Coronavirus (COVID-19) regulations guidance: travel

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 14 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:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): countries and territories exemptions

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 14 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:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel advice

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.:

• Safer travel guidance for public transport users, walkers, cyclists, drivers 

Public transport

Since 10 July passengers aged 13 and over travelling on public transport in Northern Ireland have been required to wear a face covering, unless they have a reasonable excuse.

Face coverings are also required in public transport stations.