Individuals traveling to Ireland from a “high risk” country, or who have traveled through a “high risk” country, are now required to complete a 14-day mandatory hotel quarantine in a designated quarantine facility immediately upon arrival in Ireland. Individuals arriving into Ireland without a negative or “not detected” RT-PCR test must also complete this 14-day mandatory hotel quarantine, regardless of the country from which they traveled.

Key Points:

  • The changes are set to take effect Friday, March 26, from 4 a.m.
  • The change affects individuals traveling into Ireland from countries listed on the designated “category 2 list.” This refers to travelers who have been in or to a “high risk” country in the last 14 days before entry to Ireland, including transit travel through these countries.
  • Employers should update their employees who are seeking to enter Ireland after March 26, 2021. Affected travelers will be required to complete 14 days of mandatory hotel quarantine at a designated facility. The accommodation must be pre-booked and paid for before traveling to Ireland. The quarantine time can be reduced if a traveler receives a “not-detected” COVID-19 test result after 10 days. It will be extended if a passenger tests positive during their stay.

Additional Information: Once travelers reach their port of entry, they will be met by members of the Defence Forces who will ensure that the traveler is safely and securely transported to the location in which they will complete their pre-booked mandatory hotel quarantine. Travelers will receive a letter at the end the 14 days confirming that they have completed their quarantine.

If affected travelers do not fulfil the legal requirement for mandatory hotel quarantine, they are committing an offense and may face penalties, including fines of up to €2,000, a prison sentence of up to one month, or both.

Exemptions to the mandatory hotel quarantine include:

  • Travelers arriving to Ireland in the course of duty and who hold a valid Annex 3 certificate (ensuring the availability of goods and essential services).
  • Travelers arriving to Ireland in the course of duty and who are drivers of a heavy goods vehicle.
  • Airline pilots, aircrew, maritime master or maritime crew and who arrive in Ireland in the course of performing duties.
  • Those traveling to Ireland pursuant to an arrest warrant, extradition proceedings or other mandatory legal obligation.
  • Members of An Garda Síochána or Defence Forces (or their equivalents from another state) and traveling to Ireland in course of duty.
  • Those traveling to Ireland for unavoidable, imperative and time-sensitive medical reasons, provided these reasons are certified by a registered medical practitioner or person with equivalent qualifications outside of Ireland.
  • Those who were outside of Ireland to provide services to or perform the functions of an office holder (under any enactment or the Constitution) or a member of either House of the Oireachtas or the European Parliament.
  • Diplomats and certain other categories of persons entitled to privileges and immunities in Ireland.

Analysis & Comments: The Irish government has made this recommendation, which is line with other countries, in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. It is important to note that the list of designated states is subject to change at short notice and passengers are required to check the list before travelling to Ireland, to be sure of their obligations. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your designated Deloitte contact. Employees who are affected by the travel restrictions will be kept informed of any changes.

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