Ireland’s Covid-19 Entry Requirements

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Last Updated 3 weeks ago

Ireland – a country known for its enchanting beauty, timeless adventure, unique culture, and of course… historic castles and Guiness beer just to name a few. 

Ireland started reopening on July 21, 2020, but has changed entry requirements and rules a few times as Europe adapts to the surges of the pandemic. 

Here you’ll find all the latest Covid-19 entry requirements for Ireland and everything travelers need to know before booking their trip. 

Please note: For most of 2021 Ireland has been under different levels of lockdown. Travel, movement, businesses, and other services are extremely limited during this time. 

Countries Permitted To Visit Ireland

All Countries. 

Technically, all nations and countries are permitted entry into Ireland, under all ‘pre-covid’ visa laws. 

Online Authorization Form To Visit Ireland

All arrivals into Ireland, both residents and tourists alike, will have to complete the Covid-19 Passenger Locator Form before entering the country. 

The form is for every traveler who is 16 or older and failure to complete the form could result in a fine of up to €2,500 or imprisonment for up to 6 months.

Ireland’s ‘Traffic Light’ System

Since October, Ireland started using the ‘traffic light system’ suggested by the EU in order to determine the risk level of the country passengers are traveling from. 

Regions across the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) are categorized as green, orange, red or grey, on the basis of the risk levels associated with COVID-19.

Green, Orange, Red and Grey countries all have different rules, explained below.

Ireland’s COVID-19 Testing Entry Requirements 

Starting January 8, 2021, passengers entering or transiting Ireland will need to bring proof of a negative PCR test, taken no longer than 72 hours before arrival.

Anyone arriving without proof of the negative test could face fines of up to €2500.

Quarantine & ‘Test To Release’ Programs in Ireland

14-day isolation is required from most passengers entering Ireland, both foreigners, and residents. 

Visitors and returning citizens from abroad can take a PCR test on Day 5 of quarantine, upon which the negative results will release the passenger from the remainder of the isolation. 

High Risk Countries: Currently passengers coming from ‘RED ZONE’ countries will have to quarantine for 14 days at a government-approved hotel facility at their own cost. Even if the passenger has only transited in one of the RED countries during the last 14 days, they will be required to hotel quarantine. An exemption for the hotel quarantine will be applied in late April 2021 that will allow fully vaccinated passengers to quarantine at home.

There are over 40+ countries on the RED ZONE list, which is updated frequently

COVID-19 Travel Insurance Entry Requirements 

All incoming travelers should have travel insurance the covers COVID-19 for the duration of their trip to Ireland

COVID-19 Health Requirements While in Ireland

All visitors must follow COVID-19 health requirements while in Ireland:

• Wearing a mask is required by law on public transit, and should be worn in all public places. 
• Social distancing of 2 metres 

Ireland is currently in their Phase 5 of reopening. See all the rules and regulations in place under Phase 5

COVID-19 Vaccine Entry Requirements 

Ireland has not announced any mandates on a proof of vaccine record (POVR) or an international certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis (ICVP) for entry.  Currently vaccinated passengers from high-risk countries can skip the hotel quarantine.

Visa Entry Requirements For Ireland During COVID-19

Many countries can visit Ireland Visa free. 

Of course, EU/EEA nations have freedom of movement agreement with Ireland, and other nations like Canada, USA, Australia, Japan and Singapore can all visit visa-free.

If you are a citizen of a nation that requires a visa, you will have to apply at the Irish consulate in your home country before entry. 

Visa Policy of Ireland – credit: TwoFortnights

Ireland Covid-19 Entry Requirements:

1. Check to see if you need a Visa to enter Ireland
2. Fill our your Passenger Locator Form
3. Understand your testing and/or quarantine requirements upon arrival
4. Follow all health protocols while in Ireland

Read More: 

Countries Reopening For American Tourists

Countries Reopening For Canadian Tourists

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19

Source: gov.ie / dfa.ie / ecdc.europa.eu / 

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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