Covid Variant: European Union Countries Tighten Travel Rules

Brussels: A slew of European countries have restricted travel from southern Africa amid concerns over the new Covid-19 variant.

The B.1.1.529 variant, first detected in South Africa, is reportedly more transmissible and has been classified as a “Variant of Concern” by the World Health Organization.

The European Union (EU) has said that it wants to activate the so-called “emergency brake” to stop air travel from the southern African region to delay the variant spread in Europe.

In line with the EU’s recommendation, the Irish government has announced new restrictions regarding travel to and from seven southern African countries.

The seven countries, namely Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, are selected based on detection of cases of the new variant or geographical proximity to those countries where cases have been detected, the government said in a statement.

According to the statement, Irish residents returning home from these countries will be required to undergo strict home quarantine even if they have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, or have recovered from the disease in the last six months, or have tested negative within 72 hours before their departure.

Italy on Friday also banned the arrival of travelers who have been to the seven southern African states — same as listed by the Irish government — within the previous two weeks in reaction to the emergence of the new variant.

Greece announced that travel restrictions are imposed for arrivals from nine African countries — seven above-mentioned countries plus Zambia and Malawi.

As of November 27, travel to Greece from the nine countries is only allowed for essential reasons and by special permit from Greek embassies or embassies which represent Greece in those countries, read an e-mailed press release from the Greek health ministry.

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