Rules for Irish tourists travelling throughout Europe look set to hold up into the summer months.
Many restrictions associated with Covid-19 have been dropped, but health officials are holding strong on the importance of vaccination in keeping the virus at bay.
The EU Digital Covid Cert is mandatory to leave Ireland on any international flight, showing proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative PCR test - depending on your destination.
Some countries have been cracking down on arrivals, only allowing entry to those who have received the jab within the expiration dates announced by officials back in January.
So, if you have yet to receive your booster - or have no intention of getting a third dose - your vaccine cert may expire over the coming months, hampering those summer plans.
Nearly 2.9 million people in Ireland have received the booster dose, but with a population of over 5 million, many people may be caught out by the rules until they're lifted.
If you’re heading away in May 2022 for some early summer sun, the latest date for your initial dose will be the end of August 2021 when your Digital Covid Cert will remain valid.
If June is the month you usually take a break, you’ll have to opt for a staycation if your final dose was any time before mid to late September.
In July, you can travel as long as your last dose was no later than the end of October 2021.
Whereas for people travelling in August, you’ll have to have received your final dose no later than in December 2021.
The new rules state that each cert has a validity period that passengers will have to stick to meaning they will be:
- valid for nine months with the vaccine
- valid for six months for those with proof of recovery
- There is no limit on certs that show booster vaccination or additional doses.
On the bright side, from March 6, 2022, all Covid-19 travel restrictions were removed for travellers to Ireland.
So even if your cert expires while you’re away, you no longer need to complete a passenger locator form, and you don’t need proof of vaccination or recovery or a Covid-19 test.
