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Last update: 01/22/2022
Ireland first reopened for international tourism on July 21, 2020, but its restrictions have changed several times since then. Currently, the Irish government advises against non-essential international travel, but that is due to change on July 19th.
Travelers from all countries must complete a Passenger Locator Form and have proof of a negative RT-PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival in Ireland.
Is Ireland Open for Tourists? – Latest Ireland Travel Restrictions
Travelers who have been in one of the designated States for mandatory hotel quarantine in the last 14 days and are unvaccinated must pre-book accommodation at a designated quarantine hotel and quarantine there for 14 days from their arrival in Ireland. They will take an RT-PCR test on day 10 of their quarantine period, and if that test is negative, they will be able to end their quarantine early.
All other travelers, including vaccinated travelers from designated States for mandatory hotel quarantine, must quarantine at their accommodation or residence for 14 days from their arrival in Ireland. They will take an RT-PCR test at least 5 days after their arrival in Ireland. If that test is negative, they can end their quarantine early.
Can I travel to Ireland right now?
You can currently travel to Ireland from all countries, although restrictions vary. Below is a map of all the countries that can visit Ireland at the moment.
IRELAND - EN
- Ireland
- Countries allowed to travel to Ireland
Travelers from these countries can enter Ireland without restrictions
Travelers from Northern Ireland who have not been in any other country in the last 14 days do not have to complete a Passenger Locator Form or have proof of a negative RT-PCR test result within 72 hours of arrival in Ireland. They also do not need to quarantine.
Travelers from these countries can enter Ireland with restrictions
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Travelers from these countries must complete a Passenger Locator Form and have a negative RT-PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours of arrival in Ireland. They must also quarantine for 14 days from their arrival in Ireland at their accommodation or residence and take a RT-PCR test at least 5 days after arrival in Ireland. If that test is negative, they will be able to end their quarantine early.
Designated States for Mandatory Hotel Quarantine
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Travelers who have been in these countries in the last 14 days must submit a Passenger Locator Form and have a negative RT-PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours of arrival in Ireland. They must also pre-book accommodation at a designated quarantine facility, where they will quarantine for 14 days from their arrival. They will take a RT-PCR test on day 10 of their quarantine period. If they obtain a negative result, they will be able to end their quarantine period early.
Fully vaccinated travelers from these countries must still complete a Passenger Locator Form and have a negative RT-PCR test result, but they are exempt from hotel quarantine and can self-quarantine at their accommodation or residence instead.
Ireland travel ban is in place for these countries
Ireland has not banned travelers from any countries.
Ireland COVID-19 travel restrictions
Ireland’s entry requirements for travelers are quite strict, particularly in terms of quarantine.
All travelers must submit a Passenger Locator Form and present proof of a negative RT-PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival in Ireland.
If you have been in one of the designated States for mandatory hotel quarantine in the last 14 days and you are unvaccinated, you must also pre-book accommodation at a designated quarantine hotel. You will have to quarantine there for 14 days from your arrival in Ireland and take an RT-PCR test on day 10 of your quarantine period. If that second RT-PCR test is negative, you may end your quarantine early.
If you have been in one of the designated States for mandatory hotel quarantine in the last 14 days and you are vaccinated, you can complete your quarantine at your accommodation or residence instead.
If you are traveling from any other country, you must quarantine at your accommodation or residence for 14 days from your arrival in Ireland. You will then take an RT-PCR test at least 5 days after your arrival in Ireland. If that test is negative, you will be able to end your quarantine early.
COVID-19 vaccine to travel to Ireland
Fully vaccinated travelers from designated States for mandatory hotel quarantine are exempt from hotel quarantine.
COVID-19 vaccine to travel to Ireland
They must self-quarantine at their accommodation or residence instead. More information on this exemption is available here.
Fully vaccinated travelers from all other countries must still comply with all of Ireland’s entry requirements, including the 14-day quarantine.
Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Ireland?
All travelers must have proof of a negative RT-PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival in Ireland.
Children age 6 and under and travelers from Northern Ireland who have not been overseas in the last 14 days are exempt from this testing requirement. More information on exemptions is available here.
If you do not have proof of a negative test result, you will have to quarantine in a quarantine hotel until you obtain a negative RT-PCR test result or you have quarantined for 10 days.
Travelers from designated States for mandatory hotel quarantine will also take an RT-PCR test on day 10 of their quarantine period. If that test is negative, they may end their quarantine early.
Travelers from all other countries must take an RT-PCR test at least 5 days after their arrival in Ireland. If that test is negative, they may end their quarantine early.
Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Ireland?
There is a mandatory quarantine for all travelers upon arrival in Ireland.
Unvaccinated travelers from designated States for mandatory hotel quarantine must quarantine in a quarantine hotel for 14 days from their arrival in Ireland. They will take an RT-PCR test on day 10 of their quarantine period and can end their quarantine early if that test is negative.
Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Ireland?
Vaccinated travelers from designated States for mandatory hotel quarantine must complete their quarantine at their residence or accommodation.
Travelers from all other countries must quarantine at their residence or accommodation for 14 days from their arrival in Ireland. They must take an RT-PCR test at least 5 days after their arrival and can end their quarantine early if that test is negative.
Travelers who do not have proof of a negative pre-arrival test result will have to quarantine in a quarantine hotel until they obtain a negative RT-PCR test result or they have quarantined for 10 days.
Quarantine exemption information is available here and here.
Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit Ireland
It is not an entry requirement to have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to enter Ireland. However, it is always safer and smarter to travel with some kind of insurance coverage.
One of the best travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is Heymondo. When we compared many different types of travel insurance, Heymondo emerged as a top choice for its policies’ extensive coverage, particularly for COVID-19 testing and treatment abroad, and affordable prices. You can even get 5% off their policies just for being our reader.
Other travel restrictions for Ireland during COVID-19
Ireland has a few other travel restrictions in place:
- All travelers must complete a Passenger Locator Form.
- All travelers will undergo health screenings upon arrival in Ireland.
- Face masks are required in all public areas.
- Social distancing rules must be observed.
- You may need a tourist visa to visit Ireland. Check if you need one below.
What’s open in Ireland
Ireland is just coming out of a lockdown, so businesses and attractions are starting to reopen. Hotels, some attractions, and airports are all open, and restaurants and pubs are open for outdoor dining.
Hotels that are open in Ireland
Hotels and accommodations are currently open in Ireland. If you’re looking for a place to stay, these are our favorite accommodations in Dublin:
Hotels’ leisure facilities, indoor restaurants, and bar services are restricted to overnight guests and residents only. Guests should wear masks in all public areas and keep at least 2 meters away from others. They will be informed of hotels’ COVID-19 protocols when they check in.
Hotels that are open in Ireland
Hand sanitizer will be available at entrances for guests to disinfect their hands. Hotel cleaning and disinfection will be carried out at least twice a day.
More details on hotel regulations can be found here.
Attractions that are open and tours that are operating in Ireland
Many attractions, such as outdoor amusement parks and theaters, are open and tours are operating. Some natural attractions, such as the Cliffs of Moher, are open too. These are some of our favorite things to do in Ireland:
- From Dublin: Cliffs of Moher and Galway
- From Dublin: Giants Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
- From Dublin: Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains Full-Day Trip
- From Dublin: Cork and Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour
- From Dublin: Jameson Whiskey Distillery Tour with Tastings
- From Galway: Full Day Cliffs of Moher & Burren Tour
- From Galway: Connemara & Cong Full-Day Tour
Visitors must wear face masks and follow social distancing guidelines of 2 meters. They will be asked to provide their contact details for contact tracing purposes and will be informed of COVID-19 protocols on arrival. Hand sanitizer will be provided so visitors can disinfect their hands as they enter and leave.
More information on attraction and tour regulations is available here.
Restaurants and pubs that are open in Ireland
There’s no need to worry about missing out on having a pint of Guinness or a bowl of Irish stew. Irish restaurants and pubs are open for outdoor service, takeout, and delivery.
Restaurants and pubs that are open in Ireland
They must close by 11:30 PM. Table occupancy is restricted to 6 people age 13 or over per table. Tables will be placed at least 1 meter apart. Customers must wear masks when they are not at their table.
More details on restaurant restrictions can be found here.
