Travel Corridors Explained
Last updated on September 23, 2020
While the Irish government continues to advise against non-essential travel overseas, certain countries are exempt from this advice. This includes Northern Ireland but not Great Britain. As of August 4, 2020, individuals travelling to the following European countries do not have to self-isolate upon their return to Ireland. Keep in mind that as situations evolve, new restrictions are likely to be made.
As of September 21, Ireland reduced their 'Green List' from 10 nations to 6 countries from where travellers can come without having to quarantine. Read on to learn more about these destinations and your potential for travel.
Travel Corridors
Travel corridors are when neighbouring countries decide to open their borders to one another, allowing their citizens to travel freely between them and avoid a mandatory self-quarantine requirement.
Keep in mind that you will have to self-isolate if you visited or made a transit stop in a country or territory that is not on the list in the 14 days before you arrive in Ireland. Check below the countries and territories added to the exempt list.
"Green" Countries
Cyprus - Cyprus has categorised countries into A and B categories. Currently, Ireland is in Category B: travellers are required to present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival, that was done within 72 hours prior. The results can be sent by email or SMS.
Finland - Internal border controls have been lifted for travel between Finland, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Entry is currently prohibited to foreign non-residents, with some exceptions. Travel between Finland and Andorra, Cyprus, Ireland, San Marino and the Vatican is unrestricted at all border points.
Germany - There are no COVID-19 related entry restrictions for EU members. Check out our post-lockdown Germany guide for some travel inspiration!
Iceland - Travellers going to Iceland have the option between quarantining for 14 days or doing 2 COVID-19 tests and quarantining for 5-6 days.
Latvia - Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area, and the Swiss Confederation, as well as people who are permanently residing in those countries, when travelling from their home countries to Latvia, are no longer required to self-isolate for 14 days upon their arrival in Latvia, as long as their home countries have maintained an incidence of less than 15 COVID-19 cases in 100,000 of the population for the previous 14 days.
Poland - Travellers from Ireland can go to Poland without having to self-isolate upon arrival.
Disclaimer: changes in local policies are continuously unravelling, and we will keep updating the list with more destinations and details. Please be aware that Irish government currently advises nationals against all but essential international travel. Always be sure to check the government guidelines for each country in the list above. These guidelines are available here. As much as we would love to encourage you to plan your next trips, in the current situation, we urge you to be conscious about the consequences and consider risks involved.