28th November, 2021
Omicron, South Africa’s newly discovered COVID-19 variant has raised alarm all over the world, with many governments responding with travel bans.
Here is a list of countries which have imposed the travel bans, starting with the United Kingdom, which took the step first:
UK first suspended flights from South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini. On Saturday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson expanded the list to include Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Angola. They join the travel “red list” from 0400 GMT on Sunday
Australia banned the entry of non-citizens from nine African countries: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, the Seychelles, Malawi, and Mozambique. Only Australian citizens will be allowed entry from those countries and will be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine.
Bahrain banned travel to and from 10 African countries: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Angola and Zambia. Only citizens and residents of Bahrain will be allowed entry from those countries, given that they undergo testing and quarantine.
Canada restricted entry of foreign nationals who have travelled through seven African countries: South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Mozambique.
Egypt banned entry of travelers from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Eswatini.
European Union agreed to urge all 27 member countries to restrict entry of travelers who have been in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Eswatini in the past 14 days.
Israel banned the entry of all foreigners into the country. Israelis can enter if they undergo quarantine.
Jordan banned entry of travelers from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Eswatini.
Kuwait banned entry of foreigners from South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Zambia, Lesotho and Malawi. Kuwaiti citizens returning from those countries will have to undergo a seven-day quarantine.
Oman banned entry of travelers from South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Mozambique.
Russia banned entry of all foreigners from South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Madagascar, Eswatini, Tanzania, and Hong Kong. Only Russian citizens will be allowed entry.
Saudi Arabia banned all travel to and from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Eswatini.
Thailand banned the entry of travelers from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Turkey banned travel from Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
UAE banned entry of travelers and transit passengers from South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique.
US restricted travel from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi.