As of yesterday, July 19, vaccinated tourists from the U.S are finally able to visit the Republic of Ireland using their proof of vaccination. On the other hand, those who are unvaccinated will have to undergo additional safety protocols.
Previously, Americans were allowed to visit Ireland however they had to undergo a two-week mandatory hotel quarantine as well as take a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of arrival.
Today, unvaccinated Americans can expect to go to Ireland with a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival, but they still have to self – isolate for five days until cleared by a negative second test. All travelers arriving in Ireland must also fill out a Passenger Locator Form online at least 48 hours before arrival.
The Irish government currently accepts vaccines developed by BioNTech and Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Janssen Pharmaceutica NV (Johnson & Johnson).
For those traveling with children between the ages of 12 to 17, each child must show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival. Children arriving with vaccinated adults will not be required to quarantine, however they must adhere to the self isolation requirements if they are traveling with an unvaccinated adult.
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What Comes Next
While Ireland has opened up its borders, it has yet to fully repeal its indoor dining and drinking regulations. Previously scheduled plans to allow indoor dining in Ireland’s pubs and restaurants on July 5th were delayed due to a sudden surge in COVID 19 cases.
The new date for reopening is set for July 26th and comes with guideline restrictions that are yet to be solidified by government leaders and hospitality stakeholders. What we do know is that pubs and indoor dining will only be accessible to vaccinated people who have recovered from infection in the previous six months.
“We’re going to give this very serious consideration. We’ll be considering these issues again on Wednesday, in the sense of formally deciding on issues” said Taoiseach Micheal Martin to Irish Mirror. “But I do think we’re in a different stage of the pandemic compared to six months ago, compared to this time last year,” he continued.
According to the Irish Mirror, draft plans involve stamping or tagging customers who leave a pub or restaurant should they decide to return the premise. The draft document will use these rules towards people who step out “to have a cigarette” and who will re-enter the pub or restaurant using the main entrance.
Additionally, according to Irish Tánaiste Leo Varadkar it ‘looks’ like there are also probable plans for an app reader which will be used by hospitality staff to scan customer’s Digital Covid Certificate upon entry.
“We’re targeting Monday the 26th, really because it has to go through the Seanad, we need to allow the President time to consider the bill and what’s in it, and we need to get some regulations and things like that in place. The date we are aiming for is Monday, July 26,” said Varadkar to the Irish Mirror.