Ireland travel restrictions: What are the latest regulations for holidays in Spain, Portugal and Italy?

Effective March 6, it’s a stunning change that, like the removal of most restrictions in the country at the end of January, has taken many by surprise.

It follows broad international moves towards looser travel rules – Iceland and Switzerland have also removed restrictions and Greece will scrap its personal locator template from 15 March , before the Easter holiday, for example.

However, travelers should be aware that restrictions vary from destination to destination. Proof of vaccinations, rehabilitation or negative test results are still required for entry into many countries.

Here are some of the latest updates.

What has changed with Ireland’s travel restrictions?

As of Sunday, March 6, visitors to Ireland no longer have to present proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative PCR test result.

“There are no post-arrival testing or quarantine requirements for travelers to Ireland,” according to updated advice above government website.

Arriving passengers do not need to fill out a Passenger Locator Form.

Why is this happening?

“These are the last Covid registrations,” Health Minister Stephen Donnelly tweeted weekend. “Another step forward in our Covid efforts.”

One reason cited for the deletion was to make it easier for Ukrainian refugees to enter Ireland. However, this step will also remove barriers to travel.

The Department of Health said: “The current epidemiological situation in Ireland continues to be positive, although some will be concerned with the rate of change as Covid-19 remains widespread and transmissible.

So can I delete my Covid Cert?

Stability. Ireland participated Iceland and Switzerland in removing Covid-related travel restrictions, but most countries still apply border health regulations.

Almost all EU countries continue to require proof of vaccinations, recent Covid recovery (within 180 days) or negative test results.

Others, such as the United States and Australiarequire additional checks prior to departure.

While mass-goers are experiencing fewer restrictions (e.g. France plans to relax health card regulations for indoor eating and drinking from March 14), countries like Italy are still Immunization cards are required to use in-house services and the rules may be different for children.

As a general rule, before traveling, check the latest restrictions for your specific European Union destination on reopen.europa.eu or dfa.ie/travel.

Do I need a boost to travel?

For travel purposes, the completed primary immunization schedule is valid only on EU Covid Certs for 270 days.

That means 270 days from the second dose of a two-shot regimen like Pfizer, AstroZeneca or Moderna, or a single dose of Janssen (Johnson & Johnsabove).

For example, if you take your last main dose on 1 July 2021, its validity for travel purposes within the European Union will expire on 28 March 2022.

However, if your Covid Cert records a booster dose, you are not currently limited in time.

Remember, if you’re not boosted, or really unvaccinated, you can still travel. For most countries, you will have to show proof of recovery from Covid-19 within the previous 180 days or a recent negative test result.

What are the travel restrictions in Spain?

All visitors from all countries and regions considered at risk (including Ireland) must show proof of vaccinations, recovery from Covid-19 or a negative test result.

Tourists must also fill in Spain Health control form before the flight departs. This gives you the QR code you need to show on arrival.

Children under 12 are exempt from submitting proof of immunizations, rehabilitation or testing, but not a Health Control Form.

Spain also requires masks on public transport, in indoor spaces, and depending on the area you visit, Covid Certs may be required for bars, restaurants and clubs. set.

What are the travel restrictions for Portugal?

All travelers over the age of 12 can enter Portugal without restrictions if their Covid Cert shows proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test result.

They also have to fill in Passenger locator card.

Mask use is mandatory in all closed spaces, but you do not need to present a Covid Certificate to enter hotels, restaurants, events, bars, clubs and public places other.

Read more on VisitPortugal.com.

What are the travel restrictions for Italy?

Travelers over the age of six must present proof of vaccination, recovery from Covid-19 or a negative test result. They also have to fill in EU digital passenger locator form.

These rules in effect during the state of emergency remain in place until March 31. You can find updated information on Official travel website.

A ‘Super Green Pass’, based on proof of vaccination or full recovery, is also required to enter restaurants, hotels, ski facilities and even use public transport in Italy.

Travelers should note that a Covid Certificate based on vaccination or recovery is only valid as a ‘Super Green Card’ for six months (i.e. not 270 days). Then you need to get a boost, or pay extra for tests.

How long will Covid Certs be needed for travel?

According to the European Commission, more than a billion EU Covid Certificates have been issued to date.

The idea behind Certs is that they allow travel based on an individual’s immunity or testing status, not their country of origin.

The certificate provision will expire on 1 July 2022, but there is a provision for review and possible renewal, depending on the epidemiological situation.

However, as we have seen with Ireland, individual countries can lift their previous travel restrictions.

What about traveling to the United States from Ireland?

Some areas and cities in the United States have already begun to lift pandemic restrictions — New York City, for example, has removed vaccine regulations for bars and restaurants.

However, travelers still need to present proof of vaccinations and a negative test result before boarding their flight to the US. The test must be taken no more than one day before travel.

You can also present proof of recovery from Covid-19 within 90 days of flight departure, along with a letter from a licensed healthcare provider or public health official. plus says you have been allowed to travel.

Check for updates on the US embassy in Ireland this.

What else do I need to remember?

Before traveling, check to see if your family’s passport is still valid. You may not have taken a vacation abroad since 2019 and the children’s passports will expire in five years.

The Passport Service website is this.

You should also ensure that there is flexibility in booking with your airline or travel agent.

Covid is still circulating, so take care to protect yourself, check the latest virus situation on the ground at your destination, and think through what could happen if you need to cancel or postpone trip.