Ireland: Authorities to continue easing COVID-19 restrictions on domestic activities from June 2 /update 36

Ireland to continue easing COVID-19 domestic restrictions from June 2; international entry controls remain in place.

Event

Authorities in Ireland plan to continue easing the nation's COVID-19-related domestic restrictions with hotels set to reopen June 2 and indoor dining being permitted for hotel guests. Beginning June 7 the following will be permitted, subject to the epidemiological situation at that date:

People may entertain visitors from one other household.
Up to 25 people may attend wedding receptions.
Gyms and swimming pools will reopen.
Groups of up to six people may attend bars and restaurants for outdoor service; indoor services will remain prohibited until July 5.
Sports events will be allowed to proceed without an audience.

International Entry Restrictions
All incoming travelers must complete a passenger locator form prior to arrival and possess a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (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, and have not been abroad in the last 14 days are exempt from these requirements.

Travelers arriving from several countries must quarantine for 14 days at a government-designated hotel. The hotel must be booked in advance of travel. For a full list of countries impacted by this mandate, click here. In the coming days, authorities are expected to remove Belgium, France, and Luxembourg from the list of countries that require visitors to undergo mandatory hotel quarantine, though the exact date is unclear.

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 PCR test. The daily rate for the quarantine is EUR 150 (USD 178).

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.