International travel is officially back, meaning Irish people can finally go on holidays for the first time in over 16 months.
At least 23,000 people travelled through Dublin and Cork Airports on Monday as the skies reopened.
And while it was great to see airports busy again, the figures were down a staggering 87% on pre-Covid summer times.
Many people will no doubt have flights booked to head abroad in the coming weeks, with Spain being a popular destination with Irish sunseekers.
Here, we take a look at some of your most frequently asked questions ahead of your trip:
What do I need to enter Spain?
Several things. You’ll have to fill out the FCS passenger locator form, which will ask you questions ranging from medical history to where you plan on staying.
It’s important to know that if you are unvaccinated, you can only fill this out 48 hours before arrival as you will need to produce a negative test.
Once this form is completed, you will be given a QR code, which can be printed out or downloaded onto your phone. This will be scanned after you go through passport control in Spain, and you need it to enter the country.
Along with this, you’re required to either have proof of vaccination (the new EU Digital Covid Cert) or proof of a negative test within two days of arrival, as mentioned above.
This may be checked by authorities while they verify your QR code.
What is different about flying?
Again, a few things.
The main change, I found, was that you have to wear a face mask at all times unless eating or drinking, meaning that you basically have it on for five or six hours straight.
There is also social distancing and perspex screens throughout Dublin and Malaga Airports - however we’re all well used to seeing these around after the past year.
Another key difference is going to the toilet on a plane. Now you have to request to use the restroom to avoid any queuing on the flight itself.
Are beaches and pools safe?
Yes, in my experience thus far.
Beach beds are a safe distance apart, while people wear masks when moving about to go to the bar or bathroom.
There is also noticeably a lot less people around.
What is it like in pubs and restaurants?
Everything is open out here, but bars and restaurants can’t allow new customers after midnight, and everyone has to be out by 1am.
Like at home, face masks are worn by staff, while customers need to put one on when walking around or using the bathroom.
Indoor dining is also open, although with Spain’s natural sunny weather, most people want to sit outside anyway.
Are shopping centres different?
This is pretty much the same as home - put the face mask on at all times, unless eating or drinking.
Centres and non-essential retail must be shut by 10.30pm.
What about other attractions?
In the Costa del Sol, outdoor attractions and cultural amenities are open at 75% capacity.
Rules vary from region to region.
Are there any other rules we should know?
Not really. Everything is a lot more relaxed in Spain at the moment.
However, we have compiled another list of rules, which you can access here.
