Passengers who are fully vaccinated arriving into Northern Ireland from non-red list countries will be able to take a post-arrival lateral flow test.
![](https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/styles/inline-expandable/public/images/health/news/doh_covid_update_0.png?itok=y-1r3ph-×tamp=1605609068)
From 4am on 31 October, eligible fully vaccinated passengers arriving into Northern Ireland from countries not on the red list will have the choice of taking either a lateral flow or PCR test on or before day 2 of their arrival.
Any individuals with a positive lateral flow test will be required to book a free confirmatory PCR test and isolate for 10 days. If the subsequent mandatory confirmatory PCR is negative, then the isolation period can end.
Those that have already bought a PCR test do not need to buy another test. Lateral flow tests for international travel must be purchased from a private provider as NHS Test and Trace tests cannot be used for international travel.
All travellers must complete their passenger locator form prior to travel, including providing a test booking reference number supplied by a testing provider.
Individuals who are not deemed as fully vaccinated must still complete a passenger locator form, take a pre-departure test, have booked a PCR day 2 and day 8 test package and complete 10 days self-isolation on return from a non-red country.
Anyone arriving from a red list country must adhere to all testing and quarantine requirements, regardless of vaccination status. Rules for red list countries are available on NI Direct.
Notes to editors:
- To qualify as ‘fully vaccinated’ individuals must have been fully vaccinated for at least 14 days under an approved vaccination programme. Full details are on NI Direct: Coronavirus (COVID-19): travelling to Northern Ireland from a non-red list country | nidirect
- For media enquiries please contact the DoH Press Office by email pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.
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