Irish holidaymakers have been jetting off in their thousands since international travel resumed last month.
Spain, Portugal and France have been the top destinations for sun-seekers hoping to escape for a long-overdue trip abroad.
However, Irish tourists have been repeatedly advised to be cautious when travelling to foreign regions given the ever-changing travel restrictions and situation with Covid-19.
The latest of these warnings comes as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has issued guidance on the areas that have been worst hit in recent days by the virus.
Irish tourists are urged to avoid travel to Covid-19 "red zones" in popular holiday destinations including Spain, France and Italy.
And the majority of Spain has been given a "dark red" classification, while the Canary Islands and Portugal are both in the "red" zone.
Areas in the south of France are also considered to be a "dark red" zone, while most of Italy has been classified as "orange".
The guidelines published by the European Commission state: "In view of the difficult epidemiological situation linked to more infectious coronavirus variants, Member States should strongly discourage all non-essential travel to and from ‘dark red’ and discourage all such travel to and from ‘red’ areas."
Irish holidaymakers have also been warned to be aware of the travel restrictions in their destination country.
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While all EU nations have adopted the Digital Covid Certificate for international travel, individual Member States have the discretion to set their own rules.
This is why the Department of Foreign Affairs has warned any Irish tourists travelling to Spain to remember that while antigen tests are accepted on arrival, they are not suitable when returning to Ireland.
A spokesman said: "All passengers arriving in Spain (mainland as well as Canary and Balearic Islands) from Ireland and other risk countries must:
- Submit a completed Locator Form. This form can be completed online via the Spain Travel Health website or app
- Hold a certificate or document confirming that they are vaccinated against COVID-19 or have recovered from COVID-19 or have a negative/not-detected result of a diagnostic test
- In the case of a negative/not-detected test result, passengers must present evidence of a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT – including RT-PCR, LAMP and TMA) carried out with 72 hours prior to arrival in Spain or a Rapid Antigen Test carried out no more than 48 hours prior to arrival in Spain. Please note that only RT-PCR tests are acceptable in order to enter Ireland.
"In the case of proof of vaccination, passengers must present evidence that they have received the full course of an approved vaccine at least 14 days prior to arrival in Spain.
"In the case of recovery from COVID, passengers must present evidence that at least 11 days have passed since they received a positive result on a NAAT.
"Passengers may present the EU Digital Covid Certificate as evidence of the above. "
The Covid Certificate shows whether someone has been vaccinated against the virus, has recently recovered or had a negative test.
More than two million people have received their documentation to date, and many of those will be looking forward to flying to sunnier climes soon.
The good news is that Aer Lingus has launched a flash sale on flights just in time for people keen to get booking.
The sale has flights from Ireland for just €39.99 and it will only be available until midnight on Monday, August 16.
Flights to Europe have been slashed in price, with destinations like Milan, Amsterdam, and Lanzarote available for a discounted cost.
The prices are available for travel until September 30 of this year.
