The United Kingdom (UK) has placed a travel ban on South Africa and five other countries following developments on the spread of a new, worrisome B.1.1.529 ‘super variant’.
UK places travel ban on South Africa: Here’s what we know
In a statement, the British government revealed that from 12:00 on Friday 26 November 2021, all flights carrying passengers from South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Namibia will not be allowed entry into England.
This measure, the UK government explained, is a “precautionary action against a new COVID-19 variant.”
Travellers are advised to take heed of these new restrictions that will remain in place indefinitely:
Non-UK and Irish travellers
Non-UK and Irish travellers who have been in these countries in the previous 10 days will be refused entry into England. This new ‘red list’ rule does not apply to those who have stayed airside and only transited through any of these countries while changing flights.
UK and Irish residents
Travellers arriving between midday Friday 26 November and 04:00 Sunday 28 November from these six countries will be required to self-isolate at home for 10 days. They must take PCR tests on Day Two and Day Eight post-arrival. These can be NHS PCR tests and passengers should take them even if they have already booked or taken their lateral flow test.
Travellers arriving after the time period mentioned above must isolate in a government-approved facility for 10 days. During their stay, they will be required to take a coronavirus test on Day Two and Day Eight.
“A temporary ban on commercial and private planes travelling from the six countries will also come into force at midday on Friday until 04:00 Sunday to reduce the risk of importing this new variant under investigation while hotel quarantine is stood up. This excludes cargo and freight without passengers,” the government noted.