26 Nov 2021 | 09:11 PM UTC
Europe: Numerous nations suspend international travel with southern African countries as of Nov. 26 due to new COVID-19 strain /update 1
Many European nations suspend international travel with southern African countries as of Nov. 26 due to new COVID-19 strain.
Event
Effective Nov. 26, the governments of numerous European nations have instituted temporary bans on passenger transport with several southern African countries in response to the new Omicron strain of COVID-19; the virus variant was recently detected in South Africa. All 27 EU member states have agreed to suspend travel from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. A number of non-EU member nations have also taken similar measures, albeit with some slight variations. While Switzerland's ban mirrors that of the EU, the UK's travel suspension does not include Mozambique. Turkey's travel ban targets only Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. It remains unclear how long the new restrictions will remain in place.
Additional countries will very likely impose similar travel suspensions in the coming days.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements if planning to travel between southern African and European countries; check entry requirements with national authorities.
Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.
