A new Covid-19 variant, Omicron was discovered a few weeks ago and has now spread to over 30 countries all over the globe including UAE. As a result of this, various countries have introduced new safety restrictions for travellers.
With the holiday season being right around the corner and those having plans to travel in the next few months, it’s important to know the updated guidelines so here’s what you need to be aware of these restrictions for a smooth travel experience.
Scroll down to check out the updated travel guidelines to these following countries:
India
India announced a delay in the resumption of international flights from December 15. The Indian states announced different measures:
- New Delhi: All international travellers are required to submit a self-declaration form online at “Air Suvidha’ as well as details of the last 14 days. Moreover, passengers are required to upload a negative PCR test report taken 72 hours prior to the flight.
- Kerala: All foreign travellers will be tested upon arrival. Those tested positive will be moved to hospitals. But people coming from high-risk countries and testing negative will have to undergo a 7-day quarantine and then take another test. According to the Indian media, passengers tested negative will be allowed to proceed home. Only the driver will be allowed to transport the passengers, who will take the rear seat. Face masks and face shields are mandatory for drivers transporting passengers from the airport.
- Maharashtra: All passengers will have to take additional PCR tests and quarantine upon arrival. The government has asked all international travellers to send their 15-day travel history before departure. Passengers transiting through Mumbai airport will be required to take a Covid-19 PCR test.
- Karnataka: The state government has mandated a PCR test and seven-day home quarantine. Those who are asymptomatic will be tested on the 7th day.
- Madhya Pradesh: All passengers will have to take a PCR test upon arrival if they failed to produce a recent report.
- Uttarakhand: All travellers will be required to undergo tests. Passengers who test Covid-19 positive or found symptomatic will undergo a 14-day quarantine.
- Karnataka: All passengers arriving in the state will have to take a PCR test and seven-day home quarantine. Those who test negative or are symptomatic will have to undergo home testing on the fifth day, while those who test negative, will be in home quarantine for seven days. Further, the asymptomatic ones will be tested on the seventh day; if they test positive, they will be treated separately or will be immediately hospitalised.
- Jammu & Kashmir: All international passengers will be required to undergo a mandatory RT-PCR test at the airport, followed by a seven-day home quarantine. Passengers will then again be retested on the eighth day of the home quarantine, or if they develop any symptoms during the quarantine. And even if the report of RT-PCR comes negative, they will be required to self-monitor for one more week at strict home quarantine.
The Philippines
The Philippines has listed the UAE in the “Green List” in November 2021.
Starting December 3, the Philippines has announced that travellers coming from “Green List” countries will have to submit a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours before departure, facility-based quarantine until the release of negative results, 5th day swabbing, and home quarantine until 14th day from arrival.
The testing and quarantine protocols of minors shall follow the testing and quarantine protocol of the parent/guardian travelling with them, regardless of the minor’s vaccination status, and country of origin.
The temporary suspension of inbound international flights from South Africa, Botswana and other countries with local cases or with the likelihood of occurrences of the B1.1.529 variant shall take effect immediately.
United Kingdom
Boris Johnson and his gang further tightened travel rules after the discovery of Omicron.
- It is mandatory for people travelling to England from 4 am of December 7th, Tuesday to take pre-departure tests and provide proof of negative results, regardless of their vaccination status.
Before Tuesday and currently, travellers fully vaccinated with approved Covid-19 vaccines by the UK only need to book a PCR test to be taken before Day 2 of arrival and complete a passenger locator form before travelling to England – After arrival, they need to self-isolate until they test negative in the Day 2 PCR test.
Keep in mind, the new rule is applicable for everyone aged 12 and over.
Pakistan
- Pakistan has banned travel from Hong Kong and six African countries including South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini and Botswana due to Omicron.
- Pakistan had banned the entry of unvaccinated travellers from October 1.
USA
The US administration announced that these new rules will come into effect from December 6 for all travellers, including those flying from the UAE.
- All inbound travellers will have to take the Covid-19 test one day before the departure for the US.
- Wearing masks in airports, on planes and other public transport services like trains and buses, have been made mandatory for foreign travellers.
- The foreign travellers arriving in the US need to be fully vaccinated.
- Unvaccinated Americans and permanent residents can enter the country with a test taken within one day of departing for the US.
Australia
- The entry of foreigners who have travelled to the 8 African countries in the past 14 days have been banned.
- Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members are exempted but they will need to undergo a 14-day quarantine.
Japan
Japan continues to enforce strict travel regulations which is prohibiting most foreigners from entering the country.
- Foreign tourists and non-resident foreign business travellers will remain prohibited.
- Japanese citizens and foreign residents with a re-entry permit are generally allowed to re-enter Japan but must comply with strict pre-and post-travel testing requirements and quarantine upon arrival.
Stay Safe!
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