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Source: European Union/Re-open EU

09.03.2022


What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?



COVID-19 travel restrictions have been lifted in Ireland.

From 6 March, 2022, travellers are no longer required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative PCR test result.

Travellers to Ireland are no longer asked to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form and travellers will not be asked to provide a PLF receipt before departure.

There are no post-arrival quarantine or testing requirements for travellers.

Any individual that develops COVID-19 symptoms while in Ireland should follow the HSE guidance in relation to isolation and undertake antigen or PCR testing as appropriate.

Travellers are advised to consult current measures with the Government of Ireland and Citizens Information.


Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate



From 6 March, 2022, travellers are no longer required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative PCR test result.

Travellers are advised to consult current measures with the Government of Ireland and Citizens Information.


Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements



From 6 March, 2022, travellers are no longer required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative PCR test result.

Travellers are advised to consult current measures with the Government of Ireland and Citizens Information.

______________________

You can find the latest information on air travel regulations for this country on the IATA website.

You can also find information about your passenger rights on our portal for citizens.

Documents you need to travel in Europe
Health cover for temporary stays


What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?




COVID-19 travel restrictions have been lifted in Ireland.

From 6 March, 2022, travellers are no longer required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative PCR test result.

Travellers to Ireland are no longer asked to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form and travellers will not be asked to provide a PLF receipt before departure.

There are no post-arrival quarantine or testing requirements for travellers.

Any individual that develops COVID-19 symptoms while in Ireland should follow the HSE guidance in relation to isolation and undertake antigen or PCR testing as appropriate.

Travellers are advised to consult current measures with the Government of Ireland and Citizens Information.


What are the rules if I go abroad from this country, and when I return from abroad?



To find out more about conditions in other countries and areas, the Department of Foreign Affairs provides country-specific information.

Learn more:

www.gov.ie


May I transit this country?




COVID-19 travel restrictions have been lifted in Ireland.

From 6 March, 2022, travellers are no longer required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative PCR test result.

Travellers to Ireland are no longer asked to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form and travellers will not be asked to provide a PLF receipt before departure.

There are no post-arrival quarantine or testing requirements for travellers.

Any individual that develops COVID-19 symptoms while in Ireland should follow the HSE guidance in relation to isolation and undertake antigen or PCR testing as appropriate.

Travellers are advised to consult current measures with the Government of Ireland and Citizens Information.


General measures



Most public health measures to manage the pandemic have been lifted in Ireland. The 'EU Digital COVID Certificate' is no longer required to access indoor venues and events including cinemas and theatres, gyms and leisure centres, hotel bars and restaurants. Face coverings are only mandatory in nursing homes and health care facilities. 

More information on the situation in Ireland is explained on the Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting platform hosted by the Office of the Taoiseach and the Department of Health.

Learn more:

www.gov.ie

www.citizensinformation.ie


Use of facemasks



Face coverings are only mandatory in nursing homes and health care facilities.


Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events



Restrictions have been lifted on attendance at indoor and outdoor events and activities.


Safety measures for public transportation



Face masks must be worn on public transportation.


Places of worship



Places of worship are open for religious services with no limits on numbers attendance.

Baptisms, communions and confirmations can take place.


Quarantine



People are asked to self-isolate if:

  • They have symptoms of coronavirus;
  • They are waiting for a test appointment and test results;
  • They have had a positive test result for coronavirus;
  • They have any cold or flu-like symptoms, such as fever (high temperature–38 degrees Celsius or above), cough, and loss or change to the sense of smell or taste.

They can stop self-isolating if they have no fever for 5 days and it has been 10 days since they first developed symptoms.

They are asked to restrict their movements for 14 days if they are being tested as a close contact of a confirmed case of coronavirus and don’t have any symptoms, or if they live with someone who has symptoms of coronavirus but feel well.

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 you need to self-isolate and phone your GP for further advice.


Non-essential (other than medicine and food) shops



Non-essential shops are open. 


Tourist accommodations



Tourist accommodations are open. 


Catering establishments



Catering establishments are open.


Cinemas, museums and indoor attractions



All entertainment and cultural facilities are open.


Personal care services



Personal service businesses including hairdressing salons are open.


Health protocols for tourism services and tourists



For tourism operators, Failte Ireland (Ireland's National Tourism Development Authority) has published a set of operational guidelines to help them safely reopen.


Information on Tourism at National level



Useful Info for tourists



COVID-19 travel restrictions have been lifted in Ireland.

From 6 March, 2022, travellers are no longer required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative PCR test result.

Travellers to Ireland are no longer asked to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form and travellers will not be asked to provide a PLF receipt before departure.

There are no post-arrival quarantine or testing requirements for travellers.

Any individual that develops COVID-19 symptoms while in Ireland should follow the HSE guidance in relation to isolation and undertake antigen or PCR testing as appropriate.

Travellers are advised to consult current measures with the Government of Ireland and Citizens Information.


____________________________________________________________________________________________

09.12.2021


What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?



All travellers must complete a Passenger Locator Form. This is a pre-boarding requirement.

All travellers, regardless of their vaccine or recovery status, must take a PCR test or antigen test before they arrive in Ireland:

  • for those with proof of vaccination or recovery, please also provide the results of either (a) a negative antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival or (b) a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
  • for those without proof of vaccination or recovery, please provide the results of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
  • self-administered tests will not be accepted.
  • approved vaccines: Pfizer-BioNtech, Modernia, Oxford-AstraZenica, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen, Coronavac, (Sinovac) and Sinopharm BBP.

Learn more:

Government of Ireland

Citizens Information


Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate



All travellers must complete a Passenger Locator Form. This is a pre-boarding requirement.

In addition to the certificate, travellers must provide the results of either (a) a negative antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival or (b) a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Self-administered tests are not accepted.

Approved vaccines: Pfizer-BioNtech, Modernia, Oxford-AstraZenica, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen, Coronavac, (Sinovac) and Sinopharm BBP.

Learn more:

Government of Ireland

Citizens Information


Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements



All travellers must complete a Passenger Locator Form. This is a pre-boarding requirement.

Travellers without a certificate must provide the results of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Self-administered tests are not accepted.

Approved vaccines: Pfizer-BioNtech, Modernia, Oxford-AstraZenica, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen, Coronavac, (Sinovac) and Sinopharm BBP.

Learn more:

Government of Ireland

Citizens Information

Documents you need to travel in Europe
Health cover for temporary stays


What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?




All travellers must complete a Passenger Locator Form. This is a pre-boarding requirement.

All travellers must provide the results of either a PCR test or antigen test taken before they arrive in Ireland:

  • travellers with a certificate of vaccination or recovery must provide the results of either (a) a negative antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival or (b) a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
  • travellers without a certificate of vaccination or recovery must provide the results of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
  • self-administered tests are not acccepted.
  • approved vaccines: Pfizer-BioNtech, Modernia, Oxford-AstraZenica, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen, Coronavac, (Sinovac) and Sinopharm BBP.

From 30 November, Ireland banned entry from countries in southern Africa where a new coronavirus variant is in circulation: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Eswatini and Lesotho. Only Irish citizens, approved residents and certain others can enter from these countries. They must provide evidence of a negative PCR test result (72 hours). Even vaccinated persons must complete a two-week quarantine on arrival and submit to further tests during their period of self-isolation.

Learn more:

Government of Ireland

Citizens Information


What are the rules if I go abroad from this country, and when I return from abroad?



To find out more about conditions in other countries and areas, the Department of Foreign Affairs provides country-specific information

For details on pre-departure COVID-19 testing, please consult the websites for Dublin Airport, Cork Airport and Shannon Airport.

Learn more:

www.gov.ie


May I transit this country?



All travellers must fill in a Passenger Locator Form .

Travellers can enter Ireland if they hold one of the following documents:

Proof of full vaccination. Accepted vaccines: Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna, Oxford-AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen, Coronavac (Sinovac) and Sinopharm BIBP.

Proof of recovery from COVID-19. Valid between 11 and 180 days from PCR test.

Negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival or a positive PCR test result at least 11 days prior to arrival (and no more than 180 days). Antigen test results are not accepted.

Passengers who are travelling immediately onwards to Northern Ireland or boarding a connecting flight/ferry should indicate this on the Passenger Locator Form.

Learn more:

www.gov.ie



All travellers must complete a Passenger Locator Form. This is a pre-boarding requirement.

All travellers, regardless of their vaccine or recovery status, must take a PCR test or antigen test before they arrive in Ireland:

  • for those with proof of vaccination or recovery, please also provide the results of either (a) a negative antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival or (b) a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
  • for those without proof of vaccination or recovery, please provide the results of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
  • self-administered tests will not be accepted.
  • approved vaccines: Pfizer-BioNtech, Modernia, Oxford-AstraZenica, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen, Coronavac, (Sinovac) and Sinopharm BBP.

Learn more:

Government of Ireland

Citizens Information


May I fly to this country?




You can find the latest information on air travel regulations for this country on the IATA website.

You can also find information about air passenger rights on our portal for citizens.


General measures



Information on the situation in Ireland is explained on the Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting platform hosted by the Office of the Taoiseach and the Department of Health.

Starting at midnight on 18 November:

  • return to teleworking.
  • vaccine or recovery certificates necessary to enter cinemas and theatres.
  • on-licensed premises close at midnight.

