More countries added to NI's red travel list
Travel update✈
Last updated 28th Nov 2021
More countries have been added to Northern Ireland’s red travel list following confirmation that the new Omicron Covid variant has been detected in the UK.
Malawi and Mozambique were added to the NI red list from 4pm on November 26.
Whilst Angola and Zambia will be included from 4am on November 28.
What countries are now on NI’s red list?
• Malawi
• Mozambique
• Angola
• Zambia
• South Africa
• Botswana
• Namibia
• Zimbabwe
• Lesotho
• Eswatini
Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride said: “The emergence of the omicron variant is a serious and concerning development following the extreme pressures that we have already faced during the course of the Covid-19 pandemic to date.
“Whilst it is highly likely that there will be cases of the variant in NI at some point it is essential that preventative measures are taken to delay and/or reduce its incursion.
“This is a rapidly developing situation with the potential need for the addition of more countries to the Red List in the coming days.”
Dr McBride concluded: “It is really important that everyone takes sensible precautions - get a PCR test if you have symptoms. self-isolate when asked and wear your face-covering. Remember to ventilate rooms and please get your vaccine and boosters as soon as you can.”
It is the Department of Health’s intention to align Northern Ireland with the rest of the UK on PCR testing and self-isolation requirements for new arrivals.
The Department has also said it is liaising closely with colleagues in across the UK and RoI following the update.
Further information on international travel can be found on NIDirect at Travel advice and guidance | nidirect
Read More:
First UK cases of Omicron variant identified