Covid-19 has been in our lives since the end of 2019, since then countries have been announcing on and off travel bans or restrictions for traveling to curb the spread of the virus. Now that a new variant of Omicron has been found in various countries, WHO has announced to take care and analyze the situation to avoid destruction. Countries have started taking precautionary measures to avoid the virus spread, and one such restriction includes the closing of international borders.
The following are the countries that announced travel restrictions:
Canada
All non-resident or foreign travelers from countries including South Africa, Malawi, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Eswatini are not allowed to enter Canada. However, Canadian Citizens or permanent resident holders traveling back from these countries need to follow strict guidelines. They must have a negative report of RT-PCR before and after entering the country. Moreover, a mandatory 14 days quarantine was announced for them.
America
America has announced a ban for travel from countries including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia, Malawi, Lesotho, and Mozambique. However, American permanent resident holders and citizens can travel back from these countries, but they have to provide a negative report of RT-PCR.
Japan
Japan was one of the countries to quickly close its international borders. Student foreigners and business travelers, or any foreigners, are banned from traveling to Japan. They took these strict traveling measures temporarily after news of the new Variant of Omicron.
Italy
Italy has restricted the entry of travelers from countries including Mozambique, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Eswatini, Zimbabwe. After December 6 an Italian Green entry pass form will be uploaded as per the restrictions and other guidelines.
New Zealand
New Zealand has banned travelers from various countries including Zimbabwe, South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Botswana, Seychelles, Mozambique, and Malawi. New Zealand has banned travelers from these countries since 28 November 2021.
Netherlands
Netherlands banned travelers from countries Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana till December 4 until the next announcement. However, all the citizens and resident holders are exempted from the ban, but they have to follow strict guidelines.
Morocco
Morocco has banned all incoming international flights Since 29 November 2021 for two weeks.
Indonesia
Indonesia has now had strict restrictions for travelers and nationals traveling back from countries including Hong Kong, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, and Eswatini. They also increased their quarantine days up to 5.
China
China already has strict border policies for travelers. Now they have announced, only resident permit holders and citizens will be able to enter the borders.
Israel
Israel was one of the first countries to announce a travel ban for international travelers. They have closed international borders since the announcement of the new variant. They closed the borders for 14 days until the next update.
Australia
Australia has banned non-resident citizens, immediate families; travelers from countries Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Malawi, Lesotho, Mozambique, Eswatini. Whereas, Australian Citizens and their immediate families coming back to Australia have to undergo mandatory quarantine.
Many other countries namely, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Brazil, Angola, France, Maldives, Malta, Oman, Russia, Philippines, Rwanda, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Fiji, Thailand, Egypt, Cambodia, United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait have imposed Partial restrictions. All these countries have announced restrictions as temporary measures to analyze the situation. Later, depending on the situation, these restrictions may or may not increase.
