Irish holidaymakers planning to head away throughout September have the added benefit of knowing what to expect heading through the airport this summer amid Covid.
While restrictions are beginning to lift in some countries, others continue to uphold measures as Covid case numbers remain high.
Many regions have implemented the Covid Digital Cert for entry to most indoor activities, and so we have listed everything you need to know ahead of travels to Spain, Greece, Croatia, Portugal, Italy, and France below.
Spain
Entry requirements: Passengers heading to Spain will need to have a Covid Digital Cert proving full vaccination at least two weeks prior to travelling, recovery at least 11 days after a positive diagnosis or proof of a negative covid test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
You must also complete the Health Control Form before departure, which is available in the Spain Travel Health app, and will then obtain a "FAST CONTROL QR code" to present at boarding.
Children under 12 years old are exempt from the testing or quarantine requirements.
Covid rules: Restrictions in Spain vary depending on the region, and include reduced capacity in bars and restaurants, reduced opening hours, as well as curfews.
The wearing of a mask is mandatory in indoor or enclosed spaces, as well as on public transport.
Further information on the restrictions in place in each region can be found in English on the official Spanish tourism website.
Return to Ireland: Before heading back to Ireland, all passengers have to fill out a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 24 hours before your flight.
If you do not have a Digital Covid Cert proving vaccination, or recovery, you will have to show proof of a negative PCR test taken max 72 hours before boarding.
Greece
Entry requirements: A Covid Cert proving vaccination, recovery or a negative PCR test result are required for entry to Greece, to avoid a 7-day quarantine period.
A Passenger Locator Form (PLF) must also be filled out at least 24 hours (Greek time) prior to arrival and continues to be a strict requirement prior to entry.
Random antigen testing is also in place on arrival and applies to everyone flying into Greece, regardless of the certificate in their possession. If you refuse when chosen, authorities reserve the right to refuse entry into the country.
Covid rules: From September 13, all unvaccinated tourists and locals will be banned from all indoor bars, restaurants, museums, and events - unless they show proof of negative Covid test results.
Health officials are bringing in a 01:00-06:00 curfew in the Messinia Region from August 27 and are extending the same measures for Crete's cities of Chania, Heraklion, and Rethimno through September 1.
The curfew has been in place since August 6 in Chania and Heraklion and since August 18 in Rethymno and allows individuals to leave their homes only for essential purposes.
Restrictions nationwide include mandatory use of facemasks in enclosed public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces.
Return to Ireland: Before heading back to Ireland, all passengers have to fill out a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 24 hours before your flight.
If you do not have a Digital Covid Cert proving vaccination, or recovery, you will have to show proof of a negative PCR test taken max 72 hours before boarding.
Croatia
Entry requirements: The EU Digital Covid Certificate is required for all incoming passengers, whether it be for vaccination, recovery or a negative test.
Those travelling from Ireland must complete an online form before arrival.
Children under 12 years of age are exempt from providing a negative PCR test or Rapid Antigen test if accompanying a parent/guardian that holds a valid EU Digital Covid Certificate.
Covid rules: General restrictions in place across the country include wearing a mask in open spaces where it is not possible to maintain a physical distance of 1.5 m, maintaining a physical distance, wearing masks indoors, and disinfecting your hands before entering public areas.
Return to Ireland: Before heading back to Ireland, all passengers have to fill out a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 24 hours before your flight.
If you do not have a Digital Covid Cert proving vaccination, or recovery, you will have to show proof of a negative PCR test taken max 72 hours before boarding.
Portugal
Entry requirements: You can enter Portugal from Ireland with proof of vaccination, recovery, and negative test results (within 72 hours of departure) - both PCR and antigen tests are accepted.
Passengers without an EU Digital Covid Certificate arriving from or having transitted through high-risk countries (with an incidence rate of 500 cases or more per 100,000 in the last 14 days) must complete a 14-day isolation period after entry to mainland Portugal.
Covid rules: Restaurants, bars, cafés, and pastry shops have no restrictions on opening and closing hours until 2 am, but are limited to groups of 8 people inside and 15 people outside.
Cultural facilities with 75% of the capacity, and accommodation services have adopted the “Clean & Safe”, which allows the identification of establishments and services that have implemented enhanced hygiene and safety measures.
Masks are mandatory indoors and at busy outdoor public spaces, while social distancing measures are also in place.
Return to Ireland: Before heading back to Ireland, all passengers have to fill out a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 24 hours before your flight.
If you do not have a Digital Covid Cert proving vaccination, or recovery, you will have to show proof of a negative PCR test taken max 72 hours before boarding.
Italy
Entry requirements: On arrival you will have to present your EU Covid Cert for vaccination, recovery or a negative test (within 48 hours of arrival), alongside a passenger locator form.
If you are unable to obtain an EU Digital Covid Certificate, you can enter Italy until 30 August 2021, but 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 test - either antigen or molecular (PCR).
Covid rules: Mask indoors are mandatory and an EU digital Covid certificate is now required to access various public spaces, including:
- Indoor seating at bars or restaurants
- Public events, sporting events and competitions
- Accessing museums, cultural institutions, and exhibitions
- Accessing swimming pools, gyms, spas (where these are indoor)
- Conventions, conferences, and trade fairs
- Theme parks, community centres, social centres (where these are indoor)
Return to Ireland: Before heading back to Ireland, all passengers have to fill out a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 24 hours before your flight.
If you do not have a Digital Covid Cert proving vaccination, or recovery, you will have to show proof of a negative PCR test taken max 72 hours before boarding.
France
Entry requirements: Ireland is currently on France’s ‘Green List’ and so if you are fully-vaccinated, or you have a negative antigen or RT-PCR test result taken less than 72 hours prior to departure, or you have proof of recovery from Covid, you are allowed to enter without being subject to quarantine.
Covid rules: Current restrictions in place mean you need a health pass to access leisure and culture venues and events bringing together more than 50 people.
Since August 9, you also need to present a pass in bars, restaurants, certain shopping centres designated by local authorities, hospitals, retirement homes, residential care homes, and for inter-regional travel by plane, train, or coach.
For campsites and other holiday accommodation, you will need to present a pass once on arrival.
Return to Ireland: Before heading back to Ireland, all passengers have to fill out a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 24 hours before your flight.
If you do not have a Digital Covid Cert proving vaccination, or recovery, you will have to show proof of a negative PCR test taken max 72 hours before boarding.
