What are Northern Ireland's Covid travel rules? Do I still need a PCR test and self-isolation rules explained

With restrictions on Covid lifted in February, we've put together an update on the current Covid travel rules in Northern Ireland.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Northern Ireland lifted Covid restrictions in February, but for anyone wanting to travel back to Northern Ireland from abroad, Covid rules still apply.

The current rules on travelling to and from Northern Ireland depend on your current vaccination status.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Here's everything you need to know about travelling to Northern Ireland from outside the UK.

What are Northern Ireland's Covid travel rules? Do I still need a PCR test and self-isolation rules explained.What are Northern Ireland's Covid travel rules? Do I still need a PCR test and self-isolation rules explained.
What are Northern Ireland's Covid travel rules? Do I still need a PCR test and self-isolation rules explained.

What do I need to do if I'm coming to Northern Ireland from outside the UK?

From January 7, if you travelling to Northern from outside the UK you will not need to show a pre-departure Covid test if you are fully vaccinated.

Instead you need to provide proof of vaccination through a valid vaccine passport certificate and complete a passenger locator form, which you can access here.

You do not need to take a test before or after travelling.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However, if you test positive for Covid, you will need to follow the current self isolation guidelines for Northern Ireland.

Read More
Covid NI: Postcodes with the highest number of positive Covid cases in Northern ...

What are Covid Passports?

Covid passports are digital certificates that are required when travelling to show your vaccination status.

You can apply for a Covid passport in Northern Ireland after you have received one or both vaccine doses.

To apply for a Covid passport you will need to make an account with NI Direct and download the COVIDCert NI app for free from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Covid passport displays as a QR code, which can then be scanned to confirm you are fully vaccinated.

Passport certificates are available in a digital or paper form and are valid for three months from the date of application.

If you live in Northern Ireland and have an Irish passport you can also apply for the EU Covid Certificate.

You can learn more about the process on NI Direct's website here.

What are the rules if you are not vaccinated?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If you are not vaccinated and travelling back to Northern Ireland from outside the UK you will need to show proof of a negative PCR test taken two days prior to travelling.

You will also be required to carry out a passenger locator form and take another PCR test on day two after your arrival.

What are the rules if you are a cruise passenger?

If you are a cruise passenger arriving in Northern Ireland on a cruise ship and are due to depart on the same cruise ship within three days of arrival you are to follow the rules outlined for vaccinated and non-vaccinated passengers.

What if you are travelling to Northern Ireland via Great Britain or Ireland?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If you are travelling to Northern Ireland via Great Britain or Ireland, you must follow the rules for the rules of travel for that country, as well as the rules for Northern Ireland.

More from the News Letter:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.