In less than a week, thousands of vaccinated Irish people will finally get the option to travel freely around Europe for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic started.
The new EU Digital Travel cert comes into effect on July 19 - with the Irish Government confirming that the certs will begin to be circulated to all those who are vaccinated in Ireland from Monday, July 12.
Irish people will be allowed to travel abroad as non-essential travel returns on July 19.
If you received your dose in a vaccination centre or pharmacy, the HSE will send your cert via email, and you can choose to save it on your phone or print off your QR code ahead of travel.
Those who got their jab with their GP will be sent their cert by post, so the public is warned this may take slightly longer.
However, what about the options if you haven't been vaccinated or are awaiting a jab?
Well, there's good news for those who still fancy jetting off to sunnier pastures.
Here's the latest if you want to sun yourself in Spain or go to a beach in Portugal.
Spain
The Spanish government has set rules for different countries depending on the Covid-19 situation in these areas.
Some require proof of vaccination, but Ireland does not fall into that category at the moment, instead being labelled a 'third country'.
So if you wanted, you could head off to Madrid on July 19, but there are still things you need to do.
From Wednesday, a negative PCR test or PCR-like test (NAAT type) can be issued within 72 hours before arrival in Spain.
Previously PCR tests had to be taken 48 hours before arrival but this has been extended.
All passengers arriving in Spain (mainland as well as Canary and Balearic Islands) from Ireland and other risk/third countries must:
- Present documentary evidence of testing negative 72 hours prior to arrival in Spain on a COVID-19 diagnostic test (such as PCR, LAMP, TMA or antigen test). See Spain Health Travel page for details.
- Submit a completed Locator Form. This form can be completed on-line via the Spain Travel Health website or app .
The DFA say "Anyone intending to travel to Spain is advised to confirm the conditions and restrictions that are in place with their tour operator, airline and accommodation provider before travel.
"In an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19, some regions have introduced localised confinement measures that restrict entry to or from specific areas other than for essential purposes. Tourism to confined areas is not permitted.
"Spain Health Travel page advises that passengers presenting documentary evidence certifying full vaccination against COVID-19 or certifying recovery from COVID-19 may enter Spain."
Portugal
Travel to Portugal without a digital Covid certificate is now a little trickier.
From June 17, everyone who has arrived into Portugal from Ireland must
- Regardless of vaccination status, have a negative / ‘not detected’ result from a pre-departure COVID-19 test taken prior to arrival in Portugal
The test can be: NAAT - Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (RT-PCR, NEAR, TMA, LAMP, HDA, CRISPR, SDA, etc), taken within 72 hours of travel OR An antigen test (TRAg) taken within 24 hours of travel.
- Present evidence of their negative/‘not detected’ result before boarding their flight and to Portuguese Immigration Officers on arrival at points of entry into Portugal.
Similar to their Spanish neighbours, passengers arriving into Portugal must complete the Passenger Locator Form before they arrive in Portugal