Protective measures already in place:

  • vaccine or recovery certificates necessary to access indoor restaurants, pubs and other service industries.
  • face coverings required indoors.
  • collection of contact tracing data.
  • specific sectoral guidance developed for nightclubs.
  • COVID-19 passes do not apply for outdoor events.
  • appropriate protective measures or outdoor and indoor group activities. For children under 18, the "pod of 6" system is in place.
  • religious services and weddings proceed without capacity limits but with protective measures in place.

Learn more:

www.gov.ie

www.citizensinformation.ie


Use of facemasks



Face coverings are mandatory in retail outlets, in bus and rail stations, in taxis (for both drivers and passengers) and on public transport. They must be worn by workers in customer-facing roles in cafs, bars, and restaurants.


Physical Distancing



Physical distancing of at least 2 metres should be respected.


Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events



Households: If you or others in your household are not fully vaccinated, you can host visitors from one other unvaccinated household.

For the fully vaccinated or recovered, you can meet indoors with unvaccinated people from a single household as long as they are not at risk of severe illness and no more than three households are present.

Fully vaccinated people can visit together indoors with no limit on numbers. This also applies to people who had a positive COVID-19 test in the past 9 months.

Outdoor: Organised outdoor events and activities have no limits on numbers. You do not need a vaccination or recovery certificate for outdoor events but other protective measures should be in place.

Indoor: Organised indoor events including conferences, trade fairs and watching indoor sports have no limits on numbers where everyone attending has proof of immunity.


Safety measures for public transportation



Face masks must be worn on public transportation.


Places of worship


Open with limitations



There are no limits on numbers attending a wedding service and reception. Live music is permitted.

Places of worship are open for religious services with no limits on numbers attending. Protective measures must be in place.

Baptisms, communions and confirmations can take place.


Quarantine



People are asked to self-isolate if:

  • they have symptoms of coronavirus;
  • they are waiting for a test appointment and test results;
  • they have had a positive test result for coronavirus;
  • they have any cold or flu-like symptoms, such as fever (high temperature–38 degrees Celsius or above), cough, and loss or change to the sense of smell or taste.

They can stop self-isolating if they have no fever for 5 days and it has been 10 days since they first developed symptoms.

They are asked to restrict their movements for 14 days if they are being tested as a close contact of a confirmed case of coronavirus and don’t have any symptoms, or if they live with someone who has symptoms of coronavirus but feel well.

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 you need to self-isolate and phone your GP for further advice.


Non-essential (other than medicine and food) shops


Open with limitations



Face coverings must be worn.


Tourist accommodations


Open with limitations



Open but with service restricted to overnight guests.


Catering establishments


Open with limitations



Guests must provide proof of vaccination, recovery or tests results. The rules do not apply to children under 18 years.

Face coverings should be worn when not seated.

Food and beverages must be consumed at tables and not at the bar.


Cinemas, museums and indoor attractions


Open with limitations



Adults must show proof of vaccination or recovery to enter a cinema, museum or other indoor entertainment venues. These rules do not apply to children.


Personal care services


Open with limitations



Personal service businesses including hairdressing salons are open by appointment.


Outdoors areas and beaches


Open



Health protocols for tourism services and tourists



For tourism operators, Failte Ireland (Ireland's National Tourism Development Authority) has published a set of operational guidelines to help them safely reopen.


Useful Info for tourists



Mandatory travel documentation

All travellers entering this country must fill in a Passenger Locator Form. This is a pre-boarding requirement.

They must show either proof of vaccination, a negative COVID test or proof of past infection.

Travellers are advised to consult current measures on the gov.ie website.


________________________________________________________________

02.09.2021

What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?


Rules in the two sections below apply to travellers from:

  • European Union Member States;
  • 4 non-EU countries that are part of the Schengen Area – Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein.


Further information on travelling to Ireland is available here:
Government advice on international travel
General COVID-19 Travel Advisory in Operation


Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate


PRE-DEPARTURE

All passengers (with limited exemptions) travelling to Ireland must fill out a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form before departure. This is a pre-boarding requirement when travelling to Ireland.

To travel to Ireland, passengers must have:

  • valid proof of vaccination;
  • valid proof of recovery from COVID-19, valid between 11 and 180 days from the date of a positive PCR test; or
  • a negative/not-detected RT-PCR test, taken within 72 hours of arrival in Ireland. A non-RT-PCR test (for example, antigen) is not accepted.

Please check the glossary listing the requirements for valid certificates at the bottom of the page.

The proofs of vaccination, recovery or tests as listed in the glossary are accepted, in addition to EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), to avoid further testing or quarantine restrictions after arrival.

A relevant EUDCC constitutes valid proof, however, it can’t be accepted if based on a non RT-PCR test. Passengers with a EUDCC based on a non RT-PCR test (for example, antigen) require proof of an additional negative RT-PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.

Passenger travelling with a EUDCC based on a negative/not-detected RT-PCR test result will be asked to show evidence of this before boarding the airplane or ferry from the country they are travelling from.

Children aged between 12 and 17 must also have valid proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 to be exempt from travel-related testing.


POST ARRIVAL

After arrival in Ireland, immigration officers will be conducting checks on the Passenger Locator Form and proof of vaccination, recovery or negative RT-PCR test result carried by the passenger.

Passengers arriving into Ireland from the EU/EFTA, (and who have not been in a non-EU/EFTA country in the previous 14 days), with the EUDCC or a relevant certificate do not have to undergo quarantine or travel-related testing.

A passenger who has been in a non-EU/EFTA country in the 14 days prior to the arrival into Ireland is subject to the rules applying to that country (see section ‘What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?’).

Those travelling without valid documentation or acceptable proofs must enter mandatory hotel quarantine until a negative/not-detected RT-PCR test result is received.

All passengers are advised to observe public health restrictions and to present for post-arrival testing if they develop symptoms of COVID-19.

Further information on travelling to Ireland is available here gov.ie Government advice on international travel.


Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements


PRE-DEPARTURE

All passengers (with limited exemptions) travelling to Ireland must fill out a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form before departure. This is a pre-boarding requirement when travelling to Ireland.

Passengers arriving in Ireland without a EUDCC or a valid proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 must present evidence of a negative/not-detected RT-PCR result taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. A non RT-PCR test (for example, antigen) is not accepted.

Also children between the ages of 12 and 17 will be required to have a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival to travel into the country, unless they have valid proof of vaccination or recovery.


POST ARRIVAL

After arrival in Ireland, immigration officers will be conducting checks on the Passenger Locator Form and proof of vaccination, recovery or negative RT-PCR test result carried by the passenger.

Passengers arriving into Ireland from the EU/EFTA, (and who have not been in a non-EU/EFTA country in the previous 14 days), with acceptable proof of vaccination, recovery or negative/not detected RT-PCR test do not have to undergo quarantine or travel-related testing.

A passenger who has been in a non-EU/EFTA country in the 14 days prior to the arrival into Ireland is subject to the rules applying to that country (see section ‘What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?’).

Those travelling without valid documentation or acceptable proofs must enter mandatory hotel quarantine until a negative/not-detected RT-PCR test result is received.

All passengers are advised to observe public health restrictions and to present for post-arrival testing if they develop symptoms of COVID-19.

Further information on travelling to Ireland is available here gov.ie Government advice on international travel.

-----------------

GLOSSARY


Proof of vaccination:

A non-DCC proof of vaccination means a record or evidence in written or electronic form in English or Irish or an official translation into Irish or English which contains the following information:

  • confirmation that the person to whom the record or evidence refers is a vaccinated person;
  • the date or dates on which the person was vaccinated;
  • the body in the state concerned implementing the vaccination programme (howsoever described) on behalf of the state that administered or caused to be administered the vaccination to the person concerned.

For the purposes of travel, passengers are considered vaccinated if they have been vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency after the following recommended number of days from the final dose:

  • 7 days from the second dose of Pfizer-BioNtech Vaccine: BNT162b2 (Comirnaty®);
  • 14 days from the second dose of Moderna Vaccine: CX-024414 (Moderna®);
  • 15 days from the second dose of Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine: ChAdOx1-SARS-COV-2 (Vaxzevria® or Covishield);
  • 14 days from the single dose of Johnson & Johnson/Janssen Vaccine: Ad26.COV2-S [recombinant] (Janssen®).


Recovery certificates:

A non-DCC ‘proof of recovery’ means a record or evidence in written or electronic form in English or Irish or an official translation into Irish or English which contains the following:

  • name, date of birth, disease from which holder has recovered, date of holder’s first positive NAAT test result, Member State or third country in which test was carried out, certificate issuer, dates the certificate is valid from and valid until (not more than 180 days after the date of first positive NAAT test result).


A relevant test result:

A negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival to Ireland or a positive RT-PCR Covid test result at least 11 days prior to arrival (and no more than 180 days). Antigen test results are not accepted.

Documents you need to travel in Europe
Health cover for temporary stays

What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?



SCENARIO 1: journey originates or has transited through a country which is NOT a Designated State

Note: this section includes rules for people arriving from Great Britain.

PRE-DEPARTURE

All passengers (with limited exemptions) travelling to Ireland must fill out a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form before departure. This is a pre-boarding requirement when travelling to Ireland.

Passengers must have:

  • valid proof of vaccination;
  • valid proof of recovery from COVID-19, valid between 11 and 180 days from the date of a positive PCR test; or
  • a negative/not-detected RT-PCR test, taken within 72 hours of arrival in Ireland. A non-RT-PCR test (for example, antigen) is not accepted.

Please check the glossary listing the requirements for valid certificates at the bottom of the page.

