Ireland has changed its entry requirements following the outbreak of the omicron Covid variant.
Covid cases in the UK still remain high and the presence of a new variant is concerning experts as research is still being done to figure out how the vaccines react to the new strain.
So far, symptoms of omicron appear mild. Although, a doctor from South Africa pointed out most people catching it are young.
READ MORE - Scots react to new Netflix Christmas film shot in Edinburgh - and they are not impressed
The UK has now put measures in place in an attempt to control the spread of the new variant and fully vaccinated people need to take a day 2 PCR test and isolate until they receive their negative result.
This does not include people travelling from Ireland to the UK as they are part of the Common Travel Area.
However, Irish officials have confirmed that they now require all travellers to provide a negative covid test taken within two days of arrival.
Despite the CTA, the Irish government confirmed the new travel rules applies to people travelling from the UK to the Republic of Ireland.
Amid the confusion for those travelling between the two countries, the Irish Embassy tweeted: "From 3.12.21 persons arriving into Ireland from Britain who have been vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 must have a certified “negative/not-detected” test result from an antigen test (which cannot be self-administered) or PCR test"
Thousands of people travel between Ireland and the UK, whether it's to see friends, family or a getaway.
Now those travelling to Ireland for December will be faced with this extra cost.
The definition of the 'professional antigen' test has yet to be confirmed by the Irish government but they cannot be done at home.
A review of these rules will take place in two weeks.
Covid travel rules from UK to Ireland
All passengers over 12 years old must-
- Feel out a passenger locator form
- Proof of vaccination
- Negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival
- Or professionally antigen test if fully vaccinated taken no more than 48 hours before arrival
If you are unvaccinated
- Must show a negative PCR Covid test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival
- Or proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 180 days
No one needs to quarantine unless they have travelled to,
- Botswana
- Eswatini
- Lesotho
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- South Africa
- Zimbabwe
Travellers will then be asked to quarantine for 10 days and take a day two and day eight PCR test.
