Ireland: Authorities maintaining COVID-19 restrictions nationwide as of Aug. 12 /update 42

Ireland maintaining COVID-19 measures as of Aug. 12; domestic and international travel restrictions remain in effect.

Event

Authorities are maintaining measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 as of Aug. 12.

Travel Restrictions
Travelers from the EU, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland must possess proof of vaccination against COVID-19, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative PCR test taken in the 72 hours prior to arrival to enter.

Travelers from other countries with proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 may enter without the need to isolate; other travelers must have a negative PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours and self-isolate for 14 days on arrival. Isolation can be ended early following a negative PCR test taken on day five of the isolation period. Travelers arriving without any of these requirements will be placed in a government-designated hotel quarantine facility until a negative PCR result is confirmed. Irish authorities accept the EU Digital COVID Certificate as evidence of vaccination, recovery, or negative test.

Vaccinated or recovered travelers arriving from countries assessed to be high-risk, or who have visited a high-risk country in the preceding 14 days, must present a negative PCR test taken in the 72 hours prior to travel and self-isolate for 10 days on arrival; isolation can be ended early following a negative PCR test on day five of the isolation period. Other travelers traveling from or having visited high-risk countries must present a negative PCR test taken in the 72 hours prior to travel and quarantine in a government-designated hotel for 14 days on arrival; the quarantine can be ended early following a negative PCR test taken on day 10 of quarantine. Hotel quarantine must be booked in advance of arrival. The daily rate for the quarantine is EUR 150. The list of high-risk countries is available here.

All permitted arrivals must fill out a passenger locator form prior to travel; travelers arriving from Northern Ireland who have not visited other countries in the preceding 14 days are exempt from this requirement and testing and isolation requirements. Additional exemptions to testing and quarantine requirements are in place for certain categories of essential work and travel.

Domestic Restrictions
Outdoor service at restaurants and bars is permitted with protective measures in place; indoor services at catering establishments is only permitted for vaccinated or recovered individuals. 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 nine months. Up to 100 people may attend wedding receptions. Facemasks remain mandatory in enclosed public spaces. Individuals must work from home unless it is necessary to attend in person.

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.