Northern Ireland will fall into line with the rest of the UK from Monday (24 May) and adopt a traffic light system and green list allowing international travel to resume.
The country’s executive on Thursday (20 May) agreed to adopt the same 12-country green list set out by the UK government on 7 May, which includes Portugal, Gibraltar and Iceland.
Arrivals into the country from these destinations will no longer have to self-isolate, but will have to take a PCR test by the end of the second day of their return at their own expense.
However, in contrast to the rest of the UK, the NI executive is also requiring travellers arriving from Portugal, Israel and Jerusalem, and Singapore, to take an additional free PCR test on day eight of their return. This free test can be booked via the gov.uk website.
England, Scotland and Wales have all now adopted a broadly similar traffic light system and green list, although the devolved administrations are free to tailor their rules and green lists.
"The new advice will apply to residents and visitors to Northern Ireland from next Monday," said the NI executive on Thursday.
"Everyone should continue to follow the advice for amber countries until that date, i.e. you must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival in Northern Ireland and you must book a PCR test package for day two and eight prior to travelling to Northern Ireland."