Langkawi bans travelers from 26 countries due to Omicron fears

Malaysia’s Langkawi island has banned entry to travelers from 26 countries due to Omicron fears, just a month after reopening the holiday destination to the world.

They are mostly countries that have detected the new variant, including the United Kingdom, Portugal, and the Netherlands, Health Director-General Noor Hisham Abdullah said yesterday. Langkawi residents or long-term pass holders returning from affected countries are required to reroute to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and serve quarantine. 

“They are also required to undergo 14 days’ quarantine at designated centers before being allowed on to Langkawi. Direct flights to Langkawi are not allowed,” he told reporters.

Langkawi opened its borders to international tourists via government-approved travel agents last month. The latest travel restrictions were announced just a day after Malaysia placed a temporary ban on travelers from eight African countries over fears of Omicron transmission.

Malaysia has not detected any cases of the new coronavirus variant. However, two people from across the border in Singapore were yesterday confirmed to be infected with Omicron. 

Here’s a full list of the 26 countries: 

1. United Kingdom
2. Portugal
3. Netherlands
4. Australia
5. Canada
6. South Korea
7. Hong Kong
8. Israel
9. Italy
10. Germany
11. Denmark
12. Sweden
13. Nigeria
14. Belgium
15. Japan
16. Brazil
17. Norway
18. Czech Republic
19. France
20. Austria
21. Spain
22. Saudi Arabia
23. Ghana
24. Republic of Ireland
25. United Arab Emirates
26. United States

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