We are pleased to share the much awaited news that as of July 19, 2021 Ireland is now open for travel to visitors from the United States!
Tourism Ireland recently shared this news with members of the Irish hospitality industry after receiving the guidelines from the Irish Government – full details on the procedures for travel from the US can be found in the details below.
For those that are fully vaccinated no travel-related testing or quarantine will be necessary.
For those who do not have valid proof of vaccination, they will need to:
- present evidence of a negative RT-PCR test result within 72 hours prior to arrival into Ireland
- self-quarantine
- undergo post-arrival testing – this will be provided through the Health Service Executive in Ireland.
Ireland will be applying an ‘emergency brake’ mechanism that will be coordinated at EU level to react swiftly to the emergence of a variant of concern or variant of interest. In the event that this ‘emergency brake’ mechanism is applied to US visitors the requirements will change and more detail can be found on the Irish Government website: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/77952-government-advice-on-international-travel/#travelling-to-ireland3
Before arriving into Ireland, US visitors will need to complete a Passenger Locator Form – the form will be checked prior to departure to Ireland by the relevant carrier and visitors may be asked to provide the vaccination certificate indicated on their form. On arrival in Ireland, spot checks will be carried out on proof of vaccinations and negative RT-PCR tests as appropriate. Unfortunately, the introduction of these additional checks may cause some disruption to journeys and visitors may experience delays so visitors should give themselves extra time either side of departure and arrival. https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/ab900-covid-19-passenger-locator-form/
Children between the ages of 12 and 17, must have a negative RT-PCR test to travel into Ireland, even with fully vaccinated or recovered adults. Children under 12 do not need to take a RT-PCR test prior to travelling to Ireland. Please check the Irish Government website for the latest information: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/3a698-eu-digital-covid-certificate/
It is important to note that only those fully vaccinated or with proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 6 months will be able to avail of indoor hospitality during their stay in Ireland. It is anticipated that this will apply from July 26th. Those staying in hotels can avail of the indoor hospitality options within the hotel.
Northern Ireland are operating a system of green, red and amber countries and the measures in place will depend on the countries the visitor is travelling from or passing through. The US is currently on the amber list of countries which means that if visitors are travelling to Northern Ireland, either directly or via another country including Ireland, they must
- provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken up to three days before departure
- book post-arrival testing
- complete a UK passenger locator form either on arrival, or in the 48 hours before arrival
- self-isolate for 10 days.
You can find further details on the Northern Ireland Government website: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-advice
While travel to Ireland has been paused due to Covid-19, our team has been working to make sure that we have the best travel options available when visiting beautiful Ireland!
The tourism industry right across the island of Ireland are very much looking forward to welcoming back visitors from overseas and will ensure they enjoy their visit. The health and safety of all visitors continues to be the priority, and the industry is doing everything to ensure visitors are protected alongside a very warm Irish welcome and a great holiday experience.
Should you have any queries regarding traveling to the island of Ireland, we are here for you and happy to help – we look forward to welcoming you to Ireland!