Airports that are open in Ireland
Ireland’s three main airports, Dublin, Cork, and Shannon, are all open, and international flights are operating.
Travelers should wear masks and abide by social distancing protocols. They should expect to undergo health screenings on arrival in Ireland.
Restrictions on intercity and interregional travel in Ireland
The Irish government recommends travelers stay within their own county or within 20 kilometers of their home if they are crossing county lines.
Travelers can only travel beyond these distances for essential reasons, such as work, medical appointments, family reasons, or food shopping. More information on domestic travel is available here.
Where to get a PCR test in Ireland – COVID-19 testing in Ireland
Your country may require you to take a PCR test in order to fly back home. If you need to get a PCR test in Ireland, you can find information on testing here and here.
Ireland reopening its borders to tourists – F.A.Q.
Check out these FAQs related to Ireland reopening for tourists and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.
Can I travel to Ireland right now?
Yes, you can currently travel to Ireland from any country, but restrictions will vary based on which country you are traveling from.
Is it safe to travel to Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic?
There are currently 12,500+ active cases and 4,900+ deaths due to COVID-19 in Ireland as of today. The CDC classifies travel to Ireland as “Level Unknown.” If you have a pre-existing condition or any health condition that could increase your chances of serious illness, do not travel to Ireland. Additionally, even if you are not high-risk, you might want to reconsider traveling to Ireland.
Is there a travel ban in Ireland?
No, Ireland has not banned travelers from any country. However, the government advises avoiding non-essential travel.
Is quarantine required to visit Ireland?
Yes, all travelers must quarantine on arrival in Ireland. Most travelers must quarantine for 14 days in their residence or accommodation and take an RT-PCR test at least 5 days after their arrival. Unvaccinated travelers from designated States for mandatory hotel quarantine must quarantine in a quarantine hotel for 14 days from their arrival in Ireland and take an RT-PCR test on day 10 of their quarantine period.
Do you need a PCR COVID-19 test to travel to Ireland?
Yes, all travelers over the age of 6 must have proof of a negative RT-PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival in Ireland. If they do not, they will have to quarantine in a quarantine hotel until they obtain a negative RT-PCR test result or they have quarantined for 10 days.
Is a curfew in place?
No, there is currently no curfew in Ireland.
Are there restrictions on intercity or interregional travel?
Yes, the Irish government recommends staying within your own county or within 20 kilometers of your home if you cross county lines. If you travel any further, it should be for an essential reason.
Are hotels open in Ireland?
Yes, hotels and accommodations in Ireland are open.
Are airports open in Ireland?
Yes, Ireland’s three main airports, Dublin, Cork, and Shannon, are all open.
Are restaurants and pubs open in Ireland?
Yes, Ireland’s restaurants and pubs are open for outdoor dining, delivery, and takeout.
Are attractions open and tours operating in Ireland?
Yes, many attractions are open and tours are operating in Ireland.
Is the Guinness Storehouse open?
No, the Guinness Storehouse is currently closed.
Is Trinity College open for visitors?
Yes, the Old Library and Book of Kells within Trinity College are both open for visitors.
Are the Cliffs of Moher open?
Yes, the Cliffs of Moher are open daily from 8 AM to 9 PM.
Is Ireland open to American tourists?
Yes, Americans can currently travel to Ireland, although the Irish government advises against non-essential travel.
Is Ireland open to Canadian tourists?
Yes, Canadians can visit Ireland right now, although the Irish government does advise against non-essential travel.
Sources
We will update this guide on Ireland reopening to tourism with any new developments. If you need more information on travel to Ireland, you can check these official sources:
- US Embassy Updates on COVID-19 in Ireland
- CDC Travel Recommendations for Ireland
- General Ireland Travel Advisory
- Current Travel Restrictions for Ireland
- Mandatory Hotel Quarantine Information
- Mandatory Hotel Quarantine FAQs
- Information on Booking a COVID-19 Test for after Arrival in Ireland
- Passenger Locator Form
- Current Business and Reopening Restrictions for Ireland
- Guidelines for Hotels
- Guidelines for Attractions
- Guidelines for Restaurants and Pubs
- Domestic Travel Information
