Ireland releases travel ‘green list’ of countries – and UK isn’t on it

Only 15 destinations made the cut

Micheál Martin gives the thumbs up to 15 countries (PA)

Ireland has finally released its own “green list” of countries from where travellers no longer have to quarantine for two weeks.

Just 15 countries made the cut, but the UK wasn’t one of them.

Other popular European holiday destinations, such as France, Spain and Turkey, were also excluded.

Apart from the 15 countries on the list, and those travelling from Northern Ireland, all other arrivals into the Republic of Ireland must continue to self-isolate and restrict their movement for 14 days.

The new Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he would be taking a “cautious approach” when it comes to foreign travel.

However, the publishing of a list of quarantine-exempt countries is sending “mixed messages”, claimed a spokesperson for former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, reports the BBC.

The Irish government is still advising against all non-essential international travel.

The Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade says on its website: “The Irish Authorities advise against all non-essential travel overseas until further notice.”

A statement from the Irish government said that, following the list’s publication, enhanced measures including an Electronic Passenger Locator Form, more rigorous follow-up procedures, a call centre operated by the Dublin Airport Authority, and a proposed testing regime for symptomatic passengers at airports and ports, would be introduced.

It follows Northern Ireland’s announcement that it would no longer require travellers arriving from 59 countries to quarantine from 10 July. Its list was the same as that of England and Wales.

Scotland released its own list, which was identical barring two omissions: Spain and Serbia.

Ireland’s list of “green” countries:

• Cyprus
• Estonia
• Finland
• Gibraltar
• Greece
• Greenland
• Hungary
• Italy
• Latvia 
• Lithuania
• Malta
• Monaco
• Norway 
• San Marino
• Slovakia