The United Arab Emirates has suspended the entry of travelers from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal as part of safety measures against the spread of the coronavirus.

The Emirates National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority announced on Monday that the decision would be effective on Wednesday, May 12. Transit flights traveling to those countries were exceptions to the suspension. Travelers on these flights would, however, be required to submit proof of having been in those countries for not less than 14 days.

Also exempt are UAE citizens, those on diplomatic missions, official delegations, those traveling on business planes, and golden visa holders. Even they, however, will be required to undergo a PCR test at the airport upon arrival and quarantine for 10 days. Al Arabiya reports that additional PCR tests are required on the fourth and eighth days after entry into the Emirates.

Cargo flights, meanwhile, will continue to operate.

The ban follows the UAE having in April announced a ban on entry from India in the wake of rising coronavirus numbers in that country following the emergence of the highly contagious Indian variant of the virus.

Umm Muhammed Umar