(CNN) — If you’re planning to travel to Ireland, here’s what you’ll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The basics
Ireland had one of Europe’s harshest lockdowns throughout much of the pandemic, but restrictions have now eased and international visitors are very welcome.
Who can go
Travelers arriving from all overseas countries are subject to the same Covid-19-related requirements (see below).
What are the restrictions?
Document checks apply to all people aged 11 and over arriving at Irish airports and ferry terminals from outside the island.
Passengers to Ireland with an accepted proof of vaccination or proof of recovery from Covid-19 in the past six months do not have to show an additional pre-departure Covid-19 test result.
In accordance with new EU-wide regulations, from February 1, vaccine certificates for primary vaccination series are no accepted for travel if more than 270 days (around nine months) have passed since the final dose in the primary vaccine series.
Vaccine certificates based on booster/additional doses are not time limited.
Travelers without these proofs of vaccination or recovery will need a negative RT-PCR test done no more than 72 hours before their arrival.
What’s the Covid situation?
As in much of Europe, the Omicron variant was behind a recent sharp rise in cases in Ireland. As of February 28, there have been 1,292,212 cases and 6,475 deaths. More than 80% of the population has been fully vaccinated, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.
What’s on offer
The wild coasts of Cork and Kerry, the rugged beauty of Connemara and Donegal and the cultural hub of Dublin. Ireland has long held travelers’ imaginations captive, with tales of its history, its great literature and Celtic myths an endless source of fascination.
Sure, you can enjoy a few pints in one of its classic pubs, but with so much to explore, Ireland is as much a place to indulge in the great outdoors as it is to enjoy the craic.
What can visitors expect?
Ireland has now lifted nearly all of its domestic Covid-19 restrictions.
From February 28, face coverings are no longer legally required, but are recommended on public transport and in healthcare settings.
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Julia Buckley, Joe Minihane and Maureen O’Hare contributed to this report.
