In the wake of the Omicron COVID-19 variant, the UAE has suspended inbound flights from few African countries until further notice.

As per the decision taken by the UAE authorities, flights from Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Nigeria have been temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure.

The measure also bans travelers who have visited or stayed in these four countries two weeks before their visit to the UAE. The travel ban does not apply to UAE nationals, members of diplomatic tours and golden residence pass holders. However, they are required to produce a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of their departure.

A Rapid-PCR test must be taken at the airport six hours before departure and another PCR test should be taken at UAE airports upon arrival. A mandatory 10 days of isolation will also apply to the permitted travelers while a nasal test will be done on their ninth day of quarantine in the UAE.

Passengers from the UAE to the four mentioned countries are permitted by the UAE. Citizens of the UAE are barred from travelling to the four countries apart from emergency health treatment, official delegations and scholarship travel.

New travel requirements apply to inbound direct flights from Ghana and Uganda to the UAE. A COVID-19 negative report obtained a maximum of 48 hours before departure is compulsory for these travelers and a Rapid-PCR test must be conducted within six hours of departure.

Travelers who are transiting to the UAE must also possess a negative COVID-19 result obtained within 48 hours and a Rapid-PCR test will be conducted at the main departure airport within six hours of departure. A Rapid PCR test at the transit airport must also be conducted on transit travelers before entering the UAE.