Ireland: Officials ease domestic COVID-19 restrictions from Feb. 28 /update 56

Event

Authorities will ease domestic restrictions imposed as part of the response to the Omicron variant of COVID-19 from Feb. 28. From this date, facemasks will no longer be required in most settings except on public transport and in medical facilities.

Domestic Measures
Hospitality venues have resumed normal trading hours and capacity limits have been removed for public and private events. COVID-19 passes confirming the holder is vaccinated against or recovered from COVID-19 are no longer necessary to access indoor catering, fitness, and leisure services and hotels. Authorities have also relaxed work from home requirements to allow a phased return to the workplace. Facemasks will remain mandatory in all enclosed public spaces, including on public transport until at least Feb. 28. Details of domestic restrictions are available by clicking here.

International Entry Restrictions
International arrivals without proof of full vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 must produce evidence of a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. Those without proof of a negative test result must self-isolate and take a PCR test within 36 hours of arrival. In addition, 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.

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