WE'RE all looking forward to jetting off to a sunny beach somewhere following almost a year-and-a-half of mind-numbing lockdown, and while overseas holidays largely won't return to 'normal' until 2022, there's still a chance for Irish people to make the most of their summer, if they're savvy enough.
International travel is likely to resume in July, and while nothing has been officially set in stone, you can understand why many of us have started thinking about holidays.
The last thing you'd want is to jet off to a sunny paradise in the Med, only to have to quarantine yourself in your hotel room for the duration.
So with that in mind, below is a list of countries you'll be free to travel to without having to isolate indoors (because we've been doing plenty of that recently, haven't we?)
Spain
Quarantine is currently not required when flying into Spain although there are limits on drinking and dining.
In Madrid, groups in bars and restaurants are limited to a maximum of four people indoors and six people outdoors. Restaurants, bars and cafés may open from 6am to 12 midnight but are not allowed to serve new customers after 11pm.
Portugal
Portugal has been easing restrictions for the last few weeks and recently reopened road traffic to Spain without restrictions. Flights between Portugal and England have also been green-lit.
As Ireland's infection rate is far less than 500 per 100,000 people, there are no restrictions on flights from Ireland to Portugal, but travellers must provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
If our infection goes beyond 500 per 100,000 people, then we'd have to quarantine for 14 days on arrival, so keep an eye on the figures if you fancy Portugal this summer.
Italy
Italy uses its own system instead of the EU traffic light system. Currently, Ireland is on List C, which means that no quarantine is necessary when travelling from Ireland.
Although, you will need to provide proof of a negative PCR test in the previous 48 hours prior to arrival, and you'll have to fill out a passenger location form, which notifies authorities of the address you'll be staying at.
Germany
All citizens flying into Germany are required to provide a negative PCR test, but there are no longer any quarantine restrictions for anyone travelling from Ireland.
Germany is operating on the standard EU traffic light model. Those who provide a negative test result from the previous 72 hours or proof of full vaccination won't have to quarantine.
Iceland
Iceland, which is fast becoming one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations, has had little problems with Covid-19, and as of May 1, passengers from green and yellow counties - which currently includes Ireland - are allowed to enter Iceland without having to quarantine.
But you will need to provide proof of a negative PCR test on arrival.
