Travel to Ireland: latest holiday advice as Covid rules in pubs and restaurants are scrapped

Greg Dickinson

Fri, May 21, 2021 at 11:44 AM UTC

2 min read

can i travel to ireland travelling from uk entry requirements covid rules holidays 2021 2022 - Andrea Pistolesi/Stone RF

Ireland has eased its Covid restrictions, meaning hospitality venues can return to normal operations (currently, pubs and restaurants must close at 8pm), and customers will not be asked for a Covid pass.

In addition, social distancing rules, including spectator limits at sporting events, have been scrapped.

However, some rules will continue. Face masks are being retained until at least the end of February, while a Covid pass will still be required for international travel.

Here we answer all the key questions about trips to Ireland.

Do I need to take a test before I travel to Ireland?

Travellers who are not fully vaccinated or in possession of a proof of recovery certificate have to show a negative PCR test (taken no more than 72 hours before entry). This includes travellers from Great Britain, but not those whose journey originates in Northern Ireland. Fully vaccinated or recovered passengers travelling from Great Britain to Ireland will need to have proof of their full vaccination or recovery record to avoid the testing requirement.

The Irish Government advises all travellers to undertake daily antigen tests for five consecutive days, beginning with the day of arrival, but this is not mandatory.

What about children?

Children aged 11 and under do not need to take a test prior to travelling to Ireland.

Do I need to complete a Passenger Locator Form?

Yes. All arrivals must complete a Passenger Locator Form in advance of arriving in Ireland. You can find the form here. The Passenger Locator Form will be checked by air or sea carriers before departure. Individuals travelling from Great Britain to Ireland via Northern Ireland should also complete the form.

Do I need to take a test before returning from Ireland to the UK?

No. If you’re travelling to England from within the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, you do not need to complete a passenger locator form, take any Covid tests, or quarantine on arrival in England, regardless of your vaccination status.

Are there any Covid restrictions in Ireland?

Under new guidelines, announced on January 21, hospitality venues can return to normal operations (currently, pubs and restaurants must close at 8pm), and customers will not be asked for a Covid pass.