In view of the increasing concerns over the emergence of the new COVID-19 variant across the world, Emirates Airlines has issued fresh travel updates. Noting that a number of countries suspended travel from southern African nations due to COVID-19 concerns, the Dubai-based airline has posted two travel updates for passengers. As per the updates, travel restrictions have been introduced by Singapore and the UK.

Singapore travel

With effect from November 27, 11:50 pm local time, Singapore has suspended the entry or transit/transfer of passengers with a travel history (including transit) within the last 14 days before flight to Singapore from the following countries: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

· The suspension is extended to long‑term pass holders, short‑term visitors and travellers who achieved prior approval for entry into Singapore.

· The protocols exempt Singapore citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents.

The airline has also called on passengers to check travel regulations before planning their travel to Singapore as regulations are changing depending on the pandemic situation. Impacted passengers are urged to contact their respective travel agents or Emirates Call Centres for rebooking options.

UK travel

Effective midday of November 26 2021, the UK has included South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Namibia in its travel red list. In this regard, passengers who have been travelled to these countries or territories in the past 10 days before travelling to the UK will not be permitted to enter the UK. Meanwhile, British nationals, Irish nationals, people with residence rights in the UK are exempted from the protocols.

The restrictions do not apply to passengers who have stayed airside and only transited through the countries in the red list while changing flights. Passengers arriving from these countries are required to keep these rules in mind:

England:

Passengers arriving in England from these countries with effect from November 28 (4 am) are required to book and pay for a government‑approved hotel quarantine facility for 10 days. Passengers who have been in these countries in the past 10 days and are travelling to England between midday November 26 and November 28 (4am) are also required to quarantine at home for 10 days. They must take NHS PCR tests on day 2 and day 8 of their stay in the country even if they already have a lateral flow test booking.

Scotland:

It is mandatory for passengers arriving in Scotland after November 27 (4am) to book and pay for a government‑approved hotel quarantine facility for 10 days.

Passengers who have been in these countries within the last 10 days and are arriving between midday November 26 and November 27 (4 am) are required to quarantine at home for 10 days. They are also needed to take NHS PCR tests on Day 2 and Day 8.

On Friday, the UAE also announced the suspension of entry of travellers from seven African countries due to the impact of the new COVID-19 variant.