Tag Archive for: Repatriation

Andrew Stegmann

Emirates and Etihad Resuming Flights

Emirates

Dubai’s Emirates Airline is resuming scheduled passenger flights from today (Thursday May 21), and now these return flights will continue until June 30.

Currently, Dubai’s flagship carrier will operate flights to nine different destinations, including connections between UK and Australia.

As of today, passenger return flights include the below:

  • London, UK
  • Frankfurt, Germany
  • Paris, France
  • Milan, Italy
  • Chicago, USA
  • Toronto, Canada
  • Sydney, Australia
  • Melbourne, Australia

In light of further developments of COVID-19, destinations and regulations may be changed. You can keep updated by visiting Emirates’ essential travel page.

As for re-entry to the UAE, restrictions remain in place upon arrival in Dubai which includes a mandatory DHA test on arrival and a mandatory 14-day quarantine and a follow up test before release.

Emirates has advised travellers to arrive at check-in three hours ahead of departure to avoid any delays, and to bring their own face mask, hand gloves and abide by social distancing rules.

Along with this, passengers will need to bring their approval letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs allowing them to return back to the UAE.

Etihad Airways has also announced increased flights to destinations around the world, including more frequent repatriation flights. Find out more here.

Etihad

Etihad Airways has started to increase the frequency of international flights from Abu Dhabi.

Flights to a number of destinations worldwide have been announced over the past few weeks to destinations including New York, London, Toronto, Tokyo and more.

Changes to flights and airspace have come about due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout May and June, Etihad will increase the frequency of flights to previously announced locations and will add new flights to locations including Milan, Paris and more.

A number of safety measure have also been introduced for passengers travelling with Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi in-flight and at the airport.

In addition, travellers must apply in advance for Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) approval through the UAE Twajudi resident service.

When approved you will receive a unique ICA approval number by email which must be used when booking.

The latest schedule of flights for May and June from Abu Dhabi are below:
• Amsterdam on May 20, 22, 27, 29 and June 1, 3, 8, 10 and 15.
• Barcelona on May 24 and 31 and June 7 and 14.
• Belgrade on May 21.
• Brussels on May 24 and 31 and June 7 and 14.
• Dublin on May 23 and 30 and June 6 and 13.
• Geneva on May 23 and 30 and June 6 and 13.
• Frakfurt on May 24 and 31 and June 7 and 14.
• Jakarta on May 21 and 28 and June 4 and 11.
• Kuala Lumpur on May 23 and 30 and June 6 and 13.
• London on May 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28 and 30 and June 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13 and 15.
• Melbourne on May 20, 22, 27 and 28 and June and 11.
• Milan on May 24 and 31 and June 7 and 14.
• Paris on May 24 and 31 and June 7 and 14.
• Seoul on May 21, 23, 28 and 30 and June 4, 6, 11 and 13.
• Singapore on May 12 and June 2 and 9.
• Sydney on May 26 and June 2 and 9.
• Tokyo on May 25 and June 1 and 8.
• Toronto on May 21.
• Zurich on May 24 and 31 and June 7 and 14.

For more information about repatriation flights, click here.

Abu Dhabi airport has also recently announced new rules for arrivals in the city from destinations overseas.

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].



Andrew Stegmann

South African Border Closures and Travel Bans: COVID-19 Status

Travel restrictions and advisories are in constant flux as COVID-19 spreads. Please check with your local consulate or embassy for up-to-date details.

Travel bans have been imposed around the world to slow the spread of SARS-Cov-2 virus behind Covid-19, while others require voluntary self-isolation of either all foreign travellers, or those from specific countries.

South Africans are affected by some restrictions – especially in countries that have a blanket ban on travellers from places with known Covid-19 cases. South Africa has also restricted access to some nationalities.

The result is a moving target of a list of places South Africans may not (or should not) go, and a similarly in-flux list of nationalities that can expect at least intensive screening for fevers on arrival in SA.

Many countries have imposed bans and restrictions due to expire in mid-April, if not renewed or cancelled before then. Other countries have put in place indefinite bans, or have not specified timeframes. Bans typically exclude those holding diplomatic credentials, and in some cases those with specific types of work visas.

South Africans are mostly not currently welcome in:

South African are impacted by special measures when travelling to:

  • Australia: required to self-isolate for 14 days after arrival
  • Austria: expected to be added to the list of nationalities required to present a negative viral test for entry
  • Bermuda: required to self-isolate for 14 days after arrival
  • Croatia: expected to be added to the list of nationalities required to self-isolate for 14 days after arrival
  • Czech Republic: expected to be added to the list of high-risk countries, from which travel is banned
  • Israel: likely to be denied access, but may be admitted if they can show the ability to self-isolate for 14 days
  • Jordan: all international flights cancelled
  • Lithuania: may have to self-isolate for 14 days after arrival
  • Malta: required to self-isolate for 14 days after arrival
  • New Zealand: required to self-isolate for 14 days after arrival
  • Slovakia: required to self-isolate for 14 days after arrival

South Africa has banned access to people from:

  • China
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Iran
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America

South Africa has imposed extra screening measures on people from:

  • Hong Kong
  • Portugal
  • Singapore

Points of entry closures

South Africa has closed the majority of its border posts following an increase in infections in the country.

South Africa has 72 ports of entry in the country which are land, sea and airports. Of the 53 land ports, 35 will be shut down with effect from Monday, 16 March in order to prevent further influx of people possibly infected with COVID-19. Two of the eight seaports will be closed for passengers and crew changes. To view eNCA’s map of the closures, click here.

For further information, please consult the World Health Organization and the National Institute for Communicable Disease (NICD).

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], Belinda Fewings [2].