Heading away? Checkout this update on the latest on current COVID-19 travel rules (June update)
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
Covid Travel Rules
Rules for travel within the EU
Up until recently, travellers needed an EU digital COVID certificate for free movement to all EU countries. Many EU countries removed all travel restrictions but appropriately half still have some travel restrictions.
Travellers entering Spain, Greece, Italy, and Germany do not require evidence of COVID-19 vaccination, recovery or a negative test and are not required to complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF). Many countries will consider reintroducing Covid travel restrictions from September dependant on Covid rates.
France and Portugal still have some covid travel rules. There is unrestricted travel to France and Portugal for vaccinated travellers (must show proof of vaccination), but unvaccinated travellers still need a PCR test within 72 hours of departure or a rapid antigen test within one day (or 24 hours) of departure or a COVID recovery cert. Vaccine certificates based on booster and additional doses are not time limited.
Travelling to Ireland
From 6 March 2022, all COVID-19 travel restrictions are removed for travellers to Ireland. You no longer need to complete a passenger locator form. You also no longer need proof of vaccination or recovery, or a COVID-19 test. Same is true for the UK.
Outside the EU
If you are travelling outside of the EU, you should check the document requirements and travel restrictions in that country on the Department of Foreign Affairs website. For example, for the US, you must take a Covid test no more than one day before travel (under 18s are exempt) and unvaccinated travellers will only be permitted to travel to the US in very specific circumstances; see DFA for more details.
How do I know what travel restrictions are in place?
As different countries have different rules and rules have been changing frequently in recent months, it is important to check in advance the rules for your destination country. Your airline will have advice and the Department of Foreign Affairs Website (DFA) has frequently updated travel advice (www.dfa.ie) for over 200 countries.
Booster COVID Vaccine available at Whelehans Pharmacy
People (over 12) can book a booster vaccine (including second booster for eligible groups) at Whelehans Pharmacy Pearse St on the Whelehans website or call 0449 334591 or simply call in to Whelehans weekly Wednesday walk-in clinics.
Thanks to the DFA, EU and Citizen’s information for this information. Advice correct June 2022 but is subject to changes in Government rules.
For comprehensive and free health advice and information call in to Whelehans Pharmacies, log on to www.whelehans.ie or dial 04493 34591 (Pearse St) or 04493 10266 (Clonmore).