International travel is allowed from today for the first time in 16 months, as Ireland rolls-out the EU Digital Covid Certificate.
Fully vaccinated people, those recently recovered from the virus or who can present a negative test are allowed to travel around the European Union.
Over 22 thousand people are expected to pass through Dublin Airport today, as Aer Lingus and Ryanair have both ramped up their schedules.
Dublin Airport Authority Spokesperson Siobhan O'Donnell says they've been waiting a long time for this day:
"It's a hugely exciting and quite emotional day."
"We've had an operational readiness team meeting for the past couple of months comprising of various different departments at the airport to make sure everything runs smoothly"
Dublin Airport is asking that only passengers, staff and crew come into the terminal building. There are designated areas outside for meeters, greeters and chauffeurs. And that's to ensure we can keep an eye on social distancing in the terminal building. Also to bear in mind it is a very safe environment. Everyone travelling will either be fully vaccinated or have a negative PCR test"
Passengers arriving into or returning to Ireland must also fill out a Passenger Locator Form.
The Government says over 1.1 million EU Digital COVID Certs have been e-mailed to people and over 600,000 have been posted.
A helpline has also been set up to help with issues regarding the certs and to request a recovery certificate – the helpline number is 1800-851-504.
People are also being advised to allow plenty of time in the airport/port, as there are now more checks in place.
