• The Drakensberg escarpment in Lesotho. Flight arrivals can resume from the country on January 29, UAE authorities said. Photo: Jandre van der Walt/ Unsplash
    The Drakensberg escarpment in Lesotho. Flight arrivals can resume from the country on January 29, UAE authorities said. Photo: Jandre van der Walt/ Unsplash
  • Victoria Falls, in Zimbabwe, one of the 12 African nations where passenger flights to the UAE will restart. Photo: Tanner Marquis/ Unsplash
    Victoria Falls, in Zimbabwe, one of the 12 African nations where passenger flights to the UAE will restart. Photo: Tanner Marquis/ Unsplash
  • The central business district in Gaborone, Botswana. Flights can resume from Botswana, Congo Republic, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, authorities said. Photo: Justice Hubane/ Unsplash
    The central business district in Gaborone, Botswana. Flights can resume from Botswana, Congo Republic, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, authorities said. Photo: Justice Hubane/ Unsplash
  • Amboseli National Park, Kenya. Passengers travelling from the 12 countries will be required to take a PCR test 48 hours before departure. Photo: Sergey Pesterev/ Unsplash
    Amboseli National Park, Kenya. Passengers travelling from the 12 countries will be required to take a PCR test 48 hours before departure. Photo: Sergey Pesterev/ Unsplash
  • Mbabane, capital of Eswatini. Photo: Lungelo S Mthupha/ Unsplash
    Mbabane, capital of Eswatini. Photo: Lungelo S Mthupha/ Unsplash
  • Lagos, in Nigeria. Photo: Nupo Deyon Daniel/ Unsplash
    Lagos, in Nigeria. Photo: Nupo Deyon Daniel/ Unsplash
  • Sesriem, Namibia. Photo: Arne Smith/ Unsplash
    Sesriem, Namibia. Photo: Arne Smith/ Unsplash
  • Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Photo: Peter Mitchell/ Unsplash
    Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Photo: Peter Mitchell/ Unsplash
  • Cape Town, South Africa. Photo: Tobias Reich/ Unsplash
    Cape Town, South Africa. Photo: Tobias Reich/ Unsplash
  • Salt flats, Danikil Depression, Ethiopia. Photo: Lesly Derksen/ Unsplash
    Salt flats, Danikil Depression, Ethiopia. Photo: Lesly Derksen/ Unsplash
  • Maputo, Mozambique. Photo: Rohan Reddy/ Unsplash
    Maputo, Mozambique. Photo: Rohan Reddy/ Unsplash
  • Street performers in Brazzaville, Congo Republic. Photo: Valdhy Mbemba/ Unsplash
    Street performers in Brazzaville, Congo Republic. Photo: Valdhy Mbemba/ Unsplash

UAE lifts Covid-19-related flight restrictions for 12 African nations


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Restrictions on flights arriving from 12 African nations will be lifted on Saturday, the UAE's Covid-19 crisis authority said.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (Ncema) also updated entry procedures for flights originating from three more nations at the same time, in a post on social media.

Flight arrivals can resume from: Botswana, Congo Republic, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

It also said that entry procedures have been updated for flights originating from Ghana, Rwanda and Uganda.

The new rules come into effect on 2.30pm on Saturday.

Passengers will be required to take a PCR test 48 hours before departure, test where possible at the departure airport, test on arrival and follow to all precautionary measures when visiting the UAE.

What are the Covid-19 rules for travelling to Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

  • At 321 metres, the Burj Al Arab in Dubai is one of the world's tallest hotels. AFP
    At 321 metres, the Burj Al Arab in Dubai is one of the world's tallest hotels. AFP
  • For the thrill-seeking tourist, Ras Al Khaimah is home to the world's longest zip-line, at Toroverde Adventure Park on Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest peak. RAK Tourism
    For the thrill-seeking tourist, Ras Al Khaimah is home to the world's longest zip-line, at Toroverde Adventure Park on Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest peak. RAK Tourism
  • For sheer spectacle, Dubai is home to many of the Middle East's tallest buildings. Reem Mohammed / The National
    For sheer spectacle, Dubai is home to many of the Middle East's tallest buildings. Reem Mohammed / The National
  • A view of Khor Fakkan at sunset. Antonie Robertson / The National
    A view of Khor Fakkan at sunset. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE's highest peak. Photo: RAK Tourism Authority
    Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE's highest peak. Photo: RAK Tourism Authority
  • Dubai Mall, a draw for millions of tourists where shopping becomes spectacle. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Dubai Mall, a draw for millions of tourists where shopping becomes spectacle. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • A visit to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi with its many themed attractions can involve Yas Waterworld. Yas Island
    A visit to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi with its many themed attractions can involve Yas Waterworld. Yas Island
  • Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island brings big screen themes to life for visitors. Reem Mohammed / The National
    Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island brings big screen themes to life for visitors. Reem Mohammed / The National
  • Abu Dhabi is rich in natural heritage. Kayakers at the Eastern Mangroves area. Victor Besa / The National
    Abu Dhabi is rich in natural heritage. Kayakers at the Eastern Mangroves area. Victor Besa / The National
  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, the largest place of worship in the UAE and a symbol that demonstrates the diversity of the Islamic world. Ryan Carter / The National
    Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, the largest place of worship in the UAE and a symbol that demonstrates the diversity of the Islamic world. Ryan Carter / The National
  • Dubai Parks and Resorts' Motiongate offers family fun. Photo: Dubai Parks and Resorts
    Dubai Parks and Resorts' Motiongate offers family fun. Photo: Dubai Parks and Resorts
  • Legoland Water Park, one of several parks at Dubai Parks and Resorts. Photo: Dubai Parks and Resorts
    Legoland Water Park, one of several parks at Dubai Parks and Resorts. Photo: Dubai Parks and Resorts
  • Caesars Bluewaters Dubai island resort. Photo: Caesars Bluewaters Dubai
    Caesars Bluewaters Dubai island resort. Photo: Caesars Bluewaters Dubai
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island. Victor Besa / The National
    Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island. Victor Besa / The National
  • Dubai Creek predates the modern city but grew with and is a tourist destination in its own right. Reem Mohammed / The National
    Dubai Creek predates the modern city but grew with and is a tourist destination in its own right. Reem Mohammed / The National
  • Kite Beach at Umm Suqeim in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    Kite Beach at Umm Suqeim in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A cityscape from the observation deck of The View at The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai AP
    A cityscape from the observation deck of The View at The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai AP
  • Dubai Aquarium at Dubai Mall. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Dubai Aquarium at Dubai Mall. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Updated: January 27, 2022, 10:18 AM