Emirates: The latest Covid-19 variant, Omicron, has spread to more than 30 countries across the globe. As a result, many countries have introduced new restrictions for foreign travellers to rein the latest variant.

With UAE being home to nearly 200 nationalities, residents travel to different countries worldwide either for leisure, business or family visits. With the holiday season also around the corner, UAE residents must be aware of new travel restrictions for a smooth travel experience.

Below are the details of new travel guidelines to some popular destinations due to Omicron.

India

India has announced a delay in the resumption of international flights from December 15 after India’s Ministry of Health announced two cases of Omicron in Karnataka. The Indian states announced different measures to rein in Omicron:

•New Delhi: All international travellers are required to submit a self-declaration form online at “Air Suvidha’ as well as details of the last 14 days. Moreover, passengers are required to upload a negative PCR test report taken 72 hours prior to the flight.

.Kerala: All foreign travellers will be tested upon arrival. Those tested positive will be moved to hospitals. But people coming from high-risk countries and testing negative will have to undergo a 7-day quarantine and then take another test. According to the Indian media, passengers tested negative will be allowed to proceed home. Only the driver will be allowed to transport the passengers, who will take the rear seat. Face masks and face shields are mandatory for drivers transporting passengers from the airport.

•Maharashtra: All passengers will have to take additional PCR tests and quarantine upon arrival. The government has asked all international travellers to send their 15-day travel history before departure. Passengers transiting through Mumbai airport will be required to take a Covid-19 PCR test.

•Karnataka: The state government has mandated a PCR test and seven-day home quarantine. Those who are asymptomatic will be tested on the 7th day.

•Madhya Pradesh: All passengers will have to take a PCR test upon arrival if they failed to produce a recent report.

•Uttarakhand: All travellers will be required to undergo tests. Passengers who test Covid-19 positive or found symptomatic will undergo a 14-day quarantine.

•Karnataka: All passengers arriving in the state will have to take a PCR test and seven-day home quarantine. Those who test negative or are symptomatic will have to undergo home testing on the fifth day, while those who test negative, will be in home quarantine for seven days. Further, the asymptomatic ones will be tested on the seventh day; if they test positive, they will be treated separately or will be immediately hospitalised.

•Jammu & Kashmir: All international passengers will be required to undergo a mandatory RT-PCR test at the airport, followed by a seven-day home quarantine. Passengers will then again be retested on the eighth day of the home quarantine, or if they develop any symptoms during the quarantine. And even if the report of RT-PCR comes negative, they will be required to self-monitor for one more week at strict home quarantine.

UK

The UK has asked all travellers to take the Covid-19 test 48 hours before the flight departure. Passengers will have to quarantine until they get the negative result of the test. Also, they will have to submit a passenger locator form. These new temporary rules will come into effect from December 7 after over 150 people in the UK have been identified with the latest variant.

Pakistan

Pakistan has banned travel from six South African countries and Hong Kong due to Omicron. It includes South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini and Botswana. Pakistan had banned the entry of unvaccinated travellers from October 1.

USA

The US president Joe Biden’s administration has announced that all inbound travellers will have to take the Covid-19 test one day before the departure for the US. The US also made it mandatory for foreign travellers to wear masks in airports, on planes and other public transport services such as trains and buses. This new rule will come into effect from December 6 for all travellers, including those flying from the UAE. There is also q requirement for foreign travellers arriving in the US to be fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated Americans and permanent residents can enter the country with a test taken within one day of departing for the US.

Israel

The Jewish state shut its doors for foreign travellers due to the Omicron scare.

Japan

Tokyo also followed Israel and banned the entry of foreign travellers after the outbreak of the latest Covid-19 variant.

Australia

Australia has banned the entry of foreigners who have travelled to eight African countries in the past 14 days. However, Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members are exempted but they need to undergo a 14-day quarantine.