Ireland Has Reopened to American Tourists - Here's What You Need to Know
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Fully vaccinated U.S. travelers can now travel to Ireland without having to quarantine.
Vaccinated travelers must show proof of their completed vaccination course. The country will also welcome unvaccinated tourists, but they must arrive with proof of a negative COVID-19 test and self-quarantine for five days upon arrival. Additionally, unvaccinated children between 7 and 18 years old will have to show proof of a negative coronavirus test before entering Ireland. All travelers — vaccinated or not — must fill out a Passenger Locator Form 48 hours before traveling to Ireland.
This entry news coincides with Ireland implementing the European Union's COVID-19 certificate. The EU Digital COVID Certificate allows EU citizens to upload proof of a completed vaccine course, a negative COVID-19 test (taken within the appropriate time period for their travel), or proof they've contracted the virus and since recovered.
Prior to July 19, Americans were allowed to travel to Ireland with proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of their arrival — and they had to quarantine for 14 days upon entry, according to the U.S. Embassy in Ireland.
The plans to ease border restrictions come as the country begins to fully reopen. Indoor and outdoor dining at pubs and restaurants are back to serving pints as of July 5.
The EU has also rolled out a plan that they call the "emergency brake" mechanism, which Ireland plans to strictly adhere to. As COVID-19 variants spread, the EU will advise against travel where the "emergency brake" has been applied. It will be applied in reaction to areas where a concerning spread of the virus is emerging.
The decision to welcome U.S. tourists comes after several European countries have done the same over the last few months, including Croatia, Italy, and France.
Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram.
