It’s important to know before you go.
Earlier this week, restrictions on non-essential international travel were eased, and many holidaymakers set off abroad.
However, just because the restrictions are eased doesn’t mean that it’s a free-for-all when it comes to travelling. To avoid disappointment, it’s vital to ensure that you have all necessary documents in order before heading off.
On top of that, it’s important to research the quarantine restrictions of the country you’re visiting.
The Government is currently advising those who have yet to receive their Covid-19 vaccine to avoid high-risk activities – like international travel. If you are planning a trip, make sure that you’ve obtained the correct documents for your selected destination before you fly.
Most countries require the EU Digital Covid Certificate prior to travel. The EU Digital Cert provides proof that the passenger has either been vaccinated against Covid-19, has received a negative Covid test, or has recovered from Covid-19 in the last 6 months.
If you’ve been vaccinated against Covid-19, then the cert will be issued to you.
The cert is also available to you 11 days after a positive test. To avail of this, call 1800 807 008.
The certs can also be issued after obtaining a private PCR test. Various Covid-19 tests are currently available in a number of Boots stores nationwide. For information on their tests and provision of certificates head to their website.
Additionally, many countries require travelers to fill out locator forms on arrival. To see specific requirements country to country, head to the Department of Foreign Affairs’ website.
Spain
If you’re travelling to Spain, you’ll need to fill out a Locator Form, which can be found on the Spanish Travel Health website or app right here.
You’ll also need to produce a document confirming that you’re vaccinated from Covid-19 or have fully recovered from the virus, or that you have a negative test. To show that you’ve tested negative, you’ll need to present evidence of a PCR test carried out within 72 hours of departure, or a Rapid Antigen Test carried out within 48 hours of departure.
To demonstrate that you’ve recovered from Covid-19, you’ll need to provide evidence that at least 11 days have passed since you received a positive result on a PCR test.
If you’ve been fully vaccinated, the EU Digital Covid Certificate can be used as evidence. To get one, follow this link.
Great Britain
If you’re travelling to Great Britain from Ireland, you will not need to present documents other than your passport upon entry. For up to date information, visit the UK’s website.
Portugal
All passengers arriving in Portugal must fill out a locator form which can be downloaded here.
If you have an EU Digital Covid Certificate, you won’t need a negative Covid test and you won’t have to quarantine either. The same applies for minors travelling with their guardians.
If you do not have a cert, a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel, or a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours of travel is required.
Turkey
Passengers travelling to Turkey will need to provide proof that they’ve either been vaccinated at least 14 days before travel or proof that they’ve had Covid-19 within the last 6 months, or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel, or a rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours of travel.
Additionally, travelers will need to fill out the Turkey Entrance form, which is available here.
France
Passengers travelling to France will need to fill out a Sworn Statement, which is available in English or French here.
If you have proof of vaccination, you will not need to produce a test or to quarantine.
All unvaccinated passengers over the age of 11 need to present a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of travel.
Germany
Germany divides Ireland into two zones – high risk (Dublin, Border, Mid-West and Midlands regions) and non-risk (West, South-East and South-West regions).
Travellers from all regions need to provide proof of full vaccination, or recovery from Covid-19 in the last 6 months or a recent negative Covid-19 test.
Passengers from risk areas must pre-register their arrival on Germany’s online portal. On top of that, these passengers must upload proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test on the portal.
United States of America
If you’re travelling to the US and are over the age of 2, you must either produce a negative PCR or antigen test taken no more than 3 days before departure or a document from a licensed public health body attesting that you’ve recovered from the virus in the preceeding 90 days.
On top of that, you’ll need to take a Covid test 3-5 days after arrival. Unvaccinated passengers must quarantine for 7 days on arrival, even if they test negative.
Italy
Travelers to Italy must fill out the EU Digital Passenger Locator Form and inform a local health authority on their arrival.
Passengers also need to present the EU Digital Covid Certificate. If they cannot do this, they can enter Italy but they must isolate for 10 days and undergo a test at the end of this period.
For a breakdown of regulations country to country, head to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
