Hundreds of Irish people took part in a Dublin Airport exodus to Malaga over the weekend as part of the great Covid escape.
Many were going for a month or two and planned to work from the Costa del Sol as the Government and NPHET continue to impose restrictions at home.
Saturday was the first weekend day after the ban on non-essential travel was lifted across Europe with the introduction of the EU digital Covid Certificate on July 1.
This allows citizens of member states to travel across the continent without having to quarantine. The certificate proves they have been vaccinated.
The Covid passports as they are known are seen as a lifesaver for the tourism industry.
But Ireland is the only country where it did not come into effect. Instead, we have to wait until July 19.
However that didn't stop huge groups of holidaymakers heading for the sun.
Here is a full breakdown of the current rules and exceptions for people looking to travel to Spain:
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, all passengers arriving in Spain (mainland as well as Canary and Balearic Islands) from Ireland and other risk countries must:
- Present documentary evidence of testing negative 48 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.
They added: "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.
"Intending travellers should monitor the Government of Ireland’s information on COVID-19 for information on international travel.
"It is important to be aware that this is an uncertain and evolving situation, and further restrictions could be introduced at short notice.
"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."
The current Government advisory is against all non-essential travel, even to European countries.
However there is a list of ”reasonable excuses” that can allow people to leave the country, as follows:
- To go to college or school if you have to be there in person
- To go with a child or a vulnerable adult to school if they have to be there in person
- To work or travel related to your business
- To go to a medical or dental appointment, or to go to an appointment with someone you live with, or a vulnerable person
- To seek essential medical, health or dental services, or to accompany someone you live with, or a vulnerable person who needs essential treatment
- To care for a family member or for other vital family reasons
- To go to a funeral
- To meet a legal obligation (for example, to appear in court)
- To give access to a child to the other parent of the child, or to access a child that you have a right of access to
- To leave Ireland if you are not resident in Ireland
While other reasonable excuses that are not on this list may also be accepted.
Have you booked a holiday abroad? Would you feel safe travelling to Spain? Share your thoughts by commenting below