A relevant Digital COVID Certificate or alternative valid proof of vaccination, recovery or RT-PCR test result can be shown on arrival to Ireland.

Passenger travelling with a negative/not-detected RT-PCR test result will be asked to show evidence of the test result before boarding the airplane or ferry from the country they are travelling from.


POST ARRIVAL

After arrival in Ireland, immigration officers will be conducting checks on the Passenger Locator Form and proof of vaccination, recovery or negative RT-PCR test result carried by the passenger.

  • If the passenger has valid proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 in the past 180 days, no travel-related testing or quarantine is necessary.
  • If the passenger does not have valid proof of vaccination or recovery, they need to:
    • present evidence of a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to arrival;
    • undergo self-quarantine for 14 days;
    • may undergo post-arrival testing – a RT-PCR test can be taken from day 5 onwards after arrival into Ireland: with a negative result the quarantine ends. Quarantine will be extended if the passenger tests positive for COVID-19. This test will be provided through the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Children of any age, travelling with accompanying vaccinated or recovered responsible adults, with the same address, will not be required to self-quarantine post arrival. However, where one accompanying adult with the same address needs to self-quarantine, then all children must also self-quarantine, unless they have valid proof of vaccination or recovery themselves.

Those travelling without valid documentation or acceptable proofs must enter mandatory hotel quarantine until a negative/not-detected RT-PCR test result is received, and self-quarantine thereafter as above.

-----------------

SCENARIO 2: journey originates in or has transited through a country which is a Designated State

PRE-DEPARTURE

All passengers (with limited exemptions) travelling to Ireland must fill out a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form before departure. This is a pre-boarding requirement when travelling to Ireland.

All passengers, including those who are vaccinated or recovered, must have valid proof of a negative/not-detected RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival into the country.

Passengers will be asked to show evidence of the test result before boarding the airplane or ferry from the country they are travelling from.

Passengers will be asked to show evidence of mandatory hotel booking where applicable.


POST ARRIVAL

After arrival in Ireland, immigration officers will be conducting checks on the Passenger Locator Form and negative RT-PCR test result carried by the passenger, and proof of vaccination, recovery (where relevant).

  • If the passenger has valid proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 in the past 180 days, they need to:
    • show evidence of a negative result from a RT-PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival;
    • undergo self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival at address given on Passenger Locator Form;
    • may undergo post-arrival testing – a RT-PCR test can be taken from day 5 onwards after arrival into Ireland: with a negative result the quarantine ends. Quarantine will be extended if the passenger tests positive for COVID-19. This test will be provided through the HSE.
  • If the passenger does not have a valid proof of vaccination or recovery, they need to:
    • show evidence of a negative result from a RT-PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival;
    • undergo mandatory hotel quarantine – this must be pre-booked in advance of travel;
    • undergo post-arrival testing – a negative result from a RT-PCR test taken from day 10 onwards after arrival into Ireland permits the passenger to leave quarantine. Quarantine will be extended if the passenger tests positive for COVID-19.

Children between the ages of 12 and 17 will be required to have a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival to travel into the country.

Those travelling with no valid documentation or acceptable proofs must enter mandatory hotel quarantine until a negative/not-detected RT-PCR test result taken from day 10 onwards after arrival into Ireland which permits the passenger to leave quarantine. Quarantine will be extended if the passenger tests positive for COVID-19.

-----------------

GLOSSARY


Proof of vaccination:

A non-DCC proof of vaccination means a record or evidence in written or electronic form in English or Irish or an official translation into Irish or English which contains the following information:

  • confirmation that the person to whom the record or evidence refers is a vaccinated person;
  • the date or dates on which the person was vaccinated;
  • the body in the state concerned implementing the vaccination programme (howsoever described) on behalf of the state that administered or caused to be administered the vaccination to the person concerned.

For the purposes of travel, passengers are considered vaccinated if they have been vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency after the following recommended number of days from the final dose:

  • 7 days from the second dose of Pfizer-BioNtech Vaccine: BNT162b2 (Comirnaty®);
  • 14 days from the second dose of Moderna Vaccine: CX-024414 (Moderna®);
  • 15 days from the second dose of Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine: ChAdOx1-SARS-COV-2 (Vaxzevria® or Covishield);
  • 14 days from the single dose of Johnson & Johnson/Janssen Vaccine: Ad26.COV2-S [recombinant] (Janssen®).


Recovery certificates:

A non-DCC ‘proof of recovery’ means a record or evidence in written or electronic form in English or Irish or an official translation into Irish or English which contains the following:

  • name, date of birth, disease from which holder has recovered, date of holder’s first positive NAAT test result, Member State or third country in which test was carried out, certificate issuer, dates the certificate is valid from and valid until (not more than 180 days after the date of first positive NAAT test result).

A relevant test result:

A negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival to Ireland or a positive RT-PCR Covid test result at least 11 days prior to arrival (and no more than 180 days). Antigen test results are not accepted.


Find out more:
Government advice on international travel
General COVID-19 Travel Advisory in Operation
Designated States and exemptions to rules on pre-departure RT-PCR tests
Mandatory hotel quarantine

May I transit this country?


Yes


All passengers (with limited exemptions) travelling to Ireland must fill out a COVID-Passenger Locator Form before departure. This is a pre-boarding requirement when travelling to Ireland.

Passengers must have:

  • valid proof of vaccination;
  • valid proof of recovery from COVID-19, valid between 11 and 180 days from the date of a positive PCR test; or
  • a negative/not-detected RT-PCR test, taken within 72 hours of arrival in Ireland. A non-RT-PCR test (for example, antigen) is not accepted.

Passengers who are travelling immediately onwards to Northern Ireland or boarding a connecting flight/ferry should indicate this on the COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form.

General measures


Resilience and Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead is a revised plan for living with COVID-19.


Use of facemasks


Face coverings are mandatory in retail outlets, in bus and rail stations, in taxis (both driver and passengers) and on public transport. They also must be worn by workers in customer-facing roles in cafés, bars, and restaurants.


Physical Distancing


Physical distancing of at least 2 metres should be respected.


Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events


If you or any of the people you live with aren’t fully vaccinated, you can have visitors from 1 other household where everyone is not fully vaccinated. There is no limit on the number of people who can visit together if they are all fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 9 months. If you are fully vaccinated you can meet indoors with unvaccinated people from a single household, as long as they are not at risk of severe illness and no more than 3 households are present.

Masks should be worn in crowded outdoor spaces.

Indoor group activities including summer camps, group exercise and dance are not currently allowed. Up to 100 people can attend a wedding service and reception. For organised outdoor events, maximum of 200 attendees are permitted for the majority of venues and maximum of 500 for stadia/venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5000 people.

From 6 September, organised events and mass gatherings can take place at 60% capacity indoors and 75% capacity outdoors. All participants must be immune (fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 within previous 6 months), or accompanied minors (under 18), in line with sectoral guidance. Where participants have mixed immunity status, there will be no change to the current restrictions during September.

From 20 September, indoor organised group activities (sports, arts, culture, dance classes) can take place with capacity limits of 100 people (with appropriate protective measures). All participants must be immune (fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 within previous 6 months), or accompanied minors (under 18). Where participants have mixed immunity status, groups of up to 6 attendees will be permitted (excluding adult leaders/teachers). Multiple groups will be permissible subject to protective measures. The number of groups will have regard to the size of venue and substantial social distance between individual groups.

Restrictions on outdoor group activities for participants will be removed. Where applicable, spectator attendance will remain in line with regulations for events.


Safety measures for public transportation


Face coverings must be worn.

Walk or cycle where possible.

Avoid public transport – except for essential workers and essential purposes only.

Public transport is operating at full capacity.


Places of worship


Open with limitations


Places of worship are open for religious services for congregations of up to 50 people. The maximum attendance at funerals is currently 50. Religious ceremonies such as communions and confirmations should not take place. Baptisms can take place but gatherings afterwards are not recommended.

From 6 September, all religious ceremonies can proceed with 50% of venue capacity, regardless of immunity status of attendees.


Quarantine


People are asked to self-isolate if:

  • they have symptoms of coronavirus
  • they are waiting for a test appointment and test results
  • they have had a positive test result for coronavirus
  • they have any cold or flu-like symptoms, such as fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above), cough, and loss or change to the sense of smell or taste.

People can stop self-isolating if they have no fever for 5 days and it has been 10 days since they first developed symptoms.

People are asked to restrict their movements for 14 days if they are being tested as a close contact of a confirmed case of coronavirus and don’t have any symptoms, or if they live with someone who has symptoms of coronavirus but feel well.

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 you need to self-isolate and phone your GP for further advice.


Non-essential (other than medicine and food) shops


Open with limitations


Face coverings must be worn.

All shops and retail can open.


Tourist accommodations


Open with limitations

Open with services restricted to overnight guests.

Catering establishments


Open with limitations


Outdoor services are open.

Indoor services can also reopen with the following regulations:

  • To access indoor service, you must show proof that you are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 6 months. Children under 18 who are dining with you do not need proof of vaccination or recovery.
  • You can use an EU COVID Digital Certificate (DCC) or a HSE vaccination record as proof. You need to have identification to show that the proof of vaccination or recovery belongs to you.
  • A maximum of 6 people aged 13 and over are allowed per table. The maximum number allowed per table including children aged 12 and under is 15 people.

