Ireland’s “Green List” Down to 10 Countries [UPDATE]
Ireland’s “green list” has been updated as of August 6, 2020, and five countries have been removed from the list for quarantine-free travel.
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Ireland’s government has updated its so-called “green list,” and five countries have been removed from the quarantine-free travel list. Those countries include: Cyprus, Gibraltar, Malta, Monaco, and San Marino. The government made its decision following a rise in travel-related Covid-19 cases in Europe.
The concept behind the green list is simple: Those coming to Ireland from a country on the green list will not have to restrict their movement for 14 days upon arrival. This essentially gives them a green light to continue with their travels, or their daily lives. The list applies to Irish residents and visitors alike. Those living in Ireland have some clarity as to where they can take their summer holiday. Those living abroad have some clarity about traveling to the Emerald Isle.
The 10 Green List Countries
As of 8/6//2020, Ireland’s green list has shrunk to just 10 countries and is much shorter than the European Union’s safe list. It will be reviewed every two weeks. Those arriving from these green list countries will not have to quarantine upon arrival in Ireland:
- Estonia
- Finland
- Greece
- Greenland
- Hungary
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Norway
- Slovakia
Northern Ireland shares an open border with Ireland, and its residents will not be restricted. Those coming from elsewhere in the United Kingdom, however, will be asked to self-isolate and complete a Passenger Locator Form upon arrival.
The green list includes select countries with a lower rate of Covid-19 infection than Ireland. Except for Greenland, which is considered part of North America, all are in Europe.
Covid-19 Testing?
More restrictions could be coming for travelers arriving from countries not on the green list. According to the Irish Post, a government committee has proposed that these arrivals take two Covid-19 tests during their quarantine period.
It’s been widely reported that the country’s 14-day quarantine rules are being poorly enforced. For what it’s worth, I’m curious as to how many Irish citizens have ignored quarantine rules after their beach holidays in Spain and Portugal. With testing on top of quarantine, the government could offer more assurance that arriving passengers are free of the virus.
Final Thoughts
Ireland’s green list includes just 10 countries. That’s not many, and one third fewer than were on the initial list. The United States is, of course, not on the list.
My wife and I finally canceled our long-planned trip to Ireland a couple of weeks ago. We’ll tentatively plan to go next year. There is just no chance that the U.S. will have contained Covid-19 by the end of August.
But no matter, I don’t plan to be the one who goes to Ireland and causes a wider outbreak. We’re staying home this year.