The government confirmed new travel restrictions on Tuesday after concerns about the spread of the Omicron Covid-19 variant in Ireland.
Some may have already cancelled their winter travel plans as countries across Europe struggle to manage the recent upsurge in Covid cases.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said today the new restrictions will mean all passengers arriving into Ireland will need a negative antigen or PCR test to gain entry into the country from Friday.
Leaving Ireland
When heading on a trip abroad, passengers are required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from Covid-19 within the last six months or a negative PCR test.
Some EU countries are not currently accepting travellers from high-risk areas, so checking the country's entry requirements is essential.
Face masks must also be worn throughout any flight and while passengers move through airports.
Re-entering Ireland
Cabinet confirmed on Tuesday that new travel measures would come into effect on Friday.
The new rules will mean all people travelling into Ireland will now need a negative antigen or PCR test to enter the country.
The new requirement will see Unvaccinated people having to provide a negative PCR test. However, fully vaccinated people will be given a choice to avail of a PCR or antigen test.
The tests will have to be privately paid for.
If travellers opt to have an antigen test, they must take it no more than 48 hours before travelling.
Those who choose a PCR test can take it up to 72 hours before departure.
The rule will not apply to people travelling into Northern Ireland but will include passengers coming by air or sea from Great Britain.
Minister Donnelly also confirmed to the Irish Mirror that he expects more countries to be added to the home quarantine list later this week.
Current restrictions
At the moment, you do not need a Covid-19 test before arriving in Ireland if the following apply to you:
•You have an EU Digital Covid Certificate that shows you are fully vaccinated
•You have an EU Digital Covid Certificate that shows you have recovered from Covid-19 in the past 180 days
•You are aged 11 or under
•You have another acceptable proof that you are fully vaccinated with an EMA approved vaccine or that you have recovered from Covid-19 in the past 180 days
If these requirements do not apply to you, you must have a negative PCR test taken more than 72 hours before arrival in Ireland.
Travellers from some countries considered high risk must have a negative PCR test taken 72 hours at most before travel, even if they are fully vaccinated.
These countries include:
•Botswana
•Eswatini
•Lesotho
•Mozambique
•Namibia
•South Africa
•Zimbabwe
You do not have to quarantine when you arrive in Ireland unless you have been to certain countries in southern Africa.
If you arrive in Ireland from another country, including if you are travelling onwards to Northern Ireland, you must fill in an online Covid-19 Passenger Locator Form before you arrive.
One form should be completed for each passenger aged 18 or older, and you will get an email receipt, which you will have to show when boarding.
