Ireland to re-open for vaccinated travellers

From the 19 July, travellers with approved vaccinations will be able to visit Ireland without the need for a PCR test or quarantine

The Republic of Ireland has announced the adoption of the EU’s new Digital Covid Certificate. This will enable more seamless travel for tourists and will be extended to vaccinated visitors from outside of the EU, including the GCC countries. The scheme will come into effect from 19 July, meaning that travellers with the approved vaccinations will be able to visit Ireland without the need for a test or quarantine.

Approved vaccinations for travel to the Republic of Ireland include:

• Two doses of Pfizer-BioNtech Vaccine (regarded as fully vaccinated after seven days since the second dose)
• Two doses of Moderna Vaccine (regarded as fully vaccinated after 14 days since the second dose)
• Two doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine (regarded as fully vaccinated after 15 days since the second dose)
• One dose of Johnson & Johnson/Janssen Vaccine (regarded as fully vaccinated after 14 days since the second dose)

Speaking about the new protocol, Tourism Ireland chief executive Niall Gibbons said: “The announcement is an extremely welcome and important step on the road to recovery for our industry in Ireland and our trade partners overseas. This will help protect thousands of jobs and livelihoods across the Irish tourism industry. For the first time in many months, we can look to the future with optimism.

“Everyone at Tourism Ireland looks forward to getting back in full swing, to promote the island of Ireland as a safe, welcoming and ‘must-see’ destination across the world. Over the coming months, we will be working flat out, with all of our partners, to restore as much business as possible. Our message is that we can’t wait to roll out the green carpet and welcome back our overseas visitors.”

Tourism Ireland will run a significant promotional kick-start campaign to entice international travellers. The health and safety of all visitors will be a priority and a warm Irish welcome will remain a key to Ireland’s offering.

Travellers from the GCC will be able to travel to the Republic of Ireland provided they have received the full course of any of the approved vaccinations.

It’s important to note that these rules only apply to the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland remains subject to UK government requirements.

For more information, visit www.tourismireland.com