Travel regulations update

From this Saturday those arriving in Northern Ireland from Portugal will not need to self-isolate.

Following a review of the scientific and medical evidence Portugal will be added to the Travel Corridors exemption list at 4am on Saturday 22 August.

Austria, Croatia, Trinidad and Tobago will be removed from the list. As a result, anyone arriving from these countries after 4am on Saturday 22 August will be required to self-isolate for 14 days.

Speaking about the changes, Health Minister Robin Swann said: “Given the ever-changing picture of Covid-19 around the world I will not hesitate in moving swiftly to make changes to the regulations when necessary. Anyone considering travelling abroad should bear this in mind and should review the travel advice on NIDirect and FCO websites ahead of travelling. Countries on the exempt list can be removed at relatively short notice – therefore if you’re planning to travel abroad, even to currently exempted countries, there is a possibility that you will be required to quarantine on your return. This is absolutely necessary to help keep the people of Northern Ireland safe.”

Further information is available on NIDirect:

www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-advice

Notes to editors: 

1. For media enquiries please contact DoH Press Office by email: pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk. 
2. Follow us on twitter @healthdpt
3. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

Share this page