In addition:

  • You should wear a face covering when you are not sitting at your table.
  • There are no time limits on sittings.
  • You can only eat or drink at a table, and not at the bar or counter.
  • If you do not have proof of vaccination or recovery, or you cannot show that the proof you have belongs to you, the bar or restaurant should refuse admission.
  • Live music and dancing are not allowed.
  • One member of your group must give their details to the pub or restaurant for contact tracing.

Further information is available at gov.ie - Reopening hospitality.


Cinemas, museums and indoor attractions


Open with limitations


For theatres and cinemas up to 50 people permitted, with protective measures in place.

From 6 September, cinemas and theatres will have capacity limits of 60% of total venue capacity. All spectators must be immune (fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 within previous 6 months), or accompanied minors (under 18), in line with sectoral guidance. Where spectators have mixed immunity status, there will be no change to the current limits (50 people) during September.


Personal care services


Open with limitations


Gyms, swimming pools, leisure centres can reopen for individual training only.

Personal services, such as hairdressing, can continue by appointment.


Outdoors areas and beaches


Open


Health protocols for tourism services and tourists


If you have symptoms, self-isolate and contact your GP or HSE Live on 1850 25 1580 immediately. All passengers getting to Ireland from overseas are legally required to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form.

Separately, the public health advice for passengers arriving in Ireland from countries that are not on the green list is to self-isolate for 14 days.

Further information on these requirements is available at www.gov.ie.

For people working in the tourism sector, Fáilte Ireland (National Tourism Development Authority) has published a set of operational guidelines for businesses to assist them to reopen safely.

2-metres social distancing is required at outdoor amenities and tourism sites.

Information on Tourism at National level


Useful Info for tourists

Before starting your journey, please check visa requirements at www.inis.gov.ie.
Passengers arriving to Ireland from overseas are legally required to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form.
Passengers arriving from overseas are expected to self-isolate for 14 days.
Further information on these requirements is available at www.gov.ie.

_____________________________________________________________________________

23.07.2021

What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?


Rules in the two sections below apply to travellers from:

  • European Union Member States;
  • 4 non-EU countries that are part of the Schengen Area – Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein.


Further information on travelling to Ireland is available here:
Government advice on international travel
General COVID-19 Travel Advisory in Operation


Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate


Ireland operates the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC) for travel originating within the EU/EFTA (Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, Switzerland).

A EUDCC shows if a passenger:

  • is vaccinated against COVID-19;
  • has recovered from COVID-19 in the past 180 days; or
  • has a negative result to a COVID-19 test.

A person is considered vaccinated if he/she has been vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency with the recommended number of days after the final dose.

Passengers arriving into Ireland with a EUDCC do not have to undergo quarantine or travel-related testing. Passengers with a EUDCC based on a non-PCR test (for example, antigen) must require proof of a negative RT-PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.

Children aged between 12 and 17 must also have valid proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 to be exempt from travel-related testing.

Children of any age, travelling with accompanying vaccinated or recovered adults, will not be required to self-quarantine post arrival. However, where one accompanying adult needs to self-quarantine, then all children must also self-quarantine.

A passenger who has been in a non-EU/EFTA country in the 14 days prior to the arrival into Ireland is subject to the rules applying to that country (see section ‘What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?’).

All passengers are advised to observe public health restrictions and to present for post-arrival testing if they develop symptoms of COVID-19.


Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements


Passengers arriving in Ireland without a EUDCC must:

  • fill out a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form before departure;
  • if you do not have a valid proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 in the past 180 days, you will need to present evidence of a negative RT-PCR result from a test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival into the country.

If you do not have a valid proof of vaccination/recovery and you do not have a negative or not detected RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours you must quarantine in a hotel. Further information on travelling to Ireland is available here gov.ie Government advice on international travel.

Documents you need to travel in Europe
Health cover for temporary stays

What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?



Note: this section includes rules for people arriving from Great Britain.

Ireland also broadly aligns itself to the EU approach to non-essential travel into the EU from third countries. To protect its citizens against the importation of variants, an ‘emergency brake’ mechanism is coordinated at EU level to react swiftly to the emergence of a variant of concern or variant of interest. Government advice is to avoid travel to a country where the emergency brake has been applied.

SCENARIO 1: journey originates in a country to which the EU has not applied an ‘Emergency Brake’

If the passenger has valid proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 in the past 180 days, no travel-related testing or quarantine is necessary.

If the passenger does not have valid proof of vaccination or recovery, they need to:

  • fill out a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form before departure;
  • present evidence of a negative PCR test result within 72 hours prior to arrival into the country;
  • undergo self-quarantine for 14 days;
  • undergo post-arrival testing – a RT-PCR test can be taken from day 5 onwards after arrival into Ireland: with a negative result the quarantine ends. Quarantine will be extended if the passenger tests positive for COVID-19. This test will be provided through the HSE.

SCENARIO 2: journey originates in a country to which the EU has applied an ‘Emergency Brake’

If the passenger has valid proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 in the past 180 days, they need to:

  • fill out a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form before departure;
  • have a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival;
  • undergo self-quarantine for 14 days;
  • undergo post-arrival testing – a RT-PCR test can be taken from day 5 onwards after arrival into Ireland: with a negative result the quarantine ends. Quarantine will be extended if the passenger tests positive for COVID-19. This test will be provided through the HSE.

If the passenger does not have a valid proof of vaccination or recovery, they need to:

  • fill out a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form before departure;
  • produce evidence of a negative result from a PCR test undertaken no more than 72 hours before arrival;
  • undergo mandatory hotel quarantine – this his must be pre-booked and prepaied in advance of travel;
  • undergo post-arrival testing – a negative result from a RT-PCR test taken from day 10 onwards after arrival into Ireland, you will be able to leave quarantine. Quarantine will be extended if the passenger tests positive for COVID-19.

Children aged between 12 and 17 must also have valid proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 to be exempt from travel-related testing.

Children of any age, travelling with accompanying vaccinated or recovered adults, will not be required to self-quarantine post arrival. However, where one accompanying adult needs to self-quarantine, then all children must also self-quarantine.

Travellers will be asked to show evidence of the negative or ‘not detected’ result to a COVID-19 test before boarding the airplane or ferry from the country you are travelling from, and will be denied boarding if you cannot produce such evidence. Once you arrive in Ireland, you have to provide this evidence to Irish immigration officers.

People who do not fulfil the legal requirement for mandatory quarantine are committing an offence and can be fined up to € 2 500 or get a prison sentence of up to 6 months, or both.

Note: for the purposes of travel, travellers are considered vaccinated if they have been vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency with recommended number of days after the final dose.


Find out more:
Government advice on international travel
General COVID-19 Travel Advisory in Operation
Designated States and exemptions to rules on pre-departure RT-PCR tests
Mandatory hotel quarantine

May I transit this country?


Yes


As a general rule, passengers in transit in the EU+ area are exempted from temporary travel restriction.

EU citizens entering the EU from a third country, as well as their family members, irrespective of their nationality, are exempted from the travel restrictions regardless of whether or not they are returning to their country of nationality or residence.

Passengers travelling from a non-EU country to another non-EU country may transit through the international transit area of airports located in the Schengen area. Rules regarding airport transit visa requirements continue to apply.

Passengers who are travelling immediately onwards to Northern Ireland should indicate this and will only be required to fill out a portion of the online COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form.

General measures


Resilience and Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead is a revised plan for living with COVID-19.


Use of facemasks


Face coverings are mandatory in retail outlets, in bus and rail stations, in taxis (both driver and passengers) and on public transport. They also must be worn by workers in customer-facing roles in cafés, bars, and restaurants.


Physical Distancing


Physical distancing of at least 2 metres should be respected.


Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events


If you or any of the people you live with aren't fully vaccinated - you can have visitors from 1 other household where everyone is not fully vaccinated. There is no limit on the number of people who can visit together if they are all fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 9 months. If you are fully vaccinated you can meet indoors with unvaccinated people from a single household, as long as they are not at risk of severe illness and no more than 3 households are present.

Masks should be worn in crowded outdoor spaces.

Indoor group activities including summer camps, group exercise and dance are not currently allowed. Weddings can go ahead with up to 50 guests for wedding ceremony and reception. For organised outdoor events, maximum of 200 attendees are permitted for the majority of venues and maximum of 500 for stadia/venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5000 people.

Information on Tourism at National level


Useful Info for tourists

All non-essential overseas travel to and from Ireland should be avoided.
Before starting your journey, please check visa requirements at www.inis.gov.ie.
Passengers arriving to Ireland from overseas are legally required to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form.
Passengers arriving from overseas are expected to self-isolate for 14 days.
Further information on these requirements is available at www.gov.ie.


EU Digital COVID Certificates


This country is already connected to the Gateway and is issuing and/or verifying at least one EU Digital COVID Certificate (Vaccination, Recovery, Test)


Information on "EU Digital COVID Certificates" issued in Ireland

_________


The EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation entered into force on 01 July 2021. EU citizens and residents will now be able to have their Digital COVID Certificates issued and verified across the EU. National authorities are in charge of issuing the certificate. 

The certificate provides a standardised recognition of the holder's status related to vaccination, recovery from Covid-19, or test result. Despite the European Digital COVID Certificate, each country continues to be responsible for the definition of its own entry requirements and rules, which are not standardised at the EU level. This means that what is required to enter upon presentation of this certificate, depends on the measures and entry rules in place at your destination. 


