CONCERNS have been raised about how people who arrive at airports in the south and intend travelling north can fully comply with quarantine laws.
Under controversial new British government regulations, anyone entering the UK jurisdiction from outside the common travel area is obliged to self-isolate for 14 days.
Those intending to travel are expected to fill out an online form 48 hours before arrival.
People who fail to provide passenger information can be fined up to £60 and those who venture out within 14 days can face a £1,000 penalty.
Officials have said provision will be made for travellers arriving directly in the UK to complete the “form prior to passport control if the person hasn’t been able to do so until that point”.
However, those arriving via Dublin or other airports in the south must fill out the form online.
The Department of Health was asked what arrangements have been put in place for people who do not have access to the internet.
A spokeswoman said only: "This is managed by the Home Office and they offer a helpline for those who need help and advice on either the form or the self-isolation requirements."
Daniel Holder, deputy director of the Committee on the Administration of Justice, voiced concern about "gaps and ambiguities" in the regulations and a lack of reciprocal arrangements with the Irish government.
“If you land into Dublin airport from outside the common travel area and then travel home to the north you fill in part of the Irish government's passenger locator form at Dublin Airport.
“But you then commit a criminal offence if you don’t also fill in the UK form online before you cross the land border on the way home.
“But you might not even know about the separate UK form, and there is no-one to give it to anyway when you cross the land border.”
The department previously said: “There are ongoing discussions between the Health and Safety Executive and Department of Health in relation to the details for travellers.
“People must abide by the rules that apply in their place of residence not the port of arrival.
“If someone arrives into Dublin and is travelling on to Northern Ireland, they are duty bound by our regulations.
“Passengers have the opportunity to complete the UK passenger locator form at any time up to 48 hours before they arrive in the UK.”
