Ireland Open For International Travel?
The Emerald Isle is more than a magnificent drape of greenery; it is also a hub of beaches, culture, and history. Ireland is a fascinating country that has long lured travellers from around the world to experience its majestic beauty and culture. But with the Covid-19 pandemic, has Ireland closed its doors to international travellers?
The short answer is, it depends. For quite some time, Ireland has implemented stringent travel restrictions in order to mitigate the spread of the virus. However, Ireland recently launched a number of travel programmes to welcome tourists back to the island with cautious openness. That being said, Ireland is in many ways a pioneer of safe travel protocols.
The country’s ‘Traffic Light System’ indicates the risk category for various areas and regions based on both the public health risk and the health service capacity. Travelers coming from green/low-risk countries require a valid PCR/antigen test result taken within 72 hours before departure, but are not required to present a quarantine plan or self-isolate upon arrival. If coming from an amber/low/medium risk country, travelers are required to familiarise themselves with the local public health protocols. This may include taking a PCR test on either the second or eighth day of arrival, or self-isolating for 14 days. Those coming from red/high-risk countries are required to present a certification of a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours before departure, and follow stringent quarantine rules upon arrival.
Given the risk of imported cases, the Irish government has unveiled the EU ‘Digital Covid Card’, an online document that sets up the baseline for travel between European countries. For citizens from countries other than Europe, Ireland will consider issuing travel authorisations on a “country-specific basis.” These authorisations would demonstrate that travellers have the necessary measures in place to comply with Ireland’s travel and health regulations.
In addition to entry requirements, other measures are in place to reduce the risk of an international surge of Covid-19 cases. For example, the Irish government has partnered with airlines and hotels to set up managed quarantine and isolation options for travellers. The scheme would cover the costs of hotel stays in the event that people are required to quarantine or isolate. There are also “travel bubbles” in place for travellers between certain countries. For travellers between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, as well as the UK and Ireland, quarantine or isolation upon arrival is not required.
Overall, the safety of Ireland’s citizens is the top priority. Those planning to travel to the country are encouraged to be familiar with the latest travel guidelines and public health protocols in order to have a safe and enjoyable journey. By doing so, international travellers would be contributing to Ireland’s already impressive track record in containing the pandemic.
Economic Impact of Travel Restrictions
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on Ireland’s economy, and the travel restrictions have been a major contributor to this. According to the Irish government, the travel industry, which accounts for nearly five percent of the nation’s GDP, has been hit particularly hard. The country’s GDP suffered a drop in value of nearly 14 percent in 2020, with the hospitality industry being among the hardest-hit sectors. Thus, the reopening of international travel to Ireland is seen as a necessary step towards recovering the lost revenue and jobs.
The Irish government has taken several measures to ease the economic impact of the travel restrictions. These include financial aid to airlines, tax breaks, and the conclusion of rebate schemes for flights to and from the country. Furthermore, the government is implementing measures to boost the confidence of tourists, such as providing travel insurance and offering free Covid-19 tests to people staying in Irish hotels.
The Irish government is also launching a nationwide marketing campaign that will introduce tourists to its best offerings. As part of the campaign, there will be virtual reality tours of Irish attractions, as well as virtual live streams of travel and tourism-based activities. Additionally, a “Temporary Duty Relief” has been implemented, which exempts certain services from taxes to incentivize spending and job creation.
Irish tourism will need all the help it can get to recover from the economic damages it has suffered due to the pandemic. The easing of travel restrictions in Ireland will be a crucial step in the recovery of the country’s economy, and the Irish government will need to remain vigilant especially when it comes to enforcing quarantine and health protocols.
Impact on Tourists
The combination of required PCR tests, travel bubbles, and other safety protocols may make the thought of traveling to Ireland seem daunting. It is important to remember, however, that these measures are necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone. Therefore, the most prudent decision for those considering a journey to the Emerald Isle is to familiarise themselves with all of the regulations before departure.
