Trips abroad are back on for Irish people but there are rules and entry requirements for kids going on holidays with their families.
Those determined to enjoy a summer escape to their favourite foreign holiday hotspot will still have to navigate the Covid rules for each country.
Covid test requirements, entry rules and travel insurance are among the things Irish people need to look into before opening their wallets.
Families are advised to be aware that they may not get back to Ireland if one of the children tests positive for Covid-19.
The Irish Government's current advice is that children who are travelling abroad with guardians who have Covid immunity are not required to isolate after arriving back.
Here’s our guide to the current rules and restrictions for kids in Spain, Italy, Portugal and more for family holiday planning.
Spain
Entry requirements: All Irish travellers aged 12 and over must show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival or 48 hours for an antigen test, or proof of being fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to arrival.
Passengers must also complete an online Health Control Form 48 hours before they travel.
Covid rules: Face coverings should be worn in enclosed public spaces as well as social distancing of 1.5m.
Tourist accommodation in the Canary Islands requires proof of either full vaccination, a negative test or recent recovery from Covid.
Are you booking a holiday abroad this summer, or are you sticking to Irish staycations for now? Let us know in the comments below
When you arrive back in Ireland you must:
- Complete a passenger locater form
- Have proof that you are either fully vaccinated or recently recovered from COVID-19. If you do not have either, you must have a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of your arrival. You can prove that you have been vaccinated, or have recovered, or have tested negative with the EU Digital Covid Cert.
Italy
Entry requirements: Currently, Irish people travelling to Italy can do so without an EU Digital COVID Certificate, given they have legitimate proof of vaccination, recovery or testing negative.
This travel advice comes as some await their Covid Certs ahead of travel, and so according to the Department of Foreign Affairs: “If you are unable to obtain an EU Digital Covid Certificate… you must provide valid proof of either a certificate of vaccination with an EMA approved vaccine, a certificate of recovery from Covid-19, or a pre-departure negative Covid-19 PCR test taken up to 48 hours before arriving in Italy.”
This is set to change in August however, so travellers looking to jet off to Italy who are yet to receive their QR code will need to do so before August 12.
Covid rules: Masks in indoor public spaces for all exempt children under six, social distancing of 1m.
When you arrive back in Ireland you must:
- Complete a passenger locater form
- Have proof that you are either fully vaccinated or recently recovered from COVID-19. If you do not have either, you must have a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of your arrival. You can prove that you have been vaccinated, or have recovered, or have tested negative with the EU Digital Covid Cert.
Portugal
Entry requirements: Irish travellers must prove they are fully vaccinated with the second jab at least 14 days before travel, or quarantine for 14 days on arrival.
Anyone over 12 must also show a negative PCR or antigen test result, complete a passenger locator card and be temperature-checked on arrival.
Those aged 12 to 17 travelling with fully-vaccinated parents do not need to quarantine but must provide a negative test result.
Covid rules: Social distancing of 2m, face masks in all enclosed spaces and outdoors where it isn’t possible to socially distance. Taxis can only carry up to two passengers, nightclubs are closed and beaches have one-way systems and sunshades/towels should be 3m apart.
When you arrive back in Ireland you must:
- Complete a passenger locater form
- Have proof that you are either fully vaccinated or recently recovered from COVID-19. If you do not have either, you must have a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of your arrival. You can prove that you have been vaccinated, or have recovered, or have tested negative with the EU Digital Covid Cert.
Greece -
Entry requirements: Everyone aged 12 or over must provide either a negative PCR test taken within 72 of arrival, a negative rapid antigen test within 48 hours, proof of recovery from Covid (a positive PCR test dated 30-180 days before travel) or proof of two vaccinations taken at least 14 days before arrival.
You may also have to take a rapid test on arrival, with quarantine in a hotel for 10 days if positive.
Covid rules: Face masks in all indoor public and communal spaces, proof of vaccination to sit inside restaurants and bars, only 10 people can sit together outdoors.
Travel to and between most Greek islands requires a negative Covid test of proof of vaccination
When you arrive back in Ireland you must:
- Complete a passenger locater form
- Have proof that you are either fully vaccinated or recently recovered from COVID-19. If you do not have either, you must have a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of your arrival. You can prove that you have been vaccinated, or have recovered, or have tested negative with the EU Digital Covid Cert.
Malta
Entry requirements: Only fully-vaccinated adults can travel from Ireland to Malta, while children aged 5-11 must show evidence of a negative PCR test carried out within 72 hours. Children aged 12-17 will only be able to enter Malta if they are fully vaccinated.
You must also complete a passenger locator and public health declaration form before you travel.
Covid rules: Face coverings in indoor and outdoor public places. Two people together, with proof of vaccination, can remove their masks in an outdoor public place. Nighclubs are closed and only six per table in restaurants and cafes.
When you arrive back in Ireland you must:
- Complete a passenger locater form
- Have proof that you are either fully vaccinated or recently recovered from COVID-19. If you do not have either, you must have a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of your arrival. You can prove that you have been vaccinated, or have recovered, or have tested negative with the EU Digital Covid Cert.
France
Only adults who are fully vaccinated can enter France, and must show proof of their vaccination status and complete a ‘sworn statement’.
Children aged 12 or over travelling with them must provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken 24 hours prior.
Covid rules: Face masks in all enclosed public spaces, except for children under 11. Adults need a ‘pass sanitaire’ to enter bars, restaurants, museums, use long-distance trains and attend large events.
To obtain the pass you need either proof of vaccination, a negative test from the past 48 hours or a document proving you have recently recovered from Covid.
When you arrive back in Ireland you must:
- Complete a passenger locater form
- Have proof that you are either fully vaccinated or recently recovered from COVID-19. If you do not have either, you must have a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of your arrival. You can prove that you have been vaccinated, or have recovered, or have tested negative with the EU Digital Covid Cert.
