A new COVID Omicron variant outbreak has emerged in South Africa. It has already gained an advantage over the Delta variant there, and within just a few days it had spread to the U.K. and Hong Kong. Because this variant has many protein mutations and appears to be highly transmissible, it has been classified by the WHO as a Variant of Concern.
Against this backdrop, countries are worried that the new variant could break through vaccine protection. As a result, entry restrictions are being reinstated.
United States
President Biden has already signed an executive proclamation to reinstate country-based entry restrictions. If you have stayed in 8 African countries during the 14 days before entering the U.S., you will be denied entry to the United States. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, their spouses, and other exempt individuals are excluded.
United Kingdom
The U.K. has canceled the previous arrival Lateral Flow Test arrangement. Instead, all arrivals must take a PCR test and self-isolate at home until the result is available.
European Union
The European Commission has decided to apply an “emergency brake” to several African countries, recommending that EU member states stop allowing travelers from these countries to enter Europe.
Israel
Israel has announced a full border closure, and no tourists will be allowed to enter.
Christmas travel plans?
It is still hard to know how Omicron will develop. These panic-driven policies could be rolled back as officials learn more about Omicron, or restrictions could be tightened again. If you are traveling on a work visa, there is some risk of getting stranded abroad during international travel. As for China, because its entry policies are already relatively strict, there has been no policy change there so far. With Christmas and New Year travel season just around the corner, if you have international travel plans, I recommend following the news as closely as possible.