Ireland: Authorities to require all arriving international travelers to provide a negative COVID-19 test from Dec. 3 /update 50

Ireland to tighten certain COVID-19-related international entry restrictions from Dec. 3; domestic restrictions unchanged.

Event

Authorities in Ireland are tightening certain international entry requirements related to COVID-19. Starting Dec. 3, all fully vaccinated travelers arriving in the country will need to present either a negative result from a PCR test taken within the past 72 hours or from an antigen test taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival; unvaccinated travelers must provide a negative result from a PCR test taken within no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. The measure will be in place until at least Dec. 17.

Moreover, persons arriving from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe must self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival and take a PCR test on days two and eight of their stays. Travelers may leave self-isolation on day 10 if both PCR tests are negative; if either test is positive, the individual must self-isolate for an additional 10 days from the date of the 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, as well as the testing and isolation requirements.

Irish authorities accept the EU Digital COVID Certificate as evidence of vaccination, recovery, or negative test.

Domestic Restrictions
Persons from households where confirmed COVID-19 cases have occurred should restrict their movements until they have negative results from three antigen tests over the course of a five-day period. Individuals are advised to work from home if they are able to do so. 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.