Non-essential travel to Ireland from the US and other Covid-19 hotspots is set to be banned within days.
The Republic of Ireland is aiming to align itself with other EU states by introducing travel restrictions on countries where the virus continues to spread rapidly.
Irish citizens and residents who are coming home, as well as EU citizens and essential workers or those who are travelling for reasons which are deemed essential, will be exempt from any bans.
The new measures will see Ireland fall into line with other EU countries that have had similar travel bans in place.
A statement confirmed: “These proposals are solely being developed for third countries outside the EU/EEA/UK and will be brought to Government for consideration.
“While the number of cases of Covid-19 detected among travellers from overseas has been very low, the Minister for Health is concerned about the growth in cases in some countries.”
