Arab Countries Ban Travel From African Nations Due To New Covid Strain

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Jordan are among the countries that banned travellers from several African nations due to fears over a new coronavirus variant

Saudi Arabia on Friday was among countries in the Middle East and North Africa to ban travellers from several African nations due to fears over a new coronavirus variant.

The Saudi interior ministry and authorities in the United Arab Emirates said visitors from seven African countries were barred from entry.

They listed the countries as South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Eswatini.

The Saudi ban comprises flights to and from those countries, the official Saudi Press Agency said, quoting an interior ministry official.