Lifting of Travel restrictions from 19 July

From the 19 July 2021 the Government advice surrounding non-essential travel is changing. The new advice will be to travel safely and in accordance with public health guidance. Many of the previous travel restrictions are to be  removed subject to a new “Emergency Break” mechanism being in operation.

Emergency Brake

Ireland is taking part in the “Emergency Brake” mechanism which is to be co-ordinated at EU level. This can be applied specific non-EEA countries in order to protect against the importation of Covid-19 variants.

Where the Emergency Brake has not been applied;

• If the passenger has valid proof of vaccination, no travel-related testing or quarantine will be necessary.
• If passenger does not have valid proof of vaccination, they will be required to:
  • Present evidence of a negative RT-PCR test result within 72 hours prior to arrival.
  • Self-quarantine.
  • Undergo post-arrival testing – this is provided by the Health Service Executive.

Where the Emergency Brake has been applied;

• If the passenger has valid proof of vaccination, they will need to:
  • Produce a negative result from a RT-PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
  • Undergo self-quarantine.
  • Undergo post-arrival testing – this will be provided through the Health Service Executive also.
• If passenger does not have valid proof of vaccination, they will need to:
  • Produce evidence of a negative result from a PCR test undertaken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
  • Undergo mandatory hotel quarantine (this must be prepaid).
  • Undergo post-arrival testing.

EU Digital Covid Certificate

From the 19 July the Government will take part in the EU Digital Covid Certificate scheme. This will only apply to travel originating within the EEA and only to EU citizens and residents.

The certificate will act as proof that the bearer has;

• Been vaccinated against Covid-19; or
• Received a negative test result for Covid-19; or
• Recovered from Covid-19;

Holding this certificate will act to exempt the holder of it from being subject to free movement restrictions.

For further information see www.gov.ie