Irish tourists looking to fly to popular holiday destinations such as Spain, Greece, Portugal or the UK will want to know what restrictions they may potentially face.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has all the up-to-date rules for travel across Europe.
However due to the nature of Covid-19, these rules could change rapidly so it's important to keep up to date on the latest travel guidance.
Here are the rules across a number of European hotspots for Irish tourists:
Portugal
The requirement for all fully vaccinated Irish tourists to have proof of a negative Covid-19 test on arrival.
This applies to holders of the EU digital Covid cert or those who have other proof of full vaccination, such as the NHScovid cert in the UK.
You can also enter Portugal by showing proof of recovery from Covid-19 in the last six months or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
Spain
For those heading off to Spain, the rules are slightly different.
Fully vaccinated tourists with an EU digital Covid cert will still have to fill out the Spanish Health Control Form before departure and get a QR code to present to officials.
However, children aged under 12 do not need to follow the Spanish testing/quarantine requirements.
Greece
If travelling to Greece, you need to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated in order to not have to fulfil the requirement to provide a negative PCR test result on arrival.
According to the DFA.ie: " passengers must complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 24 hours (Greek time) prior to arrival."
UK Travel Rules
Meanwhile, The UK is introducing new travel rules for people heading to the country.
From 4am on February 11, people flying from Ireland to the UK will need to fulfil new requirements.
There are different rules for the four nations of the UK.
England
If travelling to England from Ireland, you will not have to:
- complete a passenger locator form
- take any COVID-19 tests
- quarantine on arrival in England
However if you've been outside the Common Travel Area in the 10 days before you arrive in England, you must follow the international travel rules in place when you arrive.
For not fully vaccinated people, the following rules apply:
show proof of a negative COVID-19 test – test to be taken in the 2 days before you travel to England
book and pay for a COVID-19 PCR test – to be taken after you arrive in England
complete a passenger locator form before you travel to England (You will need to book the PCR test before you travel)
Scotland
The following restrictions apply to Irish people if they've been outside the CTA in the previous 10 days:
Provide proof of vaccination that shows that it's been at least 14 days since you had your final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
You need to take your day 2 PCR or lateral flow test on or before day 2 (you don’t need to do this if you’re fully vaccinated
Complete a Passenger Locator form
Wales
Irish people are not seen as foreign tourists in Wales and therefore do not have to fulfil any testing requirements, quarantine or locator forms as long as you have not been outside the CTA in the last 10 days.
Northern Ireland
Irish citizens are advised to take a rapid flow test before travelling to Northern Ireland.
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