Ireland: Authorities tighten domestic COVID-19 restrictions effective Dec. 7 /update 51

Ireland tightens domestic COVID-19 restrictions effective Dec. 7; international entry restrictions remain in effect.

Event

Authorities in Ireland tightened domestic restrictions imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 effective Dec. 7.

Domestic Measures
COVID-19 passes confirming the holder is vaccinated against or recovered from COVID-19 are required to access indoor catering, fitness, and leisure services in addition for all hotel guests. Restaurants may operate table service only with a maximum of six adults per table. Capacity limits at indoor events is reduced to 50 percent. Private gatherings are limited to four households. Facemasks are mandatory in all enclosed public spaces.

International Entry Restrictions
All fully vaccinated travelers arriving via air or sea 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 72 hours prior to arrival. Travelers arriving without this requirement must self-isolate and take a PCR test within 36 hours of arrival.

Individuals who have spent any time in the previous 14 days in Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe are not permitted to travel to Ireland. Exceptions are in place for Irish, EU, and UK citizens, diplomats, and transport workers. Permitted arrivals 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.

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.