On January 29, 2022, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) made an important announcement regarding the lifting of COVID-19 travel restrictions from 12 African countries. This decision marks a significant step towards normalizing international travel in the region.

Travel Resumes from Prominent African Nations

Effective immediately, travelers who have recently visited the designated African countries will be able to enter and transit through the Emirates. However, it is essential to possess a valid UAE online visa to gain access. Among the notable countries included in this update are South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria.

Relief from Omicron Variant Concerns

Previously, travel from these African nations had been prohibited due to the outbreak of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. However, with the situation gradually improving, the UAE government has now lifted the travel ban, allowing flights to resume from these countries. Both national and international carriers are now operating flights to the UAE from the 12 designated African countries.

Benefiting Passengers and Reviving Tourism

This development comes as a welcomed relief for passengers residing in these 12 African countries who have been eager to travel to renowned destinations such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. With travel restrictions lifted, individuals can now plan their trips and explore the vibrant cities of the UAE.

Updated Rules for Travel from 3 Other African Nations

In addition to the 12 countries mentioned above, the UAE has also updated its travel rules for three other African nations. The specific details of these updates, however, have not been provided in the current announcement.

This decision to lift travel restrictions is a positive step towards reviving the tourism industry and fostering international connections between the UAE and Africa. It provides an opportunity for both countries to strengthen their economic and cultural ties, promoting mutual growth and development.

Updated Travel Restrictions: List of Countries Allowed to Travel to the UAE

Good news for travelers planning to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE)! Flights have now resumed, and entry is permitted for passengers arriving from selected African countries. This development opens up opportunities for individuals and businesses seeking to travel to the UAE for various purposes.

List of African Countries Allowed to Travel to the UAE

• Botswana
• Eswatini
• Ethiopia
• Kenya
• Lesotho
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Nigeria
• Republic of Congo
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Zimbabwe

Updated Entry Regulations for African Nations

As part of the recent updates, the entry regulations for three additional African countries have been revised. Travelers coming from the following nations now have updated guidelines to follow when visiting the UAE:

• Ghana
• Rwanda
• Uganda

These changes reflect the UAE's ongoing efforts to adapt and respond to the evolving global travel landscape while ensuring the safety and well-being of all visitors. Travelers from the mentioned African countries should review the latest travel advisories and requirements to ensure a smooth journey to the UAE.

COVID-19 Testing Rules for Travelers from African Nations Visiting the UAE

Travelers arriving from any of the 12 aforementioned countries, as well as from Ghana, Rwanda, and Uganda, must comply with specific COVID-19 testing regulations. These regulations aim to ensure the safety and well-being of both travelers and residents in the UAE.

To successfully enter the UAE, travelers must fulfill the following requirements: 

• Pre-Departure Testing: 

• Within 48 hours prior to departure, a COVID-19 PCR test must be taken at an approved laboratory.
• Travelers must obtain a negative test result, which they are required to present before traveling to the UAE.
  
  
1. Rapid PCR Test at the Airport:
• Before departure, travelers must undergo a rapid PCR test at the airport.
• This additional test aims to provide an extra layer of screening to identify any potential COVID-19 cases. 

• Arrival Testing: 

• Upon arrival in the UAE, travelers will undergo a third COVID-19 test, conducted via PCR.
• This test is conducted to ensure the early detection of any potential COVID-19 infections.

Note: It is crucial for travelers to adhere to the testing requirements and present all necessary documentation as per the guidelines provided by the UAE authorities. These measures are implemented to prioritize public health and safety during international travel.

Revised Travel Guidelines: Changes in Restrictions for African Travelers to the UAE

The United Arab Emirates' National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA) has announced the lifting of the travel ban on 12 African countries. This decision brings significant changes to the travel restrictions and flight operations between the UAE and the previously affected African nations.

Travel Ban Lifted:

Previously, the NCEMA had imposed a ban on all travel from the 12 specified African states. Individuals who had visited these countries within the past 14 days were not allowed to enter the UAE. As a result, UAE national airlines, including Emirates, had suspended flights to and from these destinations. The affected countries included:

• Republic of Kenya
• Abuja
• Casablanca
• Harare
• Lagos
• Lusaka

Additionally, passengers originating from Ethiopia or Tanzania were also prohibited from using these airlines for travel to Dubai, including transit through the city.

Resumption of Flights:

On January 26, 2022, the NCEMA officially announced the lifting of the travel ban for the 12 African countries. Flights between the UAE and these destinations have resumed, allowing individuals to travel freely once again.

COVID-19 Travel Restrictions:

While the travel ban has been lifted, it's important to note that various COVID-19 travel restrictions remain in place in the UAE, subject to the specific emirate. For instance, Abu Dhabi enforces mandatory quarantine measures for all arrivals except those coming from countries listed on the green list.

Updates to the Green List:

The green list is regularly updated based on the COVID-19 situation in different countries. In January 2022, several African countries, including Algeria, Morocco, Seychelles, and Tunisia, were added to the green list, categorizing them as "safe" for travel to the UAE. However, other countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, Russia, Turkey, and the UK were removed from the list.

These updates reflect the dynamic nature of travel restrictions and are subject to change based on the evolving COVID-19 situation.

Note: Please ensure to check the latest travel advisories and regulations before planning your trip to the UAE or any other destination.