Following on the discovery of the new Covid-19 variant Omicron, the Irish government has introduced new rules which must be complied with by all persons entering Ireland by airplane or boat.

Previously when travelling to Ireland, persons were required to present the following upon arrival:

  • An EU Digital COVID Certificate as evidence that the holder has been fully vaccinated with an EMA approved vaccine, or have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 180 days
  • Other acceptable proof that the person has been vaccinated with an approved vaccine, or recovered from COVID-19 within the previous 180 days,
  • Proof of a negative RT-PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival if not vaccinated or fully recovered from Covid-19.

From Friday the 5th of December 2021 additional rules will apply. All persons entering the Republic of Ireland from this date must undergo a Covid-19 test prior to travel and present evidence of same to border control upon arrival.

The following tests will be accepted:

  1. A negative PCR test which has been taken within 72 hours of arrival.
  2. A negative Antigen test which has been taken within 48 hours of arrival.

It is important to note that Antigen tests will only be accepted for persons who are fully vaccinated with an EMA approved vaccine,  or those who have recovered from Covid-19 within the previous 180 days.

All other persons must present a negative PCR result. It is also important to note results will not be accepted from self-testing Antigen kits and tests must be carried out by appropriate providers.

Travellers must also complete a passenger locator form prior to boarding their flight or boat.

Persons arriving from Southern African countries are subject to additional rules which can be read about here.

With offices in Dublin and Cork, Sinnott Solicitors have a specialist team of Immigration Solicitors and Immigration Consultants who are experts on all Irish immigration matters. Should you have any queries with respect to any of the information contained in this article or any other immigration matters, do not hesitate to contact our immigration department in Cork or Dublin today on 014062862 or info@sinnott.ie.