The number of countries on the green list, which was introduced by the Irish government in July, has been reducing in recent weeks as Covid-19 infections rise.

Currently only Cyprus, Finland, Latvia and Lichtenstein remain on the list. But these four countries will be removed on Monday as their Covid rates have risen.

“As no EU/EEA (European Economic Area) countries were below the required 14-day cumulative number of Covid-19 cases, there will be no countries on the green list with effect from Monday 12 October,” said the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The Irish government continues to advise against non-essential travel to all destinations, except those on the green list. This advice also applies to the UK, apart from Northern Ireland.

The green list regime in Ireland may soon be superseded by the government’s adoption of a new EU-wide traffic light system for Covid travel restrictions, which is due to be introduced imminently.