The Omicron Variant is the latest strain of Covid to be designated as a “variant of concern” by WHO, which means many countries have tightened their travel restrictions again. Despite the controversy over the efficacy of travel bans, many destinations have imposed travel restrictions to/from African countries impacted the most by Omicron. Here’s a short list of some of the more popular destinations that have recently modified their travel bans in light of the new variant.
United States
The Biden Administration imposed a travel ban from southern Africa due to the omicron variant. Non-US citizens who have visited South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, or Malawi within 14 days will not be allowed to enter the country.
The US also tightened testing requirements for entering the country. All travelers, regardless of citizenship and vaccination status, are required to show proof of a negative Covid test taken within 24 hours prior to their departure. This policy previously only applied to non-vaccinated US residents returning to the country.
In addition, the Biden administration also extended the transport mask mandate, which was set to expire on January 18, to March 18.
Canada
Canada announced new border restrictions in light of the new Covid variant last week. Foreign nationals who have been in Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, or Zimbabwe within the past 14 days are not permitted to enter the country. Canadian residents and citizens who have been in those countries within the past 14 days are allowed to return to Canada, but they are subject to enhanced testing and quarantine procedures.
All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, entering Canada from any country besides the United States will be subject to arrival testing and will need to quarantine while they wait for the results of their test. Unvaccinated travelers with the right to enter Canada are still subject to the same quarantine policies as before.
United Kingdom
England banned travel from Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zimbabwe in response to the Omicron variant breakout in Southern Africa.
Ireland advises against all nonessential travel to the ten African countries as well. Northern Ireland has tightened travel restrictions, but they do not apply to those traveling within the Common Travel Area (CTA).
In addition, Britain also imposed a mask mandate for indoor shops and on public transportation.
They are also expanding their vaccine program, making booster shots available to anyone 18 or older.
EU
European Union states agreed to impose travel bans on Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Each of the 27 EU states is free to modify the restrictions as they wish.
Switzerland
Switzerland added travel restrictions for people traveling from Belgium, Israel, and Hong Kong, in addition to Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Travelers coming from the seven African countries, Belgium, Israel, and Hong Kong are required to quarantine for 10 days and present a negative Covid test upon arrival.
Denmark
The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised that everyone refrains from travelling to Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. They also introduced a mandatory ten day quarantine for anyone who has been in those seven countries in the past 10 days. People have the option to shorten their quarantine period if they present two negative Covid tests (one from day four and one from day six).
Slovenia
While no Omicron cases have been detected in Slovenia yet, the government advises against travel to South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Everyone who has traveled to one of those countries recently as well as nationals of those countries are required to quarantine for 10 days and do not have the option to shorten the quarantine period with testing.
Hungary
Hungary imposed an entry ban for anyone traveling from South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Anyone who has been in the affected areas recently are required to quarantine for two weeks regardless of PCR test results.
France
France was one of the first countries to suspend all flights from South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. They also banned entry to the country for anyone who has been in one of the affected countries in the past 48 hours regardless of vaccination status. Additionally, anyone who traveled to one of the seven countries within the past two weeks should contact authorities and take a PCR or antigen test.
Australia
In response to the new variant, Australia has banned entry for anyone who has been in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Malawi, or Mozambique in the past 14 days and is not an Australian resident or permanent citizen. Australian citizens and permanent residents traveling from those countries along with their immediate family members must go into an immediate supervised quarantine for two weeks. Those returning to New South Wales from those countries are required to quarantine in a hotel for 14 regardless of vaccination status. Measures will be in effect until at least December 15th.
Furthermore, all international arrivals to Victoria, NSW, and ACT are required to quarantine for 72 hours and get tested for Covid as a precaution. Victoria is considering reintroducing the 14-day quarantine for all international arrivals.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong banned non-residents from entering the city from Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe as of December 3rd. The consulate says, “If travelers are coming from a location associated with the Omicron variant, then they will be required to quarantine at Penny’s Bay Quarantine Center for the first 7 days and at a designated quarantine hotel for the remaining 14 days.”
