Although the EU Digital COVID Certificate will be in place on the 19th of July, testing will still be part of our travels. If you aren’t fully vaccinated or haven’t recovered from COVID-19 in the past 6 months, you will need a negative PCR test result or a negative antigen test to travel within the EU. You may also need a negative PCR or antigen test result before travelling to non-EU countries, depending on your vaccination status.

The HSE has been clear that they will not be providing PCR tests for the purpose of travel so, if you need a negative COVID test, you will need to book and pay for a private test. This test, whether antigen or PCR, needs to be done 48-72hrs before you arrive in your destination country. 

What kind of test is acceptable? 

Upon return to Ireland, if you require a test, only a negative result from a PCR test is acceptable, as per the ongoing review of coronavirus testing by NPHET and the government. This is still considered the “gold standard” of testing for COVID-19. A negative result from a LAMP or any rapid antigen testing will not be accepted in Ireland. 

From the 19th of July, to be able to travel freely in European countries, you will need to meet one of the criteria of the EU Digital COVID Certificate: 

  • Been vaccinated against COVID-19
  • Has received a negative COVID test within 72hrs
  • Has recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months

If you aren’t vaccinated or haven’t previously had COVID-19, you will need a COVID test to fly. For many countries, the test you’ll need is a PCR test. This will need to be carried out a max of 72hrs before you arrive in your destination country and take up to a day to receive your results.

However, some countries are accepting antigen tests for entry. These are generally cheaper and have a quicker turnaround time and you can receive your result within an hour. Some of the countries that are accepting antigen tests include:

  • Portugal: PCR test within 72hrs or antigen test within 48hrs of travel
  • France: PCR or antigen test within 72hrs of travel
  • Spain: PCR or antigen test within 48hrs of arrival

If you require a test before arriving back in Ireland, you will need a negative PCR test result. This is the only type of test that will be accepted here. 

How can I get a PCR test? 

PCR testing for those who want to travel abroad won’t be available through the public health system. Luckily, there are private PCR testing facilities at Irish airports including Dublin, Cork and Shannon. This means you’ll be able to have a test before you depart Ireland. 

Alternatively, you can get a COVID-19 PCR or antigen test at a number of private testing facilities such as Randox, Tropical Medical Bureau, RocDoc Health Centre or V1 Medical. As these are private facilities, you will have to pay for the test. Prices for a PCR test vary from €89 (next day) to €99 (same day). Turnaround on tests is between one to three days.

Before departure, you can check the Aer Lingus website, Ryanair website, DFA website or Re-Open EU website for the most up to date information about your destination country and their entry requirements.