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Methinks.
Several countries worldwide have loosened their pandemic-related travel restrictions as vaccination rates increase globally and COVID infections decrease, including highly contagious Omicron variant cases.
Ireland is the latest country to do away with COVID-related travel restrictions.
According to an announcement released by the Irish government, all COVID-related restrictions have been lifted as of March 6. Travelers can now visit the Emerald Isle without showing proof of vaccination, proof of recovery, or proof of a negative test to enter the country. Passenger locator forms are also officially gone, and upon arrival in Ireland, there will be no requirement to test for COVID or quarantine.
Shoppers on Grafton Street, Dublin, Ireland. Courtesy Jame Gaw — Getty/iStock
“I’ve just signed the regulations removing the Covid requirements for incoming international passengers,” Stephen Donnelly, Ireland’s minister for health, tweeted. “These were the last remaining Covid regs… Another step forward in our Covid efforts.”
Though face masks are not required, the government recommends using them on public transportation in public spaces.
Travelers considering hopping across the border to Northern Ireland should know that the same rules do not apply there. Those traveling from the Common Travel Area (UK, Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man, or the Republic of Ireland) and staying overnight in Northern Ireland are “advised to take a rapid lateral flow device test (LFD) before they begin their journey. You should only travel if the test is negative. You do not need to fill in a passenger locator form unless you have been outside the CTA in the last ten days.” — according to a government website.
Ireland is just one of several countries to lift COVID-related travel restrictions recently. Iceland, France, Sweden, the U.K., Denmark, and Norway are just a few examples of nations that have either relaxed rules or eliminated them. Meanwhile, in the U.S., destinations like New York City and Hawaii—which were notorious for their COVID regulations—have also lifted their mandates.
Jessica is a freelance journalist on a quest to see and experience everything our gorgeous planet offers and share her experiences with her fellow travelers. Jessica has written for several world-class Travel Magazines.