The restrictions may require a bit of extra effort on the part of the traveller, but the rewards of exploring the beauty of the country far outweigh the extra paperwork or Covid tests. Ireland is a country of vast landscapes, castles, pubs, and so much more – the Emerald Isle remains one of Europe’s prime destinations.
It is essential that travellers always respect the local protocols. While in the country, visitors should adhere to the health and safety guidelines posted in public places, such as restaurants, tourist attractions, and retail stores. Public transport, such as buses and trains, should be avoided when possible. Lastly, respect all Covid-19 regulations by wearing a face covering, physically distancing, and maintaining good hand hygiene.
By being familiar with the latest health and safety protocols, anyone planning to visit the Emerald Isle can enjoy a memorable and safe journey. Local businesses, attractions, and tourist sites will be more than happy to welcome visitors again – for a safe, respectful, and memorable visit to Ireland.
Reopening of Ireland’s Tourist Attractions
When it comes to international tourism, the reopening of Ireland’s tourist attractions has been a slow process. The increase in Covid-19 cases in the autumn of 2020 caused the country to once again introduce strict travel restrictions, including a shuttering of its cultural attractions. Despite this, some of the country’s landmarks and attractions have slowly been opening their doors once again.
One of the earliest attractions to reopen was the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, the world’s largest Guinness experience. Other attractions slowly followed suit, such as the vast expanses of Killarney National Park. Similarly, ancient castles, including Kilkenny Castle and Blarney Castle, reopened to visitors with limited capacity. For beer aficionados, the Beara Brewing Co. recently opened its famed microbrewery and taproom in County Cork, a unique spot to sample some of the country’s best brews.
Moving forward, Dublin has openly discussed making itself a ‘digital model city’ to promote the smoother flow of tourism. This includes allowing for vaccines from abroad, “passports” for tracing infections, and providing online tickets for events, attractions, and tourist activities. With the scaled return of attractions, Ireland is poised to eventually return to a normalcy not seen since the pandemic began.
Ireland’s Culture of Devotion to Safety
Ultimately, what makes visiting Ireland so appealing is the country’s culture of devotion to safety and its commitment to protecting its citizens. While travel restrictions may make going abroad seem more difficult, it is important to remember that Ireland has based its decision-making on science and evidence.
It was among the first countries to introduce a comprehensive and effective contact tracing system. The country’s response to the pandemic has been praised by experts and media across the globe, earning itself a reputation for keeping the virus at bay despite its proximity to other European countries.
In short, Ireland is a responsible international travel destination. While extra steps must be taken to keep everyone safe, the Emerald Isle remains a beautiful and exciting place to explore.
Contribution to Local Economy
For those visiting, there is also the opportunity to support Ireland in its recovery from the economic effects of the pandemic. By patronising local businesses, holidaymakers can make a positive contribution to the country’s economy. Shop local and get to know the diverse culture and locations unique to the area.
The best way to support local businesses is to ensure that you are following the local safety protocols. Many of the local pubs and restaurants have implemented various measures to make sure their customers can enjoy a safe and comfortable dining experience.
Finally, when it comes to souvenirs, it is always preferable to buy from local vendors. Not only will it give a boost to the local economy, but it will also give you a unique, one-of-a-kind experience.
Benefits of Responsible International Travel
In the wake of the pandemic, there has been a great deal of time spent wondering if international travel is safe. The truth is, international travel is only as safe as the travellers’ willingness to adhere to robust safety protocols. By familiarising themselves with the travel regulations and health protocols, travellers can protect themselves and the citizens of the destination country while still getting to enjoy a much-deserved holiday.
Moreover, Ireland is an ideal destination for those looking to visit a safe country while also getting to enjoy the beauty and culture of the Emerald Isle. The country’s love of language, its historical and literary significance, and its vibrant energy are sure to make every second of a visit to the country worthwhile.
For those looking for a safe and exciting international holiday, Ireland is a great option. By following the safety protocols, visitors can get to enjoy the many splendours of the country – and help support its recovery from the pandemic – with the assurance that they are doing so responsibly.
