Ireland's new 'green list' - the countries set to welcome tourists from July 19

Some of Ireland’s favourite holiday destinations are gearing up for a busy summer season as Covid restrictions ease across Europe.

Despite the concern surrounding the spread of the Delta variant Ireland is set to open non-essential international travel on July 19.

With the introduction of the EU Digital Covid Certificate, Irish tourists will be allowed to travel freely within the EU.

Here is a list of countries that will welcome Irish tourists on July 19:

Ireland's holiday hotspots

Spain

Anyone who is fully vaccinated can enter Spain.

Non-vaccinated people from EU countries will have to produce a negative COVID test less than 48 hours before arrival in Spain.

Masks are mandatory indoors, but not outdoors.

Restaurants and bars are now open for indoor and outdoor dining with a limit on the number of people allowed in at any one time.

Nightclubs have also opened in Madrid and Catalonia.

07/07/2021 Passengers at the departure level pictured this afternoon at Dublin Airport Terminal 1 as passengers start to travel again (Collins Agency, Dublin)

Italy

Arrivals from Ireland can enter if they have been fully vaccinated, have recovered from COVID or present a negative COVID test less than 48 hours before arrival.

Masks are no longer compulsory outdoors but must be worn inside.

Restrictions on bars and restaurants have been lifted, provided tables are one metre apart.

Portugal

All arrivals must provide proof of vaccination or PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival or an antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival.

Social distancing and mask-wearing is still mandatory, and special rules are in place for beaches and swimming pools.

Greece

Greece hopes to have a successful summer season as it hopes to welcome approximately half of the number of tourists it had pre-pandemic.

Again the EU Digital Cert will be in place in Greece, so a PCR or antigen test must be taken if you are not fully vaccinated.

The Greek authorities have said they will carry out spot antigen testing on passengers arriving into Greece.

The majority of all EU countries will be allowing Irish tourists into their country.

Some countries may have different restrictions in place, so it is important to be aware of this before you travel.

A number of countries will accept a rapid antigen test as a Covid test, while others, including Ireland, will require passengers to have a negative PCR test before they can enter the country.

List of countries 'ready to connect'

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden