According to a Cabinet memo released on Tuesday, beginning midnight Friday 3 December 2021 all persons entering Ireland - except children age 11 and under - must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

Fully vaccinated persons and those who have recovered from COVID-19 must show proof of a negative, professionally done antigen test taken within 48 hours of arrival, or a PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival.

Persons not fully vaccinated must show proof of a negative PCR test.

Airlines and ferry services will be required to conduct pre-departure checks of all inbound passengers, and there will be spot checks by Government personnel upon arrival.

Arrivals without the correct tests will have to quarantine and immediately take a PCR test, and may be subject to fines or (unlikely) imprisonment.

The Government is also considering assessing fines on carriers that fail to conduct pre-departure checks of passengers.

The Government will review these new requirements in 2 weeks.