Ireland: Authorities remove mandatory hotel quarantine for international arrivals as of Sept. 27 /update 45

Ireland removes requirement for some international arrivals to undergo hotel quarantine as of Sept. 27; domestic COVID-19 measures remain.

Event

Authorities have lifted the requirement that unvaccinated arrivals who have recently visited countries assessed to be high-risk for COVID-19 transmission quarantine in a government-designated hotel. Other measures designed to minimize the spread of COVID-19 remain in place.

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 before 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 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.

All permitted arrivals must fill out a passenger locator form before 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; indoor services at catering establishments are 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.