Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 December 2021
206. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if an Irish citizen travelling from Ireland to the UK and back is required to have a negative RT-PCR test upon their return to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62262/21]
View answer207. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if a person travelling to accompany a minor to the UK to drop a child off to another parent or family member is required to have a negative PCR test upon their return to Ireland even though they will only be dropping the child to the airport and ferry port and returning straight back to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62263/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 206 and 207 together.
The requirements for travel are kept under regular review based on the evolving international epidemiological situation. At present, and as part of our response to the emergence of the Omicron variant, passengers travelling to Ireland from overseas require a valid test result (subject to limited exemptions). A person travelling from Great Britain is subject to these requirements and no exemption is available based on travel of a short duration. A passenger who holds proof of vaccination or recovery can present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival or a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours of arrival. An unvaccinated passenger is required to take a PCR test. Passengers are also required to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator form. Full detail on international travel policy and available exemptions is published at www.gov.ie/travel.
