Press release
Changes to vaccination requirements is a game-changer for Irish diaspora - Brophy
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy TD, has welcomed the recent changes to the vaccination requirements for travel to Ireland.
With effect from 9 November, the definition of a ‘vaccinated person’ for the purposes of travel has been expanded to include those who have been vaccinated with CoronaVac (also known as Sinovac); SinoPharm (BIBP); a heterologous (mixed) dose of any of the recognised vaccines; and a single dose of any of the accepted vaccines administered within 180 days of a positive RT-PCR test result.
Minister Brophy said:
"I welcome the expansion of vaccines accepted for the purpose of travel to Ireland. This is good news in particular for members of our Diaspora, many of whom have not been home to Ireland in over two years.
"Along with the ongoing rollout of the EU Digital COVID Certificate to Irish citizens vaccinated outside the EU who are already fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine, these welcome changes will make it easier for our Diaspora to travel back to Ireland and to travel freely within the Union."
All passengers travelling to Ireland from overseas are required to fill out a Passenger Locator Form before departure, to provide valid proof of vaccination or recovery, or to present evidence of a negative RT-PCR result from a test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival into the country.
Full details on the vaccination requirements along with the most up-to-date advice on travel to Ireland can be found on Government advice on international travel.
As of 31 October the post-arrival quarantine requirements for overseas travellers to Ireland have been removed.
The requirement for travellers to complete an online Passenger Locator Form (ePLF), to provide evidence of a valid RT-PCR test result in order to travel to Ireland, unless exempt (such as vaccinated or recovered or children under 12) remain in effect, as does the obligation on carriers to check RT-PCR test results and to deny boarding to passengers who do not have acceptable documentation to continue.
Members of the public with queries on international travel are encouraged to visit the Department of Foreign Affairs Travel Advice (www.dfa.ie/travel) or to email traveladvice@dfa.ie
Any travellers who arrive into Ireland without the accepted RT-PCR test result, or an exemption such as proof of vaccination or recovery will have committed an offense. Such persons are then required to complete a RT-PCR test within 36 hours of arrival or face further penalties.