Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Dublin, Ireland April 2, 2020
Location: Ireland
Event: COVID-19
The Irish Health Service Executive confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders.
To see recent U.S. Embassy Health alerts, go here.
For additional current information go to the Irish government’s COVID-19 webpage.
On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of U.S. government personnel and their family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19.
Ireland has implemented social-distancing and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Travelers should be prepared for the Irish government to put into effect travel restrictions with little or no advance notice. Irish health authorities require anyone entering Ireland from abroad, except Northern Ireland, to either self-quarantine or self-isolate on arrival for 14 days. U.S. citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to work with their airlines to make travel arrangements while flights are still available. Aer Lingus is the only carrier flying to the United States from Ireland, with limited service from Dublin to Boston, Chicago, and New York, effective March 26. Visit the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs’ website for additional information on these new measures. Health Service Executive (HSE) staff are present at Dublin Airport to assist arriving passengers with concerns related to COVID-19. If you are in Ireland and experience the known coronavirus symptoms, phone a doctor or dial 112 or 999 locally. If someone tests positive for the virus, the Department of Health (DOH) will isolate and treat the individual.
Ireland has implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. Schools at all levels, all cultural sites, and pubs are closed until April 19 with potential for extension. Sporting events, festivals, and gatherings of more than four people (unless from the same household) have been banned. All non-essential businesses have been closed and restaurants are limited to take away food or delivery. Visit the Irish government COVID-19 website for updated information.
Effective March 16, the U.S. Embassy has suspended routine consular services. Please visit our website for information on emergency American Citizens Services, including emergency passports: ie.usembassy.gov.
Many travelers worldwide have reported unexpected flight cancellations and limited flight availability. From Dublin, while transatlantic flights continue, schedule changes and restrictions mean options for returning to the USA from Ireland are extremely limited. If you plan to travel, we recommend you do so now. Please contact your airline directly to schedule flights.
The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Notice for COVID-19 in Ireland advising travelers to avoid non-essential travel to Ireland.
Actions to Take:
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 and Ireland’s COVID-19 website for information on conditions in Ireland.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy/Consulate Dublin, Ireland
42 Elgin Road
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Ireland
- +353 1 668-8777
- ACSDublin@state.gov
- ie.usembassy.gov
- State Department – Consular Affairs
- 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- Ireland Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts
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