Gulf States Ban Travel from African Nations Over New Covid Strain

Passengers wait before boarding at Dubai International Airport amid outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Dubai, UAE April 27, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah

Several Gulf countries have banned travelers from African nations due to fears over a new coronavirus variant.

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates said visitors from seven African countries were barred from entry.

They listed the countries as South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Eswatini.

The official Emirati news agency WAM said the UAE ban would go into effect on Monday and was only for travelers coming from those African countries, regardless of the airline, and included transit passengers.

Bahrain announced similar measures targeting six African countries, including South Africa, the official BNA news agency said.

Oman also suspended entry to travelers from the same countries starting from Nov. 28, the country's state news agency said in a tweet.

Qatar Airways said it has banned entry to travelers from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Kuwait suspended direct flights from nine African countries over new variant, announced the cabinet.