Tracking global Omicron travel restrictions

About 30 countries have closed their borders to some countries and others have imposed stricter measures to curb the spread of the Omicron variant.The newly detected coronavirus variant has forced countries to tighten their borders just as many were beginning to reopen to foreign travel. Nations are adopting differing levels of border control with countries such as Israel, Morocco and Japan closing their borders entirely, while others have only tightened COVID testing at the border. The map below shows countries that have imposed travel bans. It will be updated as more information becomes available. Total bans:

China – China already had stringent border controls in place, with only citizens and resident permit holders allowed into the country.

Israel – Israel banned foreigners from entering the country for 14 days. Israeli citizens will be able to come back to the country but will need to quarantine, even if fully vaccinated.

Japan – Japan closed its borders to noncitizens for one month, this includes foreign exchange students and those travelling for business.

Morocco – Morocco suspended all incoming flights for two weeks.

Partial bans:

Angola – Australia – Brazil – Cambodia –

Canada – Canada banned non-citizens who have travelled to Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe since November 12.

Egypt – Egypt halted direct flights from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Fiji – Fiji already had strict border controls, and only citizens can enter the country.

Indonesia – Indonesia banned any foreigners who spent the last 14 days in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Italy ,Kuwai, Netherlands,New Zealand – Oman ,Rwanda, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Philippines –France –Germany

Pakistan – Pakistan closed its borders to Botswana, Hong Kong, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa.

Somalia -Rwanda suspended all direct flights to and from southern Africa.

Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia halted flights from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe and non-citizens who have spent the past 14 days in the listed countries will be barred from entry

Turkey – Turkey banned arrivals from Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

United Arab Emirates – Travellers from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe are restricted from travelling to the UAE. United Kingdom – The UK added Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe to its red list.

United States – The US restricted non-citizens from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe from entering the country.