Find out more: 

Information on the "EU Digital COVID Certificate" 

Press Release 

Questions & Answers 

Factsheet 


Further information: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/IRL/7011

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________


18.06.2021


What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?



Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate



From 19 July, subject to the prevailing public health situation, Ireland will operate the EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) for travel originating within the EU/EEA.

A DCC will show if a passenger:

  • is vaccinated against COVID-19;
  • has recovered from COVID-19; or
  • has a negative test result

Passengers arriving into Ireland with a DCC will not have to undergo quarantine.

However, passengers with a DCC based on a non-PCR test (for example, antigen), or those arriving without a DCC, will require proof of a negative RT-PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.

Children aged between 7 and 18 who have not been vaccinated must also have a negative PCR test.

A passenger who has been in a non-EU/EEA country in the 14 days prior to arrival into Ireland will be subject to the rules applying to that country (see below).

All passengers will be advised to observe public health restrictions and to present for post-arrival testing if they develop symptoms of COVID-19.


Passengers arriving into Ireland from outside EU/EEA

From 19 July, Ireland will also broadly align itself to the EU approach to non-essential travel into the EU from third countries.

To protect its citizens against importation of variants, an ‘emergency brake’ mechanism will be coordinated at EU level to react swiftly to the emergence of a variant of concern or variant of interest.

Government advice will be to avoid travel to a country where the emergency brake has been applied.

Scenario 1: journey originates in a country to which the EU has not applied an ‘Emergency Brake’

If passenger has valid proof of vaccination, no travel-related testing or quarantine will be necessary.

If passenger does not have valid proof of vaccination, they will need to:

  • present evidence of a negative PCR test result within 72 hours prior to arrival into the country
  • self-quarantine
  • undergo post-arrival testing - this will be provided through the HSE

Scenario 2: journey originates in a country to which the EU has applied an ‘Emergency Brake’

If passenger has valid proof of vaccination, they will need to:

  • produce a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival
  • undergo self-quarantine
  • undergo post-arrival testing - this will be provided through the HSE

If passenger does not have valid proof of vaccination, they will need to:

  • produce evidence of a negative result from a PCR test undertaken no more than 72 hours before arrival
  • undergo mandatory hotel quarantine
  • undergo post-arrival testing


Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements



Ireland is implementing the commonly agreed EU "traffic lights" approach to travel restrictions.


Is a coronavirus test required?

All travellers are subject to the requirement for a pre-departure negative PCR test. The test must be taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.

Children under 7 years old are exempted.

You will be asked to show evidence of this negative or 'not detected' result before boarding the airplane or ferry from the country you are travelling from, and will be denied boarding if you cannot produce such evidence. Once you arrive in Ireland, you have to provide this evidence to Irish immigration officers.

You should retain the written confirmation of your test result for at least 14 days.

In case of lack of a negative or 'not detected' RT-PCR test or a valid exemption, you can be fined up to €2,500 or get a prison sentence of up to 6 months. You will also be required to take a RT-PCR test after arrival at your own expense.


Is a quarantine required?

Passengers arriving into Ireland from designated States are required to undertake Mandatory Hotel Quarantine and pre-book a place in the designated facility prior to arrival to Ireland. Passengers will be required to present evidence of this booking to their flight or ferry operator in order to board the aeroplane or ferry to Ireland.

If you come into Ireland from any country deemed 'high risk', or If you come to Ireland without a negative or 'not detected' PCR test, you must complete a 14-day mandatory quarantine in a hotel.

If you come to Ireland from any country not deemed 'high risk', you must quarantine at home provided you have a negative or 'not detected' PCR test.

If you are not arriving from high-risk countries, you may also shorten your quarantine period by taking a RT-PCR test no less than 5 days after your arrival. If you receive written confirmation that the result of this test is negative or 'not detected', your period of quarantine can end.

If you do not fulfil the legal requirement for mandatory quarantine you are committing an offence, and can be fined up to €2,500 or get a prison sentence of up to 6 months, or both.


Passenger Locator Form

All travellers coming into Ireland must complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form


Find out more:
gov.ie - Travelling to Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic


What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?




Is a coronavirus test required?

Passenger arrivals from ALL countries are subject to the requirement for a pre-departure negative PCR test. The test must be taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.

You will be asked to show evidence of this negative or 'not detected' result before boarding the airplane or ferry from the country you are travelling from, and will be denied boarding if you cannot produce such evidence. Once you arrive in Ireland, you have to provide this evidence to Irish immigration officers.

You should retain the written confirmation of your test result for at least 14 days.

In case of lack of a negative or 'not detected' RT-PCR test or a valid exemption, you can be fined up to €2,500 or get a prison sentence of up to 6 months. You will also be required to take a RT-PCR test after arrival at your own expense.

Children under 7 years old are exempted.


Is a quarantine required?

All passengers arriving into Ireland from designated States after 4 am on the morning of Friday, 26 March are now required to pre-book accommodation in a designated quarantine facility, and to pre-pay for their stay.

If you come into Ireland from any country deemed 'high risk', or If you come to Ireland without a negative or 'not detected' PCR test, you must complete a 14-day mandatory quarantine in a hotel.

If you come to Ireland from any country not deemed 'high risk', you must quarantine at home provided you have a negative or 'not detected' PCR test. If you are not arriving from high-risk countries, you may shorten your quarantine period by taking an RT-PCR test no less than 5 days after your arrival. If you receive written confirmation that the result of this test is negative or 'not detected', your period of quarantine can end.

If you do not fulfil the legal requirement for mandatory quarantine you are committing an offence, and can be fined up to €2,500 or get a prison sentence of up to 6 months, or both.


Passenger Locator Form

All travellers coming into Ireland must complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form


Find out more:
gov.ie - Travelling to Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic


May I transit this country?

YES

As a general rule, passengers in transit in the EU+ area are exempted from temporary travel restriction.

EU citizens entering the EU from a third country, as well as their family members, irrespective of their nationality, are exempted from the travel restrictions regardless of whether or not they are returning to their country of nationality or residence.

Passengers travelling from a non-EU country to another non-EU country may transit through the international transit area of airports located in the Schengen area. Rules regarding airport transit visa requirements continue to apply.

Passengers who are travelling immediately onwards to Northern Ireland should indicate this and will only be required to fill out a portion of the online COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form.


General measures



Resilience and Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead is a revised plan for living with COVID-19.


Use of facemasks


Face coverings are mandatory in retail outlets, in taxis, in bus and rail stations, on public transport and for workers in customer facing roles in cafés, bars and restaurants.

Physical Distancing


physical distancing of at least 2 metres should be respected.

Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events



If you are an unvaccinated household you can have visitors from 1 other unvaccinated household inside your home. Vaccine bonus remains in place for vaccinated households.

From 5 July, you can have visitors from up to 3 other households inside your home

Masks should be worn in crowded outdoor spaces.

Outdoor events: maximum of 100 attendees for the majority of venues, maximum of 200 for outdoor venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5000 people.

From 5 July, for organised indoor events, maximum of 50 attendees at the majority of venues. Maximum of 100 can attend events in larger venues with strict public health measures in place. For organised outdoor events, maximum of 200 attendees for the majority of venues. Maximum of 500 for outdoor venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5000 people.



Information on Tourism at National level



Useful Info for tourists


All non-essential overseas travel to and from Ireland should be avoided.
Before starting your journey, please check visa requirements at www.inis.gov.ie.
Passengers arriving to Ireland from overseas are legally required to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form.
Passengers arriving from overseas are expected to self-isolate for 14 days.
Further information on these requirements is available at www.gov.ie.


EU Digital COVID Certificates


THIS COUNTRY IS IN THE TECHNICAL TESTING PHASE TO CONNECT TO THE EU DIGITAL COVID CERTIFICATE GATEWAY



Information on "EU Digital COVID Certificates" issued in Ireland

_________


The "EU Digital COVID Certificate" (available from 1 July 2021) provides proof that a person has either:

  • been vaccinated against COVID-19 (vaccine type and manufacturer, number of doses, date of vaccination);
  • received a negative test result, PCR or rapid antigen, with the name of the test, date and time of test, test centre and result (self-tests are not valid);
  • recovered from COVID-19.

When travelling, holders of the "EU Digital COVID Certificate" will have the same rights as citizens of the visited Member State who have been vaccinated, tested or recovered.

The certificate provides a standardised recognition of the holder's status related to vaccination, recovery from COVID or test result. Each country continues to be responsible for the definition of its own entry requirements and rules, which are not standardised at the EU level. This means that what you will be eligible for, upon presentation of this certificate, depends on the measures and entry rules in place at your country of destination.


How does it work:

  1. Member States issue a certificate automatically or upon request, which is issued either digitally or on paper, and has a QR code with an electronic signature;
  2. Citizens store the certificate in their digital app or wallet and can use it when they travel;
  3. When the verifier asks the citizen for the certificate, the QR code is shown and the digital signature is verified.


Find out more:
Information on the "EU Digital COVID Certificate"

Press Release
Questions & Answers
Factsheet


                                                                                                     


06.05.2021

From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?

No


Ireland is implementing the commonly agreed EU "traffic lights" approach to travel restrictions.


Is a coronavirus test required?

All travellers are subject to the requirement for a pre-departure negative PCR test. The test must be taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.

Children aged 6 and under are exempted.

You will be asked to show evidence of this negative or 'not detected' result before boarding the airplane or ferry from the country you are travelling from, and will be denied boarding if you cannot produce such evidence. Once you arrive in Ireland, you have to provide this evidence to Irish immigration officers.

