The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has lifted travel ban restrictions imposed in November 2021 on travelers from 12 African countries. Flights from these African countries among them , Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Nigeria, the Republic of the Congo, the Republic of South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe will now start flying into UAE beginning the 29^th of this month.

UAE National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) statement read:  “From January 29, entry into the UAE for arrivals from Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Nigeria, the Republic of the Congo, the Republic of South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe is allowed again.”

Among the conditions for entry of passengers from these countries, the UAE authorities said those travelling from African countries will have to obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR test 48 hours prior to departure and a negative rapid-PCR test at the departure airport. Passengers will have to pass another PCR test upon arrival in the Emirates.

Those travelling from Uganda, Ghana and Rwanda will also have to take the three tests.

They asked residents of African countries to refrain from travelling via flights to the UAE if they have COVID-19 symptoms.

(With input from agencies)