Leaving Ireland is illegal under coronavirus laws which are in place - but there are several exemptions.
There is a Government Advisory in operation against all non-essential international travel.
Passengers arriving into Ireland from overseas are advised to restrict their movements for 14 days which includes Irish residents.
If your travel is essential people are advised to monitor the official advice and information provided by the authorities at your destination.
In particular, Irish people are asked to be informed about any restrictions on arrival.
Those trying to travel abroad without a reasonable excuse could be fined €500 under the legislation.
The following are ”reasonable excuses” for travelling to a port or airport for the purposes of travelling abroad as set out in the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) COVID-19) (No 10)(Amendment)(No 2) Regulations 2021:
- To go to college or school if you have to be there in person
- To go with a child or a vulnerable adult to school if they have to be there in person
- To work or travel related to your business
- To go to a medical or dental appointment, or to go to an appointment with someone you live with, or a vulnerable person
- To seek essential medical, health or dental services, or to accompany someone you live with, or a vulnerable person who needs essential treatment
- To care for a family member or for other vital family reasons
- To go to a funeral
- To meet a legal obligation (for example, to appear in court)
- To give access to a child to the other parent of the child, or to access a child that you have a right of access to
- To leave Ireland if you are not resident in Ireland
A Garda may accept other reasonable excuses that are not on this list. You should have evidence of the reasons for your travel.
You can be fined €500 for unnecessary travel abroad.
People living in Northern Ireland who travel to the Republic of Ireland for non-essential reasons can be fined €100.
The European Commission is proposing to create a Digitail Green Certificate for travel inside the EU.
The proposal is expected to be ready before the summer.
It must be agreed by Member States and the European Parliament.
The Passport Office is not processing passport applications while Level 5 restrictions are in place.
If you have to travel urgently, you can contact the passport office through webchat.
Going abroad may affect your social welfare payment.
You should also check with your employer whether you will be paid if you have to restrict your movements on your return.
