People arriving in Ireland from Britain who are not fully vaccinated will have to self-isolate for ten days in changes that come into force with immediate effect.
They will have to receive a negative PCR test on day five and day ten before they can exit the period of quarantine.
Those who are vaccinated will still have to quarantine at a stated address for five days, but can resume normal activity after that period if they get a clear PCR test.
Cabinet sources described it as a bridge to 19 July when a reopening of international travel is set to resume.
The Department of Health has also restated that there remains a legal requirement to self-quarantine if your journey originated in Britain even if you enter the State via Northern Ireland.
In a statement confirming the move this evening, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said variants of concern “continue to pose significant risks to public health and there is a specific concern around the Delta variant”.
He said: “Non-essential travel should continue to be avoided, however, if you must travel to Ireland from Great Britain then you should follow the public health advice relating to home quarantine and you are advised to avail of the free day 5 and day 10 PCR testing.
“Last week, I launched a booking portal that allows anyone travelling to Ireland book a PCR test for no less than 5 days after arrival to Ireland. Those travelling from Great Britain who have not been fully vaccinated, are now advised to arrange a test for day 5 and for day 10. If you receive a non-detected result from both your day 5 and day 10 tests it is safe to cease your home quarantine.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said earlier that the Government is continuing to monitor the Delta variant of Covid-19.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has delayed the easing of restrictions in England amid concern over the spread of the Delta variant, which was first identified in India.
Experts in Britain believe the variant is driving a rapid…