What are the entry requirements for Ireland?
Easily accessible from Great Britain, Ireland is a popular holiday destination with Brits. However, due to Covid-19, there are a number of entry requirements that you need to be aware of.
From which documents you’ll need on arrival and what to expect when you’re in Ireland, to travel insurance for your trip, here’s what you need to know.
Entry to Ireland and Covid-19
The current rules in place since 6 March mean travellers can enter the country without having to show proof of vaccination, proof of recovery, proof of negative test or an Irish passenger locator form receipt.
They will not need to take any form of Covid test or quarantine.
If they contract Covid-19 while in Ireland, they should follow HSE guidance in relation to isolation and taking the required antigen or PCR testing.
Other entry requirements
British nationals who are travelling to Ireland from the UK don’t need a passport to visit as Ireland, along with the UK, is a member of the Common Travel Area (CTA) giving citizens the right to travel freely between the two.
However, immigration officers will check the ID of all passengers arriving by air from the UK and may ask for proof of nationality, so the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office advises you to take your British passport.
If you use your passport to enter, it needs to be valid for the duration of your stay.
While you’re in Ireland
Indoor hospitality venues, such as pubs, restaurants and cafes, are open for all.
As of 28 February 2022 it is not compulsory to wear a mask in any setting, though it is advised, when on public transport or in a healthcare setting.
Masks must be worn for 10 days by people confirmed as having Covid. Those who are 13-years-old or over must wear a medical grade or FFP2 mask. Children aged 12-years-old or younger can wear a well-fitting mask.
Returning to the UK
As of 18 March 2022, both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers arriving in or returning to the UK will not need to take any form of Covid test, complete a passenger locator form or quarantine.
Find out more about travel rules for returning to the UK.
Do I need travel insurance for Ireland?
Due to its close proximity to England, you may think that travel insurance isn’t necessary for a trip to Ireland. But, travel insurance should be an important part of any holiday that you take, whether you are staying in Great Britain or jetting off overseas. It can cover you for a number of things that may go wrong, from unexpected cancellation in the run-up to a trip and medical costs to personal liability.
Residents of the UK can get ‘necessary healthcare’ from state healthcare services in Ireland. In essence, this is healthcare that is necessary during your stay and can’t wait until you return home.
However, you should still take out travel insurance to cover any unexpected medical costs as not all state healthcare is free in Ireland and you may need to pay for services that are free with the NHS.
You should also apply for a free Global Health Insurance Card or GHIC ahead of your trip. Find out more on healthcare in Ireland here.
To find the best travel insurance policy for you, it’s worth comparing a number of policies side-by-side, paying attention to financial limits, the excess amount and any exclusions.
You should also look at what protection the policy offers regarding disruption due to Covid-19. Read more about taking out travel insurance here and you can use the box below to compare travel insurance quotes.
What about travel to Northern Ireland?
You won’t have to fill in a Passenger Locator Form, take any form of Covid test or quarantine if you’re travelling to Northern Ireland.
