Egypt Bans Flights from 7 African Nations Due to New COVID-19 Variant

EgyptAir has suspended direct flights from seven African nations, due to the emergence of the new 'Omicron' variant of the COVID-19 virus. These countries are South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Eswatini.

Any travellers who arrive from these nations through an indirect flight will need to undergo additional COVID-19 testing at airports, and if they are merely passing through Egypt in transit, they will need to take a rapid test at the airport.

Anyone who tests positive will be required to go back to their country of origin on the same plane they arrived in. Travellers arriving in Egypt who test negative will be required to quarantine at their place of residence for seven days, and then tested for COVID-19 again.

Customers who have reserved a flight to or from these nations will be able to review their reservations by calling EgyptAir at 1717, or visiting the nearest tourist agent or EgyptAir office.