Ireland lifts most COVID-19 restrictions, welcoming Americans just in time for St. Patrick's Day.

Ireland continues to ease COVID-19 measures. Over the weekend, the Emerald Isle removed nearly all coronavirus-related guidelines.

Prime Minister Micheál Martin stated, "We have weathered the Omicron storm," announcing that bars and restaurants can now stay open past 8 p.m. and venues can operate at full capacity. Masks are still required on public transport and in shops, but only until the end of next month.

Pubs can now operate at full capacity without social distancing, allowing Ireland to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in traditional fashion for the first time since 2019.

At the start of the new year, Ireland eliminated the requirement for vaccinated travelers to undergo a pre-departure COVID-19 test, making it one of the most accessible countries for Americans to visit. This rule also applies to individuals who can prove they have recovered from COVID-19 within the last six months.

Recently, all travelers—including the vaccinated—were required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within three days prior to arrival.

COVID-19 regulations for Ireland

During the pandemic, Americans were permitted to visit Ireland, but until May 28, 2021, they were required to quarantine for two weeks at their own expense in a government-approved hotel. Currently, there is no quarantine requirement.

If you are fully vaccinated, you no longer need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result.

The Irish government states it will accept a digital vaccination certificate, such as those from the European Union, or a paper certificate like the CDC cards given to vaccinated Americans, as long as it includes:

• Proof that the individual named in the document is vaccinated
• The date or dates when the individual received their vaccination
• The issuing authority is recognized as legitimate to provide this evidence

All travelers must complete a passenger locator form. You can find the travel requirements for Ireland here. For the latest restrictions, check here and here.

Aer Lingus also provides useful information regarding travel requirements.

Ireland recognizes vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Sinovac, and Sinopharm.

Unvaccinated Americans can travel to Ireland, but they must present a negative test and are subject to additional restrictions.

Remember, you will need a COVID-19 test within one day before your return to the United States. Airlines will verify that you have the necessary documentation for your return to the U.S.

Current COVID-19 conditions

Unfortunately, COVID-19 continues to spread rapidly in Ireland, although new omicron infections may have peaked. A few weeks ago, Ireland was recording unprecedented case numbers, but the prime minister indicates that the high vaccination and booster rates among the Irish population are helping to manage the situation.

In response, the government imposed stricter COVID-19 measures in December, closing nightclubs and mandating that pubs and restaurants shut by 8 p.m.

Now, with around 82% of the population vaccinated, the prime minister reports that hospitalizations and fatalities have decreased, allowing Ireland to resume normal operations.

Be sure to check out TPG's Ireland hub — it has all the essential information for traveling to the Emerald Isle.

Additionally, Ireland is no longer requiring an EU COVID-19 vaccine passport for most venues and events. You can find the previous rules listed below.

For more details, check out the U.S. Embassy in Ireland's website.

The U.S. State Department has issued an advisory for Ireland at Level 4: Do Not Travel, while the CDC's advisory for the country is at Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.