Summer holidays imminent? Here's all the info you need on latest COVID travel requirements update July 5th
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
Covid Travel Rules
Recent relaxation the rules
I discussed COVID travel rules in the Westmeath Examiner a few weeks ago, but as many countries have since relaxed the travel rules, this week I discuss the updated 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 from other EU countries do not require evidence of COVID-19 vaccination, recovery or a negative test and do not need to complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF). Many countries will consider reintroducing Covid travel restrictions from September dependant on Covid rates.
France and Portugal from other EU countries 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 48 hours (for France) or 24 hours (for Portugal) of departure or a COVID recovery cert. Vaccine certificates based on booster and additional doses are not time limited. For France, all travellers arriving by air must complete the EU-PLF form. Passengers arriving by sea or land to France are not required to complete this form.
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 traveling to the US from Ireland, if vaccinated you no longer (since June 2022) need proof of a Covid test to enter the country, you just need proof of vaccination (under 18’s are exempt); 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 over 65s and eligible groups under 65s) 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).