Ireland: Authorities maintaining COVID-19-related restrictions as of July 7 /update 39

Ireland enforcing international entry restrictions, domestic social distancing mandates as of July 7.

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Authorities are maintaining COVID-19-related international entry restrictions as of July 7. All incoming travelers must complete a passenger locator form prior to arrival and possess a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to travel. Additionally, all travelers, unless otherwise indicated, 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 and individuals in transit, as well as travelers whose journeys originate in Northern Ireland and who have not been abroad in the last 14 days, are exempt from these requirements.

As of July 7, all travelers arriving from the UK (with the exception of those from Northern Ireland) must self-isolate for 14 days; vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers can leave isolation after five and 10 days respectively after receipt of a negative COVID-19 PCR test.

Travelers arriving from countries assessed to be high-risk 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. 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.

Officials have confirmed that Ireland will participate in the EU’s Digital COVID Certificate scheme from July 19; this will provide travelers with proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, COVID-19 recovery, or a recently negative COVID-19 test. Ireland should therefore allow travelers possessing the certificate to enter without restriction.

Domestic Restrictions
Some domestic restrictions remain in place as of July 7. Restaurants and bars can serve groups of up to six people. People may entertain visitors from only one other household; there is no limit on social gatherings involving only people who have been fully vaccinated or who have recovered from COVID-19 in the previous 9 months. Up to 50 people may attend wedding receptions. Facemasks remain mandatory in enclosed public spaces.

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.