Northern Ireland holiday-goers returning from Spain will have have to self-isolate for two weeks upon their return from midnight tonight, it has emerged.
A formal announcement was made by the Department of Health on Saturday evening.
Spain has reported more than 900 new daily infections for the last two days.
The decision to introduce a quarantine period has been taken following medical and scientific advice, the Department of Health said.
The new regulations will take effect from midnight on July 26, therefore anyone arriving after that time must self-isolate.
Health Minister Robin Swann said the decision to remove Spain from the exempt list was not "taken lightly".
Minister Swann said: "I have always said I will move swiftly and take the necessary action to ensure our citizens are protected.
"I have spoken with my counterparts across the UK today and we agree that the recent upsurge in new positive cases in different parts of Spain are a cause for concern.
“As of midnight tonight, anyone returning or visiting Northern Ireland from Spain, including its islands will be required to quarantine for 14 days.
"I will continue to monitor the situation in Spain and other countries and make the changes to the regulations when necessary.”
