Kashlee KucheranLast Updated
Ireland has returned to a full lockdown expecting to last until at least January 31, 2021 that will greatly affect any tourists currently inside the country, or any visitors due to soon arrive.
Prime Minister Michael Martin placed the nation under a Level 5 lockdown to help stop the spread of the new variants of the virus. The PM warned the new strains were “spreading at a rate that has surpassed the most pessimistic models available to us”, prompting the government to take swift and firm action.
Ireland’s Level 5 rules came into effect on December 31st and are expected to last until at least January 31st.
Other than temporarily banning flights from the UK and South Africa, Ireland has not published any major changes to border entry rules. However, while many foreigners still qualify to enter Ireland, tourism is going to be virtually impossible with the Level 5 restrictions.
All travellers who were set to arrive in Ireland in January should seriously reconsider their travel plans.
To summarize the changes that will most greatly affect tourists entering Ireland: Hotel stays for leisure are banned, you cannot visit anyone’s household, non-essential retail is closed, and restaurants are only permitted to offer takeaway or delivery.
Accommodation bans, restrictions on movement, and other closures will make any sort of tourism fundamentally inaccessible.
Here are all the Level 5 rules and regulations for Ireland’s lockdown
→ Stay at home order is in effect, except for work, education or another essential purpose, with all being asked to stay within a 5km radius of home.
→ Public transportation will be operating at 25% capacity and is reserved for essential reasons only.
→ Hotel stays for any casual, social, and/or tourism purposes are prohibited.
→ Restaurants are for delivery/takeaway only, even those inside hotel establishments.
→ Non-essential retail and gyms must stay closed.
→ All museums, galleries and other cultural attractions closed
→ No indoor or outdoor gatherings permitted.
→ Visitors to private households are prohibited.
→ Travel ban from the UK and South Africa will remain until at least January 7.
→ Schools to stay closed until January 11.
Come January 31, the lockdown will either be removed or extended, based on the epidemiological situation at that time.
Ireland is now experiencing a ‘third-wave’ as case numbers skyrocket to new record highs not seen since the start of the pandemic. Current rules resemble restrictions Ireland implemented back in March when most of Europe found itself in lockdown.
Credit: Worldometers
Read More: Read all of Ireland's Covid-19 Entry Requirements, which companies offer travel insurance that covers covid, and a complete list of countries currently open for tourism.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories