EU Ends Travel Ban on Arrivals From Southern African Countries

The European Union lifted the ban on travel from countries in southern Africa that was in place for more than a month has been lifted.

In an effort to stop the spread of Omicron variants within the EU, the ban on southern African countries has been implemented. The Omicron variant is now responsible for most cases of infection within the Member States. 

Yesterday, the French EU presidency announced that the ban on southern African countries would be lifted. This revealed that all 27 Member States had agreed to lift the ban on travel and resume air travel with Southern African countries.

However, travellers from the southern African countries are still subject to other entry requirements, such as having to present a certificate of recovery or vaccination. Some countries require that a negative COVID-19 screening be taken prior to entry.

Before the EU institutions made the decision, several EU countries lifted the travel ban.

On December 30, the German authorities announced that South Africa, Botswana and Eswatini would be removed from the virus variants list.

All travellers from the mentioned countries are now allowed to enter Germany, provided they comply with the entry requirements.

Norway also lifted the restrictions on entry from eight countries in southern Africa, effective December 23,

According to the Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services, Omicron is now found in many countries including Norway. Therefore, it is not necessary to maintain measures that target tourists from these areas.

The ban was lifted by the Netherlands on December 23rd. It was noted that affected countries in southern Africa would remain classified as high-risk regions with a virus variant. This means that strict rules will be applied to all arrivals from these countries, rather than those from countries with lower Omicron variant risks.

The travel ban that was imposed on ten countries in southern Africa was also lifted by the Danish government. Since then, South Africa, Lesotho and Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana (or a positive test certificate), has been allowed to enter Denmark.

The EU authorities have made an official announcement that the ban on the above countries will be lifted by all remaining members.