Thousands of Irish tourists could be banned from holiday destinations over Covid rules

More challenges.

The travel rules have lifted and we're all in desperate need of a sun holiday, but there might be some challenges for us. Many Irish tourists could be rejected from entering European hotspots like Spain and Portugal as their Covid status may not be up to date. While certain countries have completely lifted restrictions like Ireland, others are still in place and your Digital Covid Cert is still required to get into these countries, or you'll need a negative test if you haven't had the vaccine. As it is coming up to a year since most of us got our first vaccine, your Covid cert could be expired by the time you head off for the summer. Spain and Portugal require you to either have a booster jab, from any date, or your last Covid dose be within the previous 270 days if you haven't had all three. For thousands who have yet to get their booster, it could pose a problem. For those going to Spain, Ireland's department of foreign affairs said: "An EU DCC or equivalent based on vaccination is valid from 14 days after the administration of the last dose of the primary vaccination schedule, and for no more than 270 days from that date. In order to be valid after this period has elapsed, vaccination certificates must reflect the administration of a booster dose, and are valid from the day of administration of the booster dose." They state the same for Portugal: "European Digital Covid Certificate or equivalent valid proof of full vaccination at least 14 days and no more than 270 days prior to travel. "No time limits apply where passengers can present a European Digital Covid Certificate or equivalent valid proof of having received a booster vaccine dose." Proof of recovery from Covid in the last 180 days is also accepted and those who are not vaccinated can get various tests done to allow them to travel.