Ireland Officially Reopens To U.S. Tourists

Last Updated 2 years ago

Ireland is one of America’s favorite travel destinations and it’s reopened today to American tourists after being closed throughout the pandemic.

The CEO of Tourism Ireland stated, “The tourism industry right across the island of Ireland is very much looking forward to welcoming back visitors from the U.S. and we will ensure they enjoy their visit. The health and safety of all our visitors continue to be the priority, and we will ensure they are protected alongside a very warm Irish welcome and a great vacation experience.”

The reopening of Ireland is welcome news to U.S travelers, and it’s not the first European country to reopen to U.S travelers. Other options include Sweden, Switzerland, France, Portugal, Germany, Italy, and Greece.

The Entry Requirements

If U.S. travelers have received full vaccination — there are no restrictions on the border. For example, travelers won’t have to take a PCR test or quarantine. U.S travelers will still need to provide proof of vaccination.

Only a few European countries are completely removing restrictions for fully vaccinated Americans. Although many EU nations have reopened to U.S. tourists, many nations still require a PCR test before flying and other frustrating restrictions.

However, if any U.S. travelers are unvaccinated, there are still some restrictions. For example, travelers will need evidence of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of flying to Ireland. Then, travelers will need to undergo self-quarantine for 14 days and undertake post-arrival testing. Ireland’s National Health Service will provide this.

Children under the age of 12 won’t need to undergo any PCR testing requirements. But if travelers are between the ages of 12 and 17, they will need a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arriving in Ireland. That’s even if they’re traveling with fully vaccinated adults.

Travelers will also need to fill out a passenger locator form upon arrival. Travelers should expect officials to ask for proof of vaccination upon arrival, as well as negative PCR tests. As Ireland reopens, it’s likely there might be some delays. So travelers should prepare for this.

Ireland Lockdown: Hotel Bans and Closures Shut Down Tourism

However, travelers should note that Ireland is part of the EU’s emergency brake mechanism. That means the country will respond quickly to any variants of concern and entry requirements may abruptly change (not what travelers want to hear.) Then again, which countries aren’t enforcing abrupt changes at the moment? Travelers can check the Irish government website for more info.

Fully vaccinated travelers will also be able to enjoy Ireland’s bars, cafes, and restaurants. Ireland has suspended much of its hospitality industry in the past year, and the industry is welcoming tourists back with open arms.

The Current COVID-19 Situation In Ireland

Ireland has kept cases of COVID-19 low compared to many EU countries and the United Kingdom. The country has reported around 280,000 cases since the pandemic began, and there have been just over 5,000 deaths in the country. The country has had stringent lockdowns for the past year.

COVID-19 cases are low in Ireland right now. There are around 1,000 new cases of COVID-19 per day, but the country is showing signs of beginning a fourth wave of the virus. That isn’t stopping the nation from reopening to U.S travelers and giving its hammered tourism industry some income.

Ireland remains a popular destination for many reasons. Many U.S travelers have family there thanks to ancestral roots, and nature, bars, and scenery are tremendous throughout the country.