Ireland Will Reopen to American Tourists July 19

Starting July 19, fully vaccinated American travelers can visit Ireland without quarantine or pre-departure test. The country plans to ease border restrictions for both U.S. and UK visitors, Reuters first reported Ireland's two largest markets for tourists.

Currently, Americans are allowed to travel to Ireland, but there is a two-week mandatory hotel quarantine along with proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours. When the new rules go into effect, American travelers will only need to show proof of vaccination.

Unvaccinated children between 7 and 18 years old will have to show proof of a negative coronavirus test before arrival.

The country will still welcome unvaccinated tourists, but they must arrive with proof of a negative test and self-quarantine until they take a second test.

It’s part of Ireland’s overall adoption of the European Union's digital COVID-19 certificate, which allows citizens to move more freely across the bloc.

In light of the news, United Airlines announced it will fly nonstop from New York/Newark to Dublin and adding a nonstop from Chicago in July. Tour operator Globus and Cosmos, too, has added new Choice Tours, Small-Group Discovery departures and off-season Escapes to Ireland.

Next week, outdoor dining at pubs and restaurants will reopen while hotels will be allowed to welcome guests. Indoor dining at bars and restaurants can restart July 5, when arts and sports events can also resume both indoors and outside but with restrictions on attendance.

Ireland is now one of several European countries to announce plans to welcome foreign tourists ahead of the summer travel season, including Spain, Italy, and Greece. The EU has said it plans to reopen to vaccinated foreign travelers this summer.