Ireland: Officials ease COVID-19-related entry restrictions for vaccinated arrivals as of Jan. 6 /update 54

Event

As of Jan. 6, Irish authorities have eased entry restrictions for travelers who have been vaccinated against or recovered from COVID-19; such persons no longer require proof of a negative test result before entry. Other arrivals must produce evidence of a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.

Domestic Measures
Hospitality venues must close at 20:00 each day and capacity limits are in place for public and private events. These measures will remain in place until at least Jan. 30. COVID-19 passes confirming the holder is vaccinated against or recovered from COVID-19 are necessary to access indoor catering, fitness, and leisure services and hotels. Restaurants may operate table service only with a maximum of six adults per table. Indoor events are limited to 50 percent capacity, while private gatherings are limited to four households. Facemasks are mandatory in all enclosed public spaces. Authorities advise everyone to work from home unless their presence is necessary on company premises. Details of domestic restrictions are available by clicking here.

International Entry Restrictions
Unvaccinated travelers arriving without proof of a negative test result must self-isolate and take a PCR test within 36 hours of arrival. Authorities advise all travelers from the UK - other than those from Northern Ireland - to take daily antigen tests for five days, starting from the day of arrival; these individuals must self-isolate and take a PCR test if they test positive on their antigen test or develop symptoms. This measure is in addition to existing entry requirements for UK travelers.

Authorities have lifted enhanced entry requirements for individuals who had recently visited Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe.

All permitted arrivals must fill out a passenger locator form before travel; travelers arriving from Northern Ireland, UK, who have not visited other countries in the preceding 14 days are exempt from this, as well as the testing and isolation requirements. For details of international entry requirements, click here.

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

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.

Resources

Passenger Locator Form
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control - Country Map