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Ireland Updates Entry Requirements For US, UK and Canadian Travelers

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From this Sunday, December 5, all travelers to the Republic of Ireland will be required to show proof of a negative Covid test result upon arrival.

Reports say that Ireland’s travel update has been imposed to help slow the spread of the virus in light of the new variant. The minister of Ireland’s Department of Health, Stephen Donnelly, signed the updated travel advisory on Friday to make it official.

The proof of a negative test result will be mandatory for all travelers entering the country.

Houses at the Coast of Ireland

New Travel Rules Will Apply To All Arrivals To The Republic Of Ireland

Those travelers who don’t have a proof of full vaccination or recovery will have to provide a PCR test taken no later than 72 hours of arrival to Ireland.

Travelers with a vaccine certificate or proof of full recovery will be able to show either a negative test result from a rapid antigen test taken no later than 48 hours of arrival or a 72 hour PCR test to be cleared for travel. The passengers documents will be checked pre-departure.

Shot of a young couple looking at a map for directions outdoors

According to the updated entry guidelines, all rapid antigen tests for travel to Ireland must be on the EU’s common list of rapid antigen tests. You can see the list here.

And according to the department, any travelers without a negative Covid test result for travel will be required to self-quarantine as well as take a PCR test upon arrival to Ireland.

As stated in the press release the other day by Ireland’s Department of Health, “Passengers to Ireland who arrive without a negative test result are required to home quarantine and take a PCR test within 36 hours of arrival.”

They continue: “A subsequent negative/not detected test can enable the passenger to exit the home quarantine. If no PCR test is taken, the passenger must remain in home quarantine for 10 days after arrival.”

Colorful houses in Kenmare, Ireland

Testing Requirements Don't Apply To Some Essential Workers Or Those Under 12

There are a few exceptions for the entry requirements, including some essential workers, travelers under the age of 12 and those traveling in a humanitarian emergency. You can see the full list here.

The testing requirements also do not include persons traveling from Northern Ireland who haven’t been overseas in the past 14 days before arrival.

Ireland’s updated entry requirement is temporary and will be routinely reviewed.

sunset view of a small bridge in Dublin, Ireland

Ireland’s Travel Restrictions 2021

Back in September, the Republic of Ireland lifted the required hotel quarantine for all international arrivals. And on July 19, the country welcomed back travelers from the US, the UK and Canada with proof of vaccination.

At the same time, Ireland also introduced the EU Digital Covid Certificate (also known as DCC) to allow for travelers to move from Ireland to within the EU and some Schengen countries.

front of the famous Temple Bar in Dublin, Ireland

Additional Entry Requirements For Travelers

Travelers coming from the US, the UK, Canada and elsewhere must also fill out a Public Health Passenger Locator Form prior to departure.

It was announced by the Department of Health last week that travelers who’ve visited one or any on this list of scheduled states over the last 14 days prior to travel to Ireland won’t be allowed to enter the country at this time.

close up of covid test

Local Restrictions Throughout Ireland

After opening back up to international travelers over the summer, restrictions throughout Ireland have loosened from earlier in the year. Masks must be worn on public transportation and in any public enclosed environment. Bars and restaurants are open until midnight, and anyone entering must provide proof of full vaccination or recovery.

Ireland flag hanging from a storefront

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