UAE suspends entry from more African countries

The UAE has suspended entry for travellers from Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Nigeria, starting from December 25 (at 7:30 PM).

Tightened travel restrictions on Uganda and Ghana have also been updated.

Exceptions and specific restrictions were announced in a tweet by The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority NCEMA).

#NCEMA and the General Civil Aviation Authority: Entry suspension for travellers from Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and additional requirements for travelers arriving from Uganda and Ghana, starting Dec 25, 7:30PM. #TogetherWeRecover pic.twitter.com/qkru7ouAG3

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) December 23, 2021

The tightening includes suspending the entry of travellers who were in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Nigeria 14 days before coming to the UAE. Flights will continue to transport passengers from the UAE to the impacted countries.

Exceptions include, UAE nationals, their first degree relatives, diplomatic missions, official delegations between UAE and these countries and Golden Visa holders.

The excluded categories should present a negative COVID-19 test obtained within 48 hours of departure and a Rapid-PCR test at the airport within six hours of departure and another PCR test at the airport upon arrival to UAE.

A 10-day quarantine and a PCR test on the ninth day of entering the country is required for UAE nationals, their first-degree relatives, diplomatic missions and golden residence holders.

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) also affirmed that it is required for those coming from the four countries through other nations to stay in latter countries for at least 14 days before being allowed to enter the UAE.

UAE citizens are barred from travelling to the four African countries except for emergency treatment cases, official delegations, and scholarships.

In addition, the two authorities have introduced new travel requirements for those coming on direct flights from Uganda and Ghana.

These include having a negative COVID-19 test obtained within 48 hours and a Rapid-PCR test at the airport within six hours of the departure.

Those coming from Uganda and Ghana to the UAE on transit flights also have to have a negative COVID-19 test obtained within 48 hours and a Rapid-PCR test at the airport of their main point of departure within six hours of travelling in addition to another Rapid PCR test at the transit airport before being allowed to enter the UAE.

The GCAA called on all travellers affected by the decision to follow up and communicate with the airlines to amend and schedule their flights and to ensure their safe return to their final destinations without any delay or other obligations.