Latest update: February 2022

A Common Travel Area (CTA) exists between the UK (including Northern Ireland), the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland. Travel within the UK, and to the Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey, is not counted as international travel. Therefore the latest news of new travel restrictions regarding the Omicron variant do not apply to travel between Larne and Cairnryan, or between Liverpool and Dublin. 

Travelling to NI from within the Common Travel Area

If you're travelling from within the Common Travel Area (CTA) and staying overnight in Northern Ireland, it is advised you take a rapid lateral flow device test (LFD) before you begin your journey. You should only travel if the test is negative.

It is also advised you take an LFD test on days two and eight of your stay.

You should not travel to Northern Ireland if you have COVID-19 symptoms, or have received a positive COVID-19 result.

You do not need to fill in a Passenger Locator Form if you’re travelling from within the CTA and you have not been outside the CTA in the last 10 days.

Travelling to Scotland from within the Common Travel Area

Travel within the UK, and to the Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey, is not counted as international travel. This means that you do not need to test, isolate or fill in a passenger locator form if:

• you’re travelling to Scotland from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Jersey or Guernsey
• you have not travelled anywhere other than these areas in the 10 days before you arrive in Scotland