Quarantine rules for fully-vaccinated people returning to Northern Ireland from amber countries should be eased more quickly, the first minister has said.
The executive previously set 26 July as the date for easing restrictions so self-isolation would not be required.
The move is due to take effect in England on Monday 19 July.
Paul Givan said he had spoken to the health minister who "recognised this change would be out of sync".
His comments come amid growing speculation that Ibiza and Majorca will be among a small number of destinations to be added to Northern Ireland's amber travel list.
Ibiza and Majorca are currently on Northern Ireland's green travel list.
Downing Street has said the changes would take effect in England from Monday, but people returning from the Balearic Islands will not face quarantine.
BBC News NI understands the first and deputy first ministers have been urged to bring forward Northern Ireland's date for scrapping self-isolation for fully vaccinated passengers from amber countries.
Mr Givan said he believed other parts of the UK would also change their rules on 19 July.
"I want Northern Ireland to move so that if these countries move onto that amber list, citizens here aren't being disadvantaged and I'd hope that we'll be able to make that change," he added.
There is no executive meeting scheduled on Thursday, but issues requiring executive approval can be passed through a mechanism known as an urgent procedure, as long as it is approved by the first and deputy first ministers.
The Department of Health has been asked for comment.
A traffic light system for foreign travel came into force in Northern Ireland on 24 May, largely mirroring the system already in place across the rest of the UK.
Currently people returning from amber destinations, such as mainland Spain and Italy, have to self-isolate for 10 days.
They must also provide proof of a negative Covid test, taken up to three days before departure and book and pay for a PCR test.
You must also provide your journey and contact details by completing a UK Passenger Locator Form.
On Wednesday, UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said case rates had doubled since the Balearic Islands were added to England's green watchlist, which meant the government needed to "move quickly".
We’re also moving the Balearic Islands & British Virgin Islands to the amber list 🟠- previously on the green watchlist. Also, from 19/07 if you’re fully #Vaccinated in the UK you can return to England from amber countries and territories without needing to quarantine.
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) July 14, 2021
It is understood that data indicates a big rise in cases in the Balearic Islands following end-of-term parties.
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiNWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jb20vbmV3cy91ay1ub3J0aGVybi1pcmVsYW5kLTU3ODQ0ODg00gE5aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmJjLmNvbS9uZXdzL3VrLW5vcnRoZXJuLWlyZWxhbmQtNTc4NDQ4ODQuYW1w?oc=5
2021-07-15 11:13:56Z
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