Ireland has become the first country in Europe that fully-vaccinated British travellers can visit without the need for any Covid-19 tests into or out of the country. There will also be no requirement to self-isolate if fully-vaccinated from 19 July.

Niall Gibbons, chief executive of Tourism Ireland, said: “We are pleased to confirm this change in arrangements to welcome British visitors to Ireland from 19 July. The Covid-19 pandemic has been tough on everyone, and these changes will afford many people an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends in a way that hasn’t been possible for a long time.”

Ireland’s tourism industry has adopted a safety charter to ensure the wellbeing of both the guests and hospitality workers. Before arriving in Ireland, British visitors will need to complete an online Passenger Locator Form which will be checked by their air or sea carrier before departure. Passengers may also be asked for proof of vaccination.

On arrival in Ireland, British visitors will need to have proof of full vaccination, for example showing their NHS App Covid Pass, a vaccination status letter or their NHS vaccine paper card.

Passengers without proof of vaccination will require evidence of a negative RT-PCR test result within 72 hours prior to arrival in Ireland and will have to quarantine for 14 days or a minimum of five days if they prove negative with a second PCR test provided by the Health Service Executive in Ireland on day five.