UK travel ban: These countries impose new restrictions

The new variant discovered in the UK prompted authorities to impose a Tier 4 lockdown in London and southeast England and tighten restrictions for all of England over the festive period.

Since the UK lockdown was announced on Saturday, over 40 countries in Europe, Asia, South America, the Caribbean and the Middle East have restricted travel from the UK and in some cases, also travel from other countries that have documented cases with the variant.

The variant has also been detected in Denmark, the Netherlands and Australia, according to the World Health Organization. In South Africa, a different coronavirus variant has been reported, the WHO’s technical lead for Covid-19, Maria van Kerkhove, said Monday.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is working to support British nationals affected by the travel disruptions caused by the new restrictions, which have cut off UK travelers from much of Europe and other parts of the world.

The United States had not issued a ban on travel from the UK as of Thursday morning. However, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Wednesday that UK travelers arriving in the city will be required to quarantine or face a daily $1,000 fine.

The move comes days after New York Governor Andrew Cuomo called for either a ban on travel from the UK or mandatory testing of passengers, while airlines Delta, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic agreed to a testing mandate for passengers boarding flights between the UK and New York City.

Travelers wearing a face mask or covering stand at check-in desks at Terminal 2 of Heathrow Airport in London on December 21 as a string of countries around the world banned travellers arriving from the UK.

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US Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Brett Giroir told CNN that as of Monday morning, there weren’t plans for US restrictions on travel to or from the UK because of the new coronavirus variant, but “everything is possible, we just need to put everything on the table, have an open scientific discussion and make a best recommendation.”

“CDC is following the situation closely and actively assessing the implications of the new variant and response options with respect to international travel,” according to a statement from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

COUNTRIES BANNING TRAVEL

Argentina

According to a joint statement published Sunday by the Argentinian Health and Interior Ministries, Argentina was to allow only one more flight from Britain to land at the international airport in Buenos Aires on Monday morning. Later flights have been canceled.　

Belgium

From December 23 to 31, only residents of Belgium will be allowed to enter the country. Non-residents can enter from January 1, provided they supply evidence of a negative Covid-19 test taken no more than 48 hours prior to their arrival .

Bulgaria

Prime Minister Boyko Borissov convened a working meeting on Sunday with members of his Cabinet in response to the new variant, during which it was decided to temporarily suspend air travel between Bulgaria and the United Kingdom starting Monday until January 31, 2021, his office said.

Canada is among the nations putting a temporary ban on travel from the United Kingdom.

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Brazil

Brazil has placed a temporary ban, which will come into effect on Friday, on all flights originating from the UK or passing through. Foreigners who have been in the UK during the past 14 days are all blocked from entering the South American country.

Canada

Canada has extended its ban on passenger travel from the UK until January 6, 2021. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed the news in a press conference on Wednesday. The measure was initially put in place for at least 72 hours beginning midnight Sunday.

Chile

The Chilean government announced that all flights to and from the UK will be suspended beginning on Tuesday, and that travelers who have been to the UK in the past 14 days would have to self-quarantine.　

China

China is suspending direct flights to and from the United Kingdom from Thursday. The announcement was made by Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, who said officials were taking “reference from other countries.”

Colombia

Colombian President Ivan Duque announced that all flights between Colombia and the UK will be suspended, starting on Monday. Travelers who have been to the UK in the past 14 days will also have to self-quarantine upon entering Colombia, Duque told reporters.

Czech Republic

The Czech government was halting flights from the UK as of 6 a.m. ET Monday in reaction to the new variant of the coronavirus in the UK, a government statement…