Maximise your Avios, air miles and hotel points

Ireland re-opens to UK tourists with no adult testing requirements in either direction

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Aer Lingus dropped us a note yesterday to highlight the fact that Ireland is open again and welcoming fully vaccinated UK visitors.

(Frankly, looking at the restrictions, you should keep well away if you’re not vaccinated.)

As of last Monday, anyone who can show double vaccination can enter Ireland from the UK with NO testing requirements. As there is no testing to enter the U.K. either it is your only option for a fully test free break. Acceptable proof of vaccination includes the NHS App Covid Pass, a vaccination status letter or the NHS vaccine paper card.

It is messier if you have children aged 12-18. They are still allowed to enter Ireland without the usual compulsory quarantine but a PCR test must be taken before travel.

Indoor dining will also be possible for the fully vaccinated from next week.

Aer Lingus is currently offering flights between the UK and Ireland on the following routes:

  • Heathrow to Dublin
  • Heathrow to Cork
  • Manchester to Dublin
  • Birmingham to Dublin
  • Edinburgh to Dublin
  • Glasgow to Dublin

In addition, Gatwick to Dublin will restart in August.

This HfP article explains how to spend Avios on Aer Lingus flights. You can also earn Avios on Aer Lingus flights, but not British Airways Executive Club tier points.

Aer Lingus uses Heathrow Terminal 2, although I don’t know if their lounge is currently open. British Airways Executive Club Gold and Silver members are allowed to use the lounge (we explain the rules here) unless you are flying to Belfast, in which case you can’t ….

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