International airports in the United Arab Emirates stop receiving passenger flights from three African countries – Liberia, Sierra Leone and Namibia. The restrictions are effective from 11:59 pm on Monday 21 June 2021.
According to the General Directorate of Civil Aviation and the National Department for Emergency Situations and Natural Disasters, the restrictions will affect both national and international air carriers.
Exceptions will be made for transit flights returning to designated countries with a connection in the UAE. Passengers who have visited Liberia, Sierra Leone and Namibia in the past two weeks will not be allowed on flights to the UAE from third countries.
Air cargo transportation will continue as usual. The department confirmed that UAE citizens, their relatives of the first degree, diplomats and members of official delegations, holders of “gold” and “silver” residence permits in the UAE, as well as workers in vital sectors of the economy will be able to continue traveling subject to a number of conditions.
In particular, they will be required to undergo a 10-day quarantine upon arrival in the UAE, as well as pass PCR tests upon arrival, on the fourth and eighth days of their stay in the country. The tests have a shelf life of 48 hours, they must be issued by accredited laboratories and contain a QR code.
Starting June 11, the UAE authorities imposed restrictions on flights from cities in Zambia, Congo and Uganda. Transit passengers who have traveled to these countries in the past two weeks are not allowed on flights to the UAE. Meanwhile, air carriers accept on board UAE citizens and their closest relatives, diplomats and members of official delegations, holders of “gold” and “silver” UAE visas.