublin International Airport: https://www.dublinairport.com/to-from-the-airport/by-bus/all-ireland-bus-routes

Travel Related Policies

As of February of 2025, there are no pandemic restrictions or mandates in place in Northern Ireland. However, there is no guarantee we can offer regarding what the situation may be at the time of the conference. We will comply with all U.K. and local guidelines in effect at the time of the conference.

For travel requirements, please check your country of origin and the U.K. Border Control website for the most current information: https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control

For American travelers, please visit the State Department’s page for International Travel for U.S. Citizens/Nationals, Lawful Permanent Residents, and Immigrants: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html

Please note that there may still be a degree of uncertainty about any travel in 2025. If you are concerned, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance that matches with your degree of comfort with risk.

The C.S. Lewis Foundation assumes no liability for changes in personal, individual travel plans or additional travel costs due to travel complications that might arise (please see our refund policy above). In case of the event being cancelled, we are able to convert the amount to a donation, apply it to a future event(s), or refund attendees in installments and based on our Board of Trustees’ guidance.