Ireland: Authorities maintaining COVID-19 restrictions as of April 26 /update 34

Ireland enforcing COVID-19 entry measures and domestic restrictions as of April 26.

Event

Authorities are maintaining COVID-19-related international entry restrictions as of April 26. All incoming travelers must complete a passenger locator form prior to arrival and possess a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within the 72 hours prior to travel. Additionally, all travelers must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival, though those from lower-risk countries may end their quarantine periods early by taking a COVID-19 test confirming a negative result no less than five days after arrival. Essential transport workers, individuals in transit, and travelers whose journeys originate in Northern Ireland, UK, are exempt from these requirements.

Travelers arriving from several countries, including, but not limited to, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Italy, South Africa, Turkey, UAE, and the US must quarantine for 14 days at a government-designated hotel. The hotel must be booked in advance of travel. The full list of countries impacted by this mandate can be found here. The isolation period may be extended for up to 10 days for travelers who test positive for COVID-19 during quarantine. The same measure applies to travelers from any other country who are not in possession of a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. The daily rate for the quarantine is EUR 150 (USD 178).

Domestic Restrictions
Authorities are also maintaining domestic COVID-19-related restrictions. Residents are only permitted to travel for nonessential purposes within 20 km (12 miles) of their homes. In addition, a maximum of two households is permitted to meet socially outdoors. The following directives also remain in place:

Residents are not allowed visitors except for essential family reasons; however, from April 26, two households that have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are permitted to meet indoors.
Individuals must remain at home, except for work, exercise, or performing essential tasks, such as seeking healthcare services or attending to family emergencies. Working from home is required whenever possible.
Restaurants and pubs must remain closed.
Nonessential retail outlets and personal services such as hairdressers, along with gyms and swimming pools, are still closed, as are all cultural institutions.
Family gatherings are suspended. Funerals and weddings are limited to 25 and six attendees, respectively.
Public transport capacity is limited to 25 percent; residents are advised to use public transport only for essential purposes.
Facemasks are required in indoor public places and crowded outdoor public places.

Officials are considering relaxing measures from May 4, including with the possible easing of restrictions on nonessential retail and other businesses.

Authorities could reintroduce, extend, or otherwise amend restrictions with little-to-no notice, depending on disease activity.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.