The UAE authorities have announced the removal of travel restrictions on 12 African nations, allowing fully vaccinated citizens to travel to these countries.

According to the announcement made by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA), fully-vaccinated citizens and those who have received a booster dose can travel to the 12 African countries with effect from February 6.

The 12 countries include Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

In the announcement, the authorities have also specified the categories of citizens who are allowed to travel to these countries:

1. Citizens who have received both doses of approved COVID-19 vaccines along with the additional booster dose

2. Unvaccinated citizens with a medical exemption from vaccination

3. Humanitarian cases and those travelling for treatment

Furthermore, the GCAA and NCEMA have called on all citizens to comply with relevant precautionary and preventative measures during their travel. They are urged to follow necessary health guidelines, including maintaining social distancing, wearing face masks, and regular hand washing.