You should retain the written confirmation of your test result for at least 14 days.

In case of lack of a negative or 'not detected' RT-PCR test or a valid exemption, you can be fined up to €2,500 or get a prison sentence of up to 6 months. You will also be required to take a RT-PCR test after arrival at your own expense.


Is a quarantine required?

All passengers arriving into Ireland from designated States are required to pre-book accommodation in a designated quarantine facility, and to pre-pay for their stay.

If you come into Ireland from any country deemed 'high risk', or If you come to Ireland without a negative or 'not detected' PCR test, you must complete a 14-day mandatory quarantine in a hotel.

If you come to Ireland from any country not deemed 'high risk', you must quarantine at home provided you have a negative or 'not detected' PCR test.

If you are not arriving from high-risk countries, you may also shorten your quarantine period by taking a RT-PCR test no less than 5 days after your arrival. If you receive written confirmation that the result of this test is negative or 'not detected', your period of quarantine can end.

If you do not fulfil the legal requirement for mandatory quarantine you are committing an offence, and can be fined up to €2,500 or get a prison sentence of up to 6 months, or both.


Passenger Locator Form

All travellers coming into Ireland must complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form


Find out more:
gov.ie - Travelling to Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic


What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?




Is a coronavirus test required?

Passenger arrivals from ALL countries are subject to the requirement for a pre-departure negative PCR test. The test must be taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.

You will be asked to show evidence of this negative or 'not detected' result before boarding the airplane or ferry from the country you are travelling from, and will be denied boarding if you cannot produce such evidence. Once you arrive in Ireland, you have to provide this evidence to Irish immigration officers.

You should retain the written confirmation of your test result for at least 14 days.

In case of lack of a negative or 'not detected' RT-PCR test or a valid exemption, you can be fined up to €2,500 or get a prison sentence of up to 6 months. You will also be required to take a RT-PCR test after arrival at your own expense.

Children aged 6 and under are exempted.


Is a quarantine required?

All passengers arriving into Ireland from designated States after 4 am on the morning of Friday, 26 March are now required to pre-book accommodation in a designated quarantine facility, and to pre-pay for their stay.

If you come into Ireland from any country deemed 'high risk', or If you come to Ireland without a negative or 'not detected' PCR test, you must complete a 14-day mandatory quarantine in a hotel.

If you come to Ireland from any country not deemed 'high risk', you must quarantine at home provided you have a negative or 'not detected' PCR test. If you are not arriving from high-risk countries, you may shorten your quarantine period by taking an RT-PCR test no less than 5 days after your arrival. If you receive written confirmation that the result of this test is negative or 'not detected', your period of quarantine can end.

If you do not fulfil the legal requirement for mandatory quarantine you are committing an offence, and can be fined up to €2,500 or get a prison sentence of up to 6 months, or both.


Passenger Locator Form

All travellers coming into Ireland must complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form


May I transit this country?


Yes


As a general rule, passengers in transit in the EU+ area are exempted from temporary travel restriction.

EU citizens entering the EU from a third country, as well as their family members, irrespective of their nationality, are exempted from the travel restrictions regardless of whether or not they are returning to their country of nationality or residence.

Passengers travelling from a non-EU country to another non-EU country may transit through the international transit area of airports located in the Schengen area. Rules regarding airport transit visa requirements continue to apply.

Passengers who are travelling immediately onwards to Northern Ireland should indicate this and will only be required to fill out a portion of the online COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form.


General measures



Resilience and Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead is a revised plan for living with COVID-19. The plan uses 5 levels of restriction that correspond to the severity of COVID-19 in a location.

Level 1 is for locations where COVID-19 is the least severe, Level 5 is for locations where COVID-19 is most severe.

Every county in Ireland is currently on Level 5:

  • Two households can meet outdoors, away from their gardens;
  • You can travel within your county or within 20km of your home;
  • If you are fully vaccinated, you can meet with another fully vaccinated person indoors. You are fully vaccinated:
    • 15 days after the second AstraZeneca dose
    • 7 days after the second Pfizer-BioNtech dose
    • 14 days after the second Moderna dose

Restrictions on travel to Ireland are in place. If you travel to Ireland from certain countries you have to pay for mandatory hotel quarantine.

A schedule for reopenings is available. This schedule may vary depending on the evolution of the epidemiological situation.

From 4 May:

  • All construction work can fully recommence;
  • Residents in nursing homes where at least 8 out of 10 residents have been fully vaccinated can have 4 routine visits per week. This applies where residents have been fully vaccinated for at least 2 weeks. Residents of all other nursing homes are allowed to have 2 visits per week.

From 10 May:

  • People from 3 households can meet outdoors (including in a garden), or 6 people from any number of households;
  • Fully-vaccinated people can meet with one other household (that includes non-vaccinated people) indoors;
  • Hairdressers, barbers and other personal services can reopen by appointment;
  • Non-essential shops can offer click and collect services by appointment. Outdoor retail, like gardening centres, can reopen;
  • Outdoor training can start for adults in pods of up to 15;
  • Church services can be held (this does not include communions and confirmations);
  • Museums, galleries, libraries and other indoor cultural activities can reopen;
  • Outdoor organised events can take place with up to 15 people in attendance;
  • Weddings can have 50 people at the service. Up to 15 can go to outdoor wedding celebrations and up to 6 can attend indoors;
  • Funeral services can have up to 50 mourners.

From 17 May:

  • All non-essential shops can reopen

From 2 June:

  • Hotels and bed and breakfasts can reopen services for guests only.

From 7 June:

  • You can have visitors to your home from one other household;
  • Restaurants, bars and pubs can reopen for outdoor service for groups of up to 6 people;
  • Gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres can reopen;
  • Sports matches can be held without an audience.


Find out more:
New public health measures announced: The Path Ahead (www.gov.ie)


Use of facemasks


Face coverings are mandatory in retail outlets, in taxis, in bus and rail stations, on public transport and for workers in customer facing roles in cafés, bars and restaurants.

Physical Distancing


physical distancing of at least 2 metres should be respected.


Source: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/IRL/7001

                                                                                                     

31.03.2021

From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?


NO


Ireland is implementing the commonly agreed EU "traffic lights" approach to travel restrictions.


Is a coronavirus test required?

All travellers are subject to the requirement for a pre-departure negative PCR test. The test must be taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.

Children aged 6 and under are exempted.

You will be asked to show evidence of this negative or 'not detected' result before boarding the airplane or ferry from the country you are travelling from, and will be denied boarding if you cannot produce such evidence. Once you arrive in Ireland, you have to provide this evidence to Irish immigration officers.

You should retain the written confirmation of your test result for at least 14 days.

In case of lack of a negative or 'not detected' RT-PCR test or a valid exemption, you can be fined up to €2,500 or get a prison sentence of up to 6 months. You will also be required to take a RT-PCR test after arrival at your own expense.


Is a quarantine required?

All passengers arriving into Ireland from designated States are required to pre-book accommodation in a designated quarantine facility, and to pre-pay for their stay.

If you come into Ireland from any country deemed 'high risk', or If you come to Ireland without a negative or 'not detected' PCR test, you must complete a 14-day mandatory quarantine in a hotel.

If you come to Ireland from any country not deemed 'high risk', you must quarantine at home provided you have a negative or 'not detected' PCR test.

If you are not arriving from high-risk countries, you may also shorten your quarantine period by taking a RT-PCR test no less than 5 days after your arrival. If you receive written confirmation that the result of this test is negative or 'not detected', your period of quarantine can end.

If you do not fulfil the legal requirement for mandatory quarantine you are committing an offence, and can be fined up to €2,500 or get a prison sentence of up to 6 months, or both.


Passenger Locator Form

All travellers coming into Ireland must complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form


Find out more:
gov.ie - Travelling to Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic

Documents you need to travel in Europe


What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?




Is a coronavirus test required?

Passenger arrivals from ALL countries are subject to the requirement for a pre-departure negative PCR test. The test must be taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.

You will be asked to show evidence of this negative or 'not detected' result before boarding the airplane or ferry from the country you are travelling from, and will be denied boarding if you cannot produce such evidence. Once you arrive in Ireland, you have to provide this evidence to Irish immigration officers.

You should retain the written confirmation of your test result for at least 14 days.

In case of lack of a negative or 'not detected' RT-PCR test or a valid exemption, you can be fined up to €2,500 or get a prison sentence of up to 6 months. You will also be required to take a RT-PCR test after arrival at your own expense.

Children aged 6 and under are exempted.


Is a quarantine required?

All passengers arriving into Ireland from designated States after 4 am on the morning of Friday, 26 March are now required to pre-book accommodation in a designated quarantine facility, and to pre-pay for their stay.

If you come into Ireland from any country deemed 'high risk', or If you come to Ireland without a negative or 'not detected' PCR test, you must complete a 14-day mandatory quarantine in a hotel.

If you come to Ireland from any country not deemed 'high risk', you must quarantine at home provided you have a negative or 'not detected' PCR test. If you are not arriving from high-risk countries, you may shorten your quarantine period by taking an RT-PCR test no less than 5 days after your arrival. If you receive written confirmation that the result of this test is negative or 'not detected', your period of quarantine can end.

If you do not fulfil the legal requirement for mandatory quarantine you are committing an offence, and can be fined up to €2,500 or get a prison sentence of up to 6 months, or both.


Passenger Locator Form

All travellers coming into Ireland must complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form


Find out more:
gov.ie - Travelling to Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic


May I transit this country?


