International travellers will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test result before arriving in Northern Ireland.
This comes into effect on Thursday.
The test should take place in the departure country.
It’s aimed at helping to protect residents against rising infection rates and new variants of circulating internationally.
If a traveller arrives without the proof of a negative test, and without a reasonable excuse, they will face a fine starting at £500.
The Health Minister Robin Swann said the move is in addition to other robust existing measures such as the removal of travel corridors and the self-isolation requirement regardless of pre-departure test result.
“International travellers will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result, taken within the 72 hour period before departure, to their transport operator. Travel operators will be committing an offence if they permit travel without the necessary proof a negative test, with fines up to £10,000,” he said.
It is the responsibility of travellers to find a test provider.
From 21 January 2021 international travellers will be required to present a negative #COVID19 test result before arriving in Northern Ireland.
➡️ https://t.co/b8oXUzp3UG pic.twitter.com/CHt7PY7l7r
— Department of Health (@healthdpt) January 17, 2021