Ireland Once Again Welcoming U.S. Travelers
by Jessica Montevago /
As borders continue to open up across the globe, Ireland is the latest country to once again welcome American travelers without quarantine.
Beginning July 19, the Emerald Isle will be welcoming visitors from the U.S. and, for those who are fully vaccinated, there is no required travel-related testing or quarantine.
Those who do not have a valid proof of vaccination must present evidence of a negative RT-PCR test result within 72 hours prior to arrival into Ireland; self-quarantine; and undergo post-arrival testing, which will be provided through the Health Service Executive in Ireland.
As a European Union member, Ireland will be applying an ‘emergency brake’ mechanism that will be coordinated at the EU level to react swiftly to the emergence of a variant of concern or variant of interest. In the event that this ‘emergency brake’ mechanism is applied to US visitors, the requirements will change
Before arriving in Ireland, U.S. visitors will need to complete a Passenger Locator Form that will be checked prior to departure to Ireland by the relevant air carrier. On arrival in Ireland, spot checks will be carried out on proof of vaccinations and negative RT-PCR tests.
From July 19, children between the ages of 12 and 17, must have a negative RT-PCR test to travel into Ireland, even with fully vaccinated or recovered adults. Children under 12 do not need to take an RT-PCR test prior to traveling.
”The tourism industry right across the island of Ireland is very much looking forward to welcoming back visitors from the US and we will ensure they enjoy their visit. The health and safety of all our visitors continue to be the priority, and we will ensure they are protected alongside a very warm Irish welcome and a great vacation experience,” Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, which is responsible for promoting the island of Ireland overseas as a leading vacation destination.
In 2019, almost 11.2 million overseas visitors to the island of Ireland, delivering revenue of almost €5.8 billion.
As a part of the UK, Northern Ireland is operating a system of green, red, and amber countries. The measures in place will depend on the countries the visitor is traveling from or passing through.
Currently, the U.S. and Canada are both on the amber list of countries, which means that if visitors are traveling to Northern Ireland, either directly or via another country including Ireland, they must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken up to three days before departure; schedule post-arrival testing; complete a UK passenger locator form either on arrival or in the 48 hours before arrival; and self-isolate for 10 days.