The UAE on Friday suspended the entry of travellers from seven African countries in view of the concerns related to COVID-19 variants. The General Civil Aviation Authority and the National Authority for Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management announced the suspension of entry for travellers on all flights from South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique. In addition, transit passengers arriving from these countries are also banned from entering the Emirates with effect from November 29.

The protocols include the suspension of entry of travellers who stayed in these countries for a period of 14 days before travelling to the UAE. Meanwhile, flights will operate to transport passengers from the UAE to these countries.

These flights will be allowed to transport excluded groups such as official delegations, UAE citizens, golden visa holders, and diplomatic missions approved between the UAE and these countries.

The excluded groups are required to comply with the preventive and precautionary measures, including taking a PCR examination within 48 hours and a rapid examination (Rapid-PCR) at the airport within six hours from boarding the flight. Furthermore, they will have to undergo PCR Testing upon arrival at the airport. Exempted groups are also mandated to quarantine for 10 days and conduct a PCR test on the ninth day of their stay in the UAE.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation has added that travellers from red list countries seeking to enter the UAE from other countries are necessary to ensure that they have not stayed in those countries for less than 14 days in order to be allowed to enter the emirates.

The updated protocols prevent UAE nationals from travelling to South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique. Exemptions are made for official state delegations, emergency medical cases, and study missions.

The two entities have urged all affected passengers due to the decision to communicate with their airlines to modify and reschedule their flights.

Previously, UAE carriers Emirates and Etihad announced the suspension of flights from seven African countries, including South Africa to limit the spread of the latest variant of the Coronavirus. According to protocols, Emirates' flights from South African cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban to Dubai are suspended effective from November 29, while Etihad flights from Johannesburg will be restricted from November 30.

In a statement, Etihad affirmed that it is closely working with guests to inform them about the changes related to their itineraries. Emirates decided to suspend the flights to South African countries after the directives issued by the Dubai Covid-19 Control and Command Center. The WHO has named the new Coronavirus variant Omicron.