In line with the European Commission reaching a deal on issuing Digital Green Certificates for travel, holidaymaker plans can resume for later in the summer.
The purpose of the new Covid-19 certificates is to ensure a safe return of non-essential travel, with each passenger showing proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test, or recovery from the virus.
Should things go to plan, the new certificate system should be in place by July 1, allowing a return to trips within the EU.
Ireland is likely to make a decision to adopt the new certificate system by June 26, in line with the potential easing of international travel restrictions at some point over the summer months.
However, in order to enter holiday hotspots like Spain and Portugal, there are a number of things Irish passengers will still have to do.
Portugal
Travellers from EU countries that have Covid-19 rates less than 500 per 100,000 people over a 14-day period are currently allowed enter.
Anyone arriving from Ireland into Portugal will be required to show proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours prior to arrival.
Negative results will have to be shown before boarding flights and further presented to Portuguese Immigration Officers on arrival at points of entry into the country.
As well as this, passengers will have to fill out a Passenger Locator Form before arrival.
Spain
Spain will be open for tourism in June, and they will be implementing the EU Covid-19 certificate as soon as it is available.
To enter the country all passengers must complete a Health Check Form online before arrival, and must show proof of a negative PCR test max 72 hours prior to arrival.
Italy
The Minister of Health, Roberto Speranza, recently signed off on allowing entry from the countries of the European Union and the Shengen Area, as well as from Great Britain and Israel.
In order to avoid compulsory quarantine, travellers are still required to produce proof of a negative PCR test on arrival - taken within 48 hours prior to arrival in Italy.
Current Restrictions
However, until the Irish government issues an update on travel restrictions for Irish passengers, non-essential travel outside of the country is still banned.
Passengers have to show proof that their journey is deemed essential in order to avoid a €2,000 fine.
A comprehensive announcement from Micheal Martin is due next week when more clarity will be given on measure easing over the coming months.
