From (Thursday) 21 January 2021, all international travellers will be required to present a negative Covid-19 test result before arriving in Northern Ireland.

The proof of negative Covid-19 test result, (taken in the departure country within the 72 hour period before departure) must be provided to the transport operator.

Travel operators will be committing an offence if they permit travel without it, with fines up to £10,000.

If a traveller arrives without it, and without a reasonable excuse, they will be fined – starting at £500.

Minimum testing and certification, along with the information that will be required will be set out in the legislation.

There will be some very limited exemptions from the need for testing which will be set out in the legislation. We have yet to see the detail of these exceptions and do not know if they will be similar to the list of persons not required to self isolate. However, if you have persons travelling here for work you may want to consider how to comply with these new Regulations.

The legislation has yet to be published but further information can be found at: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/pre-departure-testing-all-international-arrivals-northern-ireland