Travel and holidays
You should carefully consider your holiday and travel options, in light of the continuing COVID-19 threat.
A 'staycation' is one way of mitigating the risks - while also supporting the local economy.
If you're holidaying abroad, you may have to self-isolate for a period of 10 days on your return home – depending on which country you have visited.
A list of the countries and territories currently exempted from the self-isolation requirements is available at this link:
You won’t have to self-isolate at home on your return from countries on this list.
Note that this list is continually under review and countries could be removed from it at short notice due to increases in their infection rates or falls in the infection rates in the UK.
It is therefore possible that a country could lose its exemption while you're on holiday, meaning you would have to self-isolate for the full 10 days when you get back home.
Remember to always follow the public health advice whether you are abroad, having a 'staycation', or staying at home. Wash your hands frequently and well, and keep practising social distancing. That’s the best way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Further information and guidance for people who are either travelling overseas or returning to Northern Ireland from abroad is available at this link:
Information about holidaying at home is available on the Discover Northern Ireland website.
Many holiday accommodation providers, visitor attractions, restaurants and pubs, events venues and tour and coach operators across Northern Ireland have signed up to the newly launched ‘We’re Good To Go’ scheme.
Businesses displaying the ‘We’re Good To Go’ symbol have completed a COVID-19 risk assessment and put in place measures to allow them to operate safely.
Travelling at home
There is guidance to help you understand how to travel safely during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Northern Ireland as restrictions ease.
This includes when using public transport, walking, cycling and travelling by car:
Public transport
Face coverings have been mandatory on public transport since 10 July 2020. On 14 October 2020 this requirement was extended to private hire transport and air travel.
All passengers above primary school age must now wear a face covering on all forms of passenger transport and in stations, unless they are exempt, for example due to a disability.
Further information about these laws and exemptions can be found on the Face Coverings page.