UK: Authorities in Northern Ireland lift ban on nonessential travel abroad May 24 /update 35

Event

Northern Ireland has lifted the ban on nonessential foreign travel, effective May 24. The ban was initially imposed in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. UK authorities previously introduced a traffic light system for foreign travel. Under the traffic light system, countries and territories are categorized as "green," "amber," or "red" based on local COVID-19 activity and immunization rates. Residents of Northern Ireland are permitted to travel to countries on the UK's green list, which includes Portugal, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Iceland, Singapore, Brunei, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.

The rest of the UK lifted the ban on nonessential travel abroad on May 17. Travelers arriving from green list countries must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken up to 72 hours before departure. They are not required to quarantine unless a mandatory COVID-19 test taken on or before the second day after arriving in the UK returns a positive result. Those coming in from amber countries must self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival. Arrivals from amber countries must also take COVID-19 tests on the second and eighth days of their quarantine period, as do permitted arrivals from red countries. Health officials may perform spot checks to ensure compliance. Persons without suitable accommodations must stay in facilities arranged by the government at their own expense. All arrivals must also fill out a passenger locator form providing contact details and their travel history over the previous 10 days.

Authorities in the UK previously updated the country's red list May 12. All travelers who have been in these countries within 10 days prior to arrival in the UK will be barred from entering the country. Countries on the red list include but are not limited to Turkey, South Africa, Brazil, Kenya, Ethiopia, UAE, Argentina, Nepal, Qatar, Bangladesh, Philippines, Seychelles, and Pakistan. British and Irish nationals, visa holders, and permanent residents are exempt from the entry ban; however, all permitted arrivals from red-listed countries must self-isolate in a government-approved hotel quarantine facility for 10 days at their own expense.

All international arrivals must present proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 before boarding. Any persons arriving without such proof may be fined or denied entry. Arrivals from outside the British Isles and Ireland must be tested no more than 72 hours before departing their country of origin. Exemptions are in place for children under the age of 11, international rail and maritime crews, and certain other categories of travelers. Persons arriving from the British Overseas Territories of Saint Helena, Ascension Island, and the Falkland Islands are exempt. The government has issued online guidance on test criteria, as well as details of certain traveler categories that are exempt.

Authorities have introduced additional procedures for testing certain categories of international arrivals. The system uses lateral flow tests to identify cases, enabling these arrivals to avoid quarantine. The categories include commercial truckers, transport crew, seafarers, seasonal agricultural workers, and certain travelers engaged in essential activity in support of the national interest. Such arrivals will be required to take a test before the end of their second day in the UK; those staying in the UK for longer periods will be required to take two further tests every three days. Arrivals staying in the UK for fewer than two days will not require a test. Tests will be obtained through a variety of means, including workplace and community testing programs, home-testing kits, and - for commercial truckers - testing sites situated along major routes. Individuals receiving a positive test must take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and self-isolate for 10 days. Arrivals from elsewhere in the British Isles and Ireland will not be subject to the requirements.

Officials review these measures weekly or in response to significant changes in disease activity abroad. Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Arrive at the airport early to prevent your seat from being reallocated to a standby passenger. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

Details of Testing Regime Introduced April 6

List of countries by infection rates
UK Passenger Locator Form
Declaration Form for International Travel
List of Exempt Professions
Department of Transport
Testing Parameters and Traveler Exemptions for UK Arrivals