YES


As a general rule, passengers in transit in the EU+ area are exempted from temporary travel restriction.

EU citizens entering the EU from a third country, as well as their family members, irrespective of their nationality, are exempted from the travel restrictions regardless of whether or not they are returning to their country of nationality or residence.

Passengers travelling from a non-EU country to another non-EU country may transit through the international transit area of airports located in the Schengen area. Rules regarding airport transit visa requirements continue to apply.

Passengers who are travelling immediately onwards to Northern Ireland should indicate this and will only be required to fill out a portion of the online COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form.



General measures



Ireland has established a Plan for living with COVID-19.

This plan sets out 5 levels that correspond to the severity of COVID-19 in a location. Different levels can be in place in different locations in the country.

Level 1 is for locations where COVID-19 is the least severe and means that restrictions on the activities of people and businesses are at their lowest level. Level 5 is for locations where COVID-19 is most severe and means that restrictions on the activities of people and businesses are at their highest level.

Level 5 is currently in place

Every county in Ireland is on alert Level 5 in the 'Plan for living with COVID-19' from 1 December 2020.

Measures in place at Level 5

Health cover for temporary stays


Use of facemasks


Face coverings are mandatory in retail outlets, in taxis, in bus and rail stations, on public transport and for workers in customer facing roles in cafés, bars and restaurants.

Physical Distancing


physical distancing of at least 2 metres should be respected.


Source: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/IRL/7001

                                                                                                     


26.01.2021

From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?


Partially


Ireland is implementing the commonly agreed EU "traffic lights" approach to travel restrictions, which applies to EU and EEA countries.

From 16 January 2021, passenger arrivals from ALL countries are subject to the requirement for a pre-departure negative PCR test. The test must be taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.

In general, you are also requested to restrict your movements for 14 days if you arrive in Ireland from another country. This applies to all travellers entering the State, including Irish citizens coming home and people with no symptoms.

Restricting your movements means avoiding contact with other people and social situations as much as possible.

In line with the EU traffic lights approach, the request to restrict movements does not apply to travellers from green regions, or those arriving from Northern Ireland.

Currently, all passengers entering Ireland from orange, red, and grey regions are requested to restrict their movements for 14 days. This period of restricted movement can end if you receive a negative result of a PCR test that has been taken a minimum of five days after your arrival in Ireland. You should wait for your negative test result to be returned before ending the period of restricted movements.

This general request to restrict movement for 14 days does not apply to certain defined categories.

Passenger Locator Form

If you arrive in Ireland from another country, you must fill in a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form.

Find out more:
gov.ie - Travelling to Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic

Documents you need to travel in Europe


What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?




From 9 January 2021, all passengers arriving at Irish airports and ports whose journey originates in Great Britain or South Africa will be requested to have evidence of a negative result from a pre-departure PCR COVID-19 test (COVID-19 not detected) taken up to 72 hours prior to arrival in Ireland.

International Transport Workers, including workers in aviation, maritime and road haulage sectors, are exempt from this requirement.

See also:
Commission adopts Recommendation on EU coordinated approach to travel and transport in response to a new variant of coronavirus in the UK (22 December 2020)

____________________

For travel from non-EU/EEA countries, the general request to restrict your movements for 14 days does not apply to certain defined categories, as indicated below:

(a) International Transport Workers, including workers in aviation, maritime and road haulage sectors

(b) Travellers with an essential function or need as set out in paragraph 19 of the EU Council Recommendation, including:

I. Passengers travelling for the purposes of an imperative business reason, only while carrying out that essential function

II. Passengers arriving for imperative family reasons, only while pursuing that imperative reason

III. Returning passengers, who have carried out an essential function in another region, but who have otherwise restricted their movement while in that region

The approach to post-arrival testing for red/grey regions in the ECDC categorisation will also apply to arrivals from all non-EU/EEA countries from 29 November 2020.


Passenger Locator Form

If you arrive into Ireland from another country, you must fill in a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form.



May I enter this country by sea transport?

Partially

From 9 January 2021, all passengers arriving at Irish airports and ports whose journey originates in Great Britain or South Africa will be requested to have evidence of a negative result from a pre-departure PCR COVID-19 test (COVID-19 not detected) taken up to 72 hours prior to arrival in Ireland.

International Transport Workers, including workers in aviation, maritime and road haulage sectors, are exempt from this requirement.

See also:
Commission adopts Recommendation on EU coordinated approach to travel and transport in response to a new variant of coronavirus in the UK (22 December 2020)


General measures



Ireland has established a Plan for living with COVID-19.

This plan sets out 5 levels that correspond to the severity of COVID-19 in a location. Different levels can be in place in different locations in the country.

Level 1 is for locations where COVID-19 is the least severe and means that restrictions on the activities of people and businesses are at their lowest level. Level 5 is for locations where COVID-19 is most severe and means that restrictions on the activities of people and businesses are at their highest level.

Level 5 is currently in place

Every county in Ireland is on alert Level 5 in the 'Plan for living with COVID-19' from 1 December 2020.

Measures in place at Level 5

Health cover for temporary stays


Use of facemasks


Face coverings are mandatory in retail outlets, in taxis, in bus and rail stations, on public transport and for workers in customer facing roles in cafés, bars and restaurants.

Physical Distancing


physical distancing of at least 2 meters should be respected.


Source: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/IRL/6001

                                                                                                     


15.12.2020

From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?


PARTIALLY


Ireland is implementing the new EU 'traffic lights' approach to travel, which applies to countries in the EU / EEA (+ UK).

In general, you are requested to restrict your movements for 14 days if you arrive into Ireland from another country. This applies to all travellers entering the State, including Irish citizens coming home and people with no symptoms.

Restricting your movements means avoiding contact with other people and social situations as much as possible.

In line with the EU traffic lights approach, the request to restrict movements does not apply to travellers from green regions, or those arriving from Northern Ireland.

Currently, all passengers entering Ireland from orange, red, and grey regions are requested to restrict their movements for 14 days. This period of restricted movement can end if you receive a negative/'not detected' result of a PCR test that has been taken a minimum of five days after your arrival in Ireland. You should wait for your negative test result to be returned before ending the period of restricted movements.

This general request to restrict movement for 14 days does not apply to certain defined categories.

What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?


For travel from non-EU/EEA countries, the general request to restrict your movements for 14 days does not apply to certain defined categories, as indicated below:

(a) International Transport Workers, including workers in aviation, maritime and road haulage sectors

(b) Travellers with an essential function or need as set out in paragraph 19 of the EU Council Recommendation, including:

I. Passengers travelling for the purposes of an imperative business reason, only while carrying out that essential function

II. Passengers arriving for imperative family reasons, only while pursuing that imperative reason

III. Returning passengers, who have carried out an essential function in another region, but who have otherwise restricted their movement while in that region

The approach to post-arrival testing for red/grey regions in the ECDC categorisation will also apply to arrivals from all non-EU/EEA countries from 29 November 2020.

What are the rules if I go abroad from this country, and when I return from abroad?


From Monday 9 November, Ireland is implementing the new EU 'traffic lights' approach to travel, which applies to countries in the EU / EEA.

The current advice for travel to these countries is 'exercise a high degree of caution'. The general advice for any other overseas travel remains 'avoid non-essential travel' or in some cases, 'do not travel'.

More information at: gov.ie - Travelling outside of Ireland

Travel Advice by Country


Passenger Locator Form

If you arrive into Ireland from another country, you must fill in a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form.


Find out more:

gov.ie - Travelling to Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic

Documents you need to travel in Europe


                                                                                                     


14.09.2020

Entry Restrictions


COVID-19 green list is reviewed on a fortnightly basis.


Travel to a very limited set of locations (COVID-19 green list) is exempted from the general advice against non-essential travel overseas. Individuals arriving into Ireland from these locations will not be requested to restrict their movements upon entry.


Passengers from any other location not on this list are asked to restrict their movements for 14 days. The general advice against non-essential travel includes Great Britain but does not apply to Northern Ireland.


Travelling to Ireland from a location that is on the COVID-19 green list

Travelling to Ireland from a location that is NOT on the COVID-19 green list


Travelling from (or returning to) Ireland
Travelling abroad from Ireland
Travel advice by country from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.


Rules and Exceptions
The Irish Authorities advise anyone coming into Ireland, apart from Northern Ireland and from locations with a security rating of "normal precautions" (green), to restrict their movements for 14 days. This includes citizens and residents returning to Ireland. Restricting your movements means staying indoors in one location and avoiding contact with other people and social situations as much as possible.

Before starting your journey, please check visa requirements at www.inis.gov.ie.


Mandatory Travel Documentation
COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form


Find out more
COVID-19 Travel Advice
Driving abroad


Source: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/IRL

Source: European Commission

07.04.2020

Support measures for strategic maritime connections to Ireland 

The Irish Government has announced the designation, on a temporary basis only, of five strategic maritime routes into and out of Ireland as Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes during COVID-19 for a period of up to three months. These are Dublin/Cherbourg and Rosslare/Fishguard, Pembroke, Cherbourg and Bilbao, with the emergency provision of a maximum contribution of €15 million towards the costs involved in the continued operation of passenger ferry services on these routes in that period. The operators currently providing these services are Irish Ferries, Stena Line and Brittany Ferries.

Further information: 
https://www.gov.ie/en/news/fb9743-government-support-measure...

