Almost 2 years on from the Pandemic reaching our shores, people are getting the itch for some travel. With Omicron stirring chaos within the travel industry, many feel their opportunity to visit Ireland has been delayed or stalled. With Saint Patrick’s Day arriving in the upcoming months, many are looking to book a trip to Ireland but may be unsure on the current travel restrictions. We’re here to analyse what the current restrictions are in Ireland, and what they mean for visiting the Emerald Isle.

What Documents Are Required to Travel?

Everyone arriving in Ireland must complete a Passenger Locator Form before boarding a flight or taking a boat to Ireland.

You must also have one of the following when you arrive in Ireland:

• An EU Digital COVID Certificatethat shows you are fully vaccinated with an EMA approved vaccine, or have recovered from COVID-19, or
• Other acceptable proof that you have been fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine, or you have recovered from COVID-19, or
• Proof of a negative RT-PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before your arrival

Children aged 11 and under are exempt from testing requirements.

Since Thursday 6 January 2022, pre-departure testing is no longer needed, except for travellers that do not have proof that they are vaccinated or do not have proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the previous 6 months. If you do not have proof of vaccination or do not have proof that you have recovered from COVID-19, you must have a negative RT-PCR test taken with 72 hours before your arrival. Antigen tests are not accepted for travel to Ireland. 

What COVID Restrictions Are Currently Set in Ireland?

COVID restrictions are currently a little stricter than the UK’s, and have been since the 20th of December due to the increase of cases brought by OMICRON.

From 20 December 2021:

Pubs and restaurants

Pubs and restaurants must close at 8pm. This does not include take-away and delivery services. 

Indoor events

No indoor events are allowed after 8pm. This includes cultural, sporting and community events. Attendance is limited to 1000 people, or 50% of the venue’s capacity (whichever is lower). 

Organised outdoor events

Attendance is limited to 5000 people, or 50% of the venue’s capacity (whichever is lower). This includes sporting events.

Weddings

Wedding reception attendance is limited to 100 guests. Receptions must end at midnight.

What are the Rules on Vaccine Passports?

Unlike the UK, Ireland requires proof of vaccination to enter most indoor hospitality venues.

To access indoors services such as restaurants and pubs, you must show proof that you are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 6 months (proof of immunity).

Children under 18 who are dining with you do not need proof of vaccination or recovery. You may be asked for proof that your child is under 18. Minors (people under 18) who are alone must show vaccination certs or proof of immunity. 

Businesses can refuse entry if you cannot show proof of vaccination or immunity or you cannot show that your certificate relates to you– for example, by showing photo id. If businesses do not do this, they may be liable for fines or closure.

You can use your EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) or your HSE vaccination record as proof. You need to have photo identification to show that the proof of vaccination or recovery belongs to you.

You can use the following as identification:

• Driving licence
• Passport
• Student card
• Garda age card
• Irish Residence Permit (IRP)
• National identity card
• Any other official document that includes your photo and was issued outside of Ireland

If you do not have a DCC or HSE vaccination record (because you are visiting Ireland from another country for example), you can use an official vaccination record issued by the country where you were vaccinated or tested for COVID-19.

Final Thoughts

While measures are in place to ensure the spread of COVID is minimised, Ireland is still a fully functioning and ideal country to add to your 2022 travel list.

We’d highly recommend ensuring you’re fully vaccinated before booking a trip to Ireland, and keep up to date with new rules that may be enforced last minute on requiring the booster. Whilst these restrictions are in place, the Irish government has said Ireland is turning a corner with Omicron, and it’s believed these are the tightest the restrictions will hopefully be this year. While restrictions may be places on pubs and hospitality, Ireland is best known for it’s beautiful scenery and historical landmarks, which are never effected by the restrictions! We hope to see you soon.

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