The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has spread across over 30 countries across the world. In response, many countries have introduced fresh measures for international travellers to limit the latest variant from spreading.

The UAE is home to nearly 200 nationalities. Significantly, residents travel to different countries for various reasons. In this regard, the authorities have called on residents to stay up-to-date with new travel restrictions ensure a smooth travel experience.

Here are the new travel guidelines for various popular destinations in line with Omicron development:

India

India has delayed its resumption of international flights after two cases of Omicron variant were reported in the state of Karnataka. Necessary measures implemented by various states include:

New Delhi: All international travellers are required to submit an online self-declaration form at “Air Suvidha’ along with their travel history in the past 14 days. Passengers are also required to upload negative PCR test report conducted 72 hours prior to the flight.

Kerala: All foreign travellers are required to undergo mandatory testing upon arrival at the airport. People testing positive for the Virus will be moved to hospitals. In addition, people coming from countries in the high-risk list will be required to undergo 7 day quarantine and then take another test. Passengers testing negative will be allowed to proceed home.

Maharashtra: All passengers will have to take additional PCR tests and quarantine upon arrival. The government has asked all international travellers to send their 15-day travel history before departure. Passengers transiting through Mumbai airport will be required to take a Covid-19 PCR test.

Karnataka: The state government has made PCR testing and seven-day quarantine compulsory for international passengers. Asymptomatic cases will be further tested on the 7th day.

Madhya Pradesh: All passengers are needed to take a PCR Test upon arrival if they are unable to present a recent report.

Uttarakhand: The government has mandated PCR tests for all travellers. If found COVID-19 positive or symptomatic, passengers will have to undergo a 14-day quarantine.

Karnataka: The government has mandated PCR test and seven-day home quarantine for all passengers. Furthermore, those testing negative but experiencing symptoms will be required to undergo home testing on the fifth day. Those who test negative will be asked to undergo home quarantine for seven days. The authorities will test asymptomatic cases on the seventh day. If the result is found to be positive, they will be provided immediate hospitalisation and treatment.

Jammu & Kashmir: International passengers will have to undergo mandatory RT-PCR testing at the airport, followed by seven-day home quarantine. They will be tested against on the eighth day of the home quarantine or if they develop any symptoms during the quarantine.

The Philippines

The UAE has been placed in the “Green List” by the Philippines as of November 2021. With effect from December 3, the Philippines has announced that passengers coming from green list countries are required to submit a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours before departure of the flight. They will have to undergo facility-based quarantine until the results come negative. They are also required to ensure home quarantine until 14th day from arrival.

The country has affirmed that the testing and quarantine protocols of minors will be similar to the procedures of the parent/guardian travelling with them regardless of their vaccination status and country of origin. Earlier on November 26, the Philippines suspended flights from countries where the new Omicron virus has been detected, including South Africa, Botswana among other nations with immediate effect.

United Kingdom

Last week, the Boris Johnson government on tightened travel rules in light of the COVID-19 Omicron variant. The government has made it mandatory for people travelling to England from December 7 4am to take pre-departure tests and provide proof of negative results, regardless of their vaccination status.

The new rule is applicable for every passenger aged 12 and above.

The UK added Nigeria to its red list on Monday under which international passengers must quarantine in a hotel for 10 days. Health secretary Sajid Javid highlighted that these measures have been implemented to ‘buy time’ and to put protective measures in place. Under the current rules, travellers are required to book a PCR test mandatory to be taken before Day 2 of arrival, following which they will self-isolate until the test result come negative. They are also needed to complete a passenger locator form before travelling to England.

Pakistan

Pakistan has announced suspension of travel from six South African countries and Hong Kong due to Omicron. It includes South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini and Botswana. Earlier on October 1, the country had banned the entry of unvaccinated travellers.

USA

Washington has mandated COVID-19 test one day before the departure of flights to the US for all inbound travellers. Furthermore, all travellers are required to be fully vaccinated and must wear masks at airports, on planes and other public transport services such as trains and buses. Meanwhile, unvaccinated Americans and permanent residents can enter the USA by taking a test within 24 hours of the flights.

Effective from December 6, the new rule is mandatory for all travellers, including passengers from the UAE.

Israel

On November 27, Israel became the first country to completely shut its borders in response to Omicron. The country closed its border to foreign visitors and suspended travel to a majority of African region. However, Israelis are allowed to fly to other countries and must undergo quarantine on return to the Israel. Israelis from foreign countries are also allowed to return home.

Issuing a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett stated the travel band would last 14 days.

Japan

Since November 29, Japan has implemented a series of travel restrictions and quarantine measures to control the spread of the Omicron variant. It has barred most of foreign nations from entering the country along with implementing a halt in the sale of airline tickets for passengers inbound for Japan. Foreign tourists and non-resident foreign business travellers are also prohibited from travelling to the country.

Meanwhile, Japanese citizens and foreign residents with a re-entry permit are allowed to travel to the country. However, they are required to comply with testing requirements and quarantine measures upon arrival.

Australia

Australia has banned passengers who have travelled to eight African countries in the past 14 days. The country has exempted Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members from the protocols. But, they are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine.