Ireland information: traveller health

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update

The authorities in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland continue to take measures to protect public safety and limit the spread of COVID-19 on the island of Ireland.

Who can visit?

Northern Ireland

There is no quarantine in place for individuals travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, although there may be some local requirements or travel restrictions in place. Always check the latest travel advice, regulation guidance, and information.

Republic of Ireland

The authorities of the Republic of Ireland are currently advising against all non-essential travel to the island until further notice. For further information, check the latest travel advice and information.

For information on local restrictions currently in place, please visit here

What safety measures are in place?

Northern Ireland – We’re Good To Go

As in Great Britain, Northern Ireland's tourism and hospitality industry has adopted the "Good to Go" policy which presents certified evidence that a business has adhered to government guidelines and is safe to re-open. The programme is aimed at accommodation providers, visitor attractions, restaurants and pubs, business conference and events venues and tour and coach operators.

“We’re Good To Go” is the official mark to signal that a tourism and hospitality business has worked hard to follow government and industry COVID-19 guidelines and has a process in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing.

The “We’re Good To Go” scheme is a way for tourism businesses to reassure visitors and guests that:
• They are adhering to government and public health guidance, including the social distancing and cleanliness protocols that must be in place.
• Have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment.
• Have implemented the required health and safety processes to conduct business safely.

Click here for more information

Republic of Ireland Covid-19 Safety Charter

The COVID-19 Safety Charter is a voluntary initiative for businesses in the Republic of Ireland that is designed to reassure visitors that government approved hygiene and safety procedures are in place. In addition to Ireland’s sector-specific operational guidelines for tourism businesses on how to meet government health recommendations, businesses signing up to the Charter and displaying the Charter logo are committing to observe and adhere to strict safety protocols.

Visitors can be assured that all businesses and their staff are displaying the COVID-19 Safety Charter logo have committed to strict hygiene and safety protocols and:

• Have a clear understanding of the COVID-19 infection.
• Are aware of their role and responsibility in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
• Have a clear understanding of the standard precautions needed to control infection.
• Consistently demonstrate correct hand-washing technique and practices.
• Apply all of this this knowledge throughout the businesses's operations.

Click here for more information

Where can I get further information?

The latest Information and support about Covid-19 in the Republic of Ireland can be found on the website of the Health Service Executive. For the latest travel advice, please visit the websites of the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade and https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ireland

The latest Information and support about Covid-19 in Northern Ireland can be found on the website of the official Public Health Agency Northern Ireland. For the latest travel advice, please visit the following website https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-advice

Healthcare

Ireland has great healthcare, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you go. If you’re bringing medicines with you into Ireland, carry them in their original, clearly labelled container, along with your prescription or a letter from your doctor.

It’s a rule of thumb that anything over a three-month supply of medicine will be questioned and any “controlled drugs” as well as any syringes or needles, should be declared and explained in a letter from your doctor.

Travel and Medical Insurance

You should always obtain travel insurance to cover any potential overseas medical costs including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs, before you travel. Be sure to check for any exclusions that might affect your policy and that it covers all the activities you plan on doing in Ireland, and make sure that your travel insurance has medical cover. If you’re a member of an EU country or the United Kingdom, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, bring a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which covers you for most medical care.

Pharmacies

There are plenty of pharmacies in Ireland, and they’re a good first stop for travellers seeking medical advice or a local referral. Most towns have one or two pharmacies and urban areas have many. Pharmacies generally operate from 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday, but many pharmacies in urban areas open late and on weekends.

Bring a spare pair of glasses or contact lenses with you and your optical prescription just in case.

Vaccinations

Just as with most of western Europe, there are no vaccinations required to visit Ireland.