More info:
https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/c36c85-covid-19-coronavirus/

Source: https://ec.europa.eu/transport/coronavirus-response_en

Quarantine of 14 days for travellers coming to Ireland (16.03.2020)

Anyone coming into Ireland, apart from Northern Ireland, will be required to restrict their movements on arrival for 14 days. This includes Irish residents. Essential supply chain services such as hauliers, pilots and maritime staff are exempt.

Start date: 16.03.2020

End date: not available

Further information: https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/coronavirus/

Temporary and limited relaxation of the enforcement of driving and rest times for the drivers of vehicles engaged in goods transport

Ireland has notified a temporary and limited relaxation of the enforcement of driving and rest times for the drivers of vehicles engaged in goods transport. This relaxation is granted pursuant to Article 14(2) of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006. It will apply to those drivers involved in domestic and international transport.

Start date: 18.03.2020

End date: 16.04.2020

further information: https://ec.europa.eu/transport/sites/transport/files/temporary-relaxatio...





Remarks from the International Road Transport Union

23.03.2022

COVID-19 Update: All COVID-19 travel restrictions removed in Ireland


From 6 March 2022, travellers to Ireland are not required to:

- complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form (PLF)

- show proof of vaccination

- show proof of recovery or a negative PCR test result upon arrival

- do a post-arrival test or quarantine

Any individual that develops COVID-19 symptoms while in Ireland should follow the HSE guidance in relation to isolation and undertaking antigen or PCR testing as appropriate.

More information: here.

Source: gov.ie


__________________________________________________________________

03.12.2021

COVID-19 Update new rules for travelling to Ireland


People travelling to Ireland from overseas you must fill out a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before departure.

In addition, anyone travelling to Ireland also need a negative or not detected Covid-19 test:

- People who are vaccinated or recovered can present a negative antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before arriving, or a negative RT-PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arriving,

- Non-vaccinated must present a negative RT-PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arriving.

Exemptions from testing requirements:

- People who are travelling in the course of their duties and are an international transport worker in possession of an annex 3 certificate, the driver of a heavy goods vehicle or are aviation crew or maritime crew. The exemption also apply to the filling for the PLF.

- Patients travelling to Ireland for urgent medical reasons, and that reason is certified by a registered medical practitioner or person with equivalent qualifications outside the State.

- Children aged 11 and under.

- Passengers whose journey originated in Northern Ireland and have not been overseas in the 14-day prior to arrival.

- A member of the GardaC- or Defence Forces personnel travelling to the State in the course of performing his or her duties.

- A person who travels to the State pursuant to an arrest warrant, extradition proceedings or other mandatory legal obligation.

- Travel to perform the function of or provide services to an office holder or elected representative, where such travel to Ireland is required to continue providing such services or performing such functions.

If a citizen has a genuine humanitarian emergency requiring urgent travel and might not be able to obtain the result of a pre-departure RT-PCR test in time, they should contact the nearest embassy or consulate immediately for advice and consular assistance before commencing their journey.


Detailed information from the Irish government is available here.

Sources: IRHA and Government of Ireland

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

08.02.2021

IRHA, our Irish association has informed that the Holmestown testing site in Wexford is now open for testing. 

The revised timings are as follows:

Dublin Blue Carpark: Monday to Saturday 8:00 hrs -19:00 hrs plus on Sunday 07 February & 21 February 10:00 hrs  - 14:00 hrs

Gorey Until 07 February: Monday to Friday 11:00 hrs - 22:00 hrs  Saturday 10:00 hrs - 21:00 hrs

Gorey from 08 February: Monday to Friday 9:00 hrs  – 20:00 hrs. Saturdays 9:30 hrs - 20:30 hrs

Holmestown, Wexford: Monday to Friday 12:00 hrs - 20:00 hrs , Saturdays 10:00 hrs - 21:00 hrs

Please note the importance of pre-booking an appointment with RocDoc at www.covidcheck.ie

Details of how to register and book an appointment can be found in the FAQ. A copy of the document is attached.

The updated FAQ can also be found here.

Source: IRHA

                                                                                                     

Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: All UK passport holders to have Covid-19 Test report to enter France from Ireland

The French Authorities have directed that all UK passport holders entering France from Ireland will need to present printed evidence of a negative result from a privately undertaken (not NHS) pre-departure COVID-19 PCR or other antigen test taken up to 72 hours prior to their arrival.

A COVID-19 Declaration Form must also be completed. UK passport holders who permanently reside in the Irish Republic are exempt but must have proof of Irish residence (e.g. scanned utility bill).

 - The French decree extending the testing regime states that all people coming from the UK should present a declaration saying that they do not have Covid symptoms and that they have not been in contact with a confirmed case in the 14 days preceding their journey and be in possession of a negative PCR / Antigen Covid test taken less than 72 hours before embarking on their journey. The test has to be carried out on British territory (includes NI).

 - HGV/LCV drivers arriving in Cherbourg with UK passports are now being asked to prove that they are resident in Ireland to be allowed into France without a negative COVID test. The French authorities are aware that a driver could hold a UK passport and still work and live in the South. If the driver can prove by showing proof of address in Ireland – a scanned version of a utility bill etc. - they will be allowed in without proof of a negative test. There have been a number of cases of UK passport holders driving Irish trucks and who could prove they lived in Ireland that have been allowed in.

 - Drivers with UK passports driving NI registered trucks or working for NI haulage companies may have more difficulty in entering France. They risk being sent back if they do not have a valid PCR / antigen test.

The list of antigen tests approved by France is available here.
Source: Motis/AFTRI

                                                                                                     

22.04.2020

On 20 April, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport announced details of the legislative steps he has taken in support of the necessary closure of a range of Road Safety Authority services as result of the ongoing Covid-19 situation.

Under the new measures, the following have come into effect in relation to vehicle testing:

  • NCT vehicles with a test that was or will be due on or after 28 March 2020 have that test date extended by 4 months
  • Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Tests (CVRT) – vehicles with a test that was or will be due on or after 28 March have that test date extended by 3 months

The Minister has also taken the following steps in relation to driver licensing:

  • Driving licences due to expire between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 inclusive have had their date of expiry extended by 4 months
  • Learner permits due to expire between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 inclusive have had their date of expiry extended by 4 months
  • Driver Theory Test certificates due to expire between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 inclusive have had that date extended by 4 months
  • Certificates of Competency – issued when people pass a driving test and required when applying for a first full driving licence - due to expire between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 inclusive have had that date extended by 4 months
  • Initial Basic Training certificates for motorcycle learners due to expire between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 inclusive have had that date extended by 4 months


In addition, and in line with the arrangements previously in place for NCT certificates in relation to private cars, it will no longer be necessary to have a current Certificate of Roadworthiness (CRW) in order to tax a commercial vehicle. Companies should be able to renew the motor tax for a commercial vehicle from 21 April without need of a CRW.

Source: IRHA

                                                                                                     

16.04.2020

On 15 April, the Irish department of transport agreed to relax rules on driving and rest times for a further 6 weeks. Exemptions will apply from 17 April to 31 May for all haulage activity within the republic of Ireland and are as follows:

- Art. 6.3: the fortnightly driving limit is increased from 90 to 112 hours.

- Art. 8.4: the maximum of three reduced daily rest periods between any two weekly rest periods is increased from three to five; if a driver reaches the maximum of five in the first five days following the end of the previous weekly rest period, and then continues to drive on the sixth consecutive day, his daily log must not exceed thirteen hours for day six.

- Art. 8.6: The current weekly rest rules will continue to apply, but no compensation will be required for a reduced weekly rest period. In any two consecutive weeks, drivers must continue to take at least either two regular weekly rest periods, or one regular weekly rest period and one reduced weekly rest period of at least 24 hours, whilst ensuring that the weekly rest period starts no later than six 24 hour periods from the end of the previous weekly rest period.

- Art. 8.8: possibility for the driver to take the regular weekly rest in the vehicle, as long as it has suitable sleeping facilities for each driver and the vehicle is stationary.

Source: IRHA

                                                                                                       

Restrictions

The Irish Government have issued special advice about travelling, including restricting movements for 14 days on those entering Ireland who have been to affected areas. Freight transport is exempted. The government published a guidance note for supply chain workers. This document contains about one and half pages of useful guidelines for drivers.

To reduce the risk of infection, the ferry company Seatruck Ferries has temporarily stopped shipping any HGV drivers or any other passengers in their Irish Sea vessels. Accompanied road transport (complete truck combinations with driver) is then stopped until further notice, but the company will continue to carry unaccompanied semi-trailers, containers and swap bodies.

Relieves

In response to the extraordinary crisis due to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), Ireland has agreed to a temporary and limited relaxation of the enforcement of driving and rest times rules for the drivers of vehicles engaged in domestic and international goods transport. This relaxation is granted pursuant to Article 14(2) of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 and applies from 18 March 2020 and will run until 16 April 2020, provided that road safety is not affected [impaired] when transport companies make use of these exemptions. Employers remain responsible for the health and safety of their employees and other road users. For the above mentioned category of drivers, the following provisions will be temporarily relaxed as follows:


  • Derogation to Art. 6(3): the fortnightly driving limit is lifted from 90 hours to 112 hours.
  • Derogation to the Art. 8(6): in any two consecutive weeks a driver shall take at least two reduced weekly rest periods whilst maintaining the rule that a weekly rest period shall start no later than at the end of six 24-hour periods from the end of the previous weekly rest period. There shall be no requirement for compensation or for a regular weekly rest period to be taken.

Source: IRHA


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