The UAE is suspending entry of people travelling and transiting from the Republic of Congo from Friday December 17 at 8am. Additionally, the United Arab Emirates is implementing new COVID-19 travel restrictions for travellers from other African nations. Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Rwanda will now be subject to new COVID-19 travel requirements and testing.
The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee (NCEMA) announced the ban on travellers from the Republic of Congo and the new safety measures following worldwide concerns regarding the spread of the Omicron variant.
The new COVID travel mandate applies to all national and international flights from the Republic of Congo, as well as those who were in the central African nation 14 days before coming to the United Arab Emirates.
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Certain exemptions apply, including those undergoing diplomatic missions and Golden Residence Holders, but they must still adhere to precautionary and preventative measures, including having a PCR test within 48 hours of departure and having a 10-day quarantine with more PCR testing, reports NCEMA.
For direct flights from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya and Rwanda, travellers must have a PCR test within 48 hours of departure then have a rapid-PCR test within six hours of departure.
People on transit flights from the four African nations are subject to the same rules, plus, they must take a rapid-PCR test at their transit airport before entering the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE’s travel update was revealed the same day Christmas and New Year’s Eve COVID-19 protocols were announced.
The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee revealed an 80 percent venue capacity limit at festive events and attendees must have a negative PCR test result that is less than 96 hours old, as well as other precautionary measures including mandatory mask wearing and maintaining social distancing.
Furthermore, Abu Dhabi announced a big border change for UAE travellers. From Sunday December 19, people entering the capital from within the United Arab Emirates will be scanned with EDE scanners at entry points to detect potential COVID-19 cases. In such potential cases, the individuals will go to an on-site testing centre and will get a free antigen test. The COVID-19 tests results will be available within 20 minutes.
The UAE is ramping up its proactive COVID-19 response including boosting testing, making more vaccines and booster shots available and ensuring safe travel.
From Fri Dec 17, 2021, 8am.
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