The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Monday banned travel from “category C” countries in light of rising coronavirus cases of the new variant commonly known as Omicron.
Countries that fall in category C include the following:
(1) Croatia
(2) Hungary
(3) Netherlands
(4) Ukraine
(5) Ireland
(6) Slovenia
(7) Vietnam
(8) Poland
(9) South Africa
(10) Mozambique
(11) Lesotho
(12) Eswatini
(13) Botswana
(14) Zimbabwe
(15) Namibia
However, it is pertinent to mention that NCOC has allowed essential travel from the aforementioned countries after an exemption certificate is issued by the government fulfilling all the health protocols.
According to these health protocols, it is necessary for an essential traveler to be fully vaccinated along with a negative PCR test 48 hours prior to travel. These passengers will also have to undergo a rapid antigen test at the airport before being allowed to proceed outside.
It is imperative for RAT negative cases from South Africa, Mozambique, Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia to undergo a mandatory three-day quarantine followed by a PCR test.
Nonetheless, a positive RAT result will undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine and if the PCR test on the eighth day is positive then the person will be quarantined for more days or shifted to a health facility according to the advice of doctors.
In order to facilitate stranded Pakistanis in category C countries, the NCOC has allowed travel without exemption till December 15 with the health protocols in place.
“Pakistanis already travelled/travelling to Category C countries on short term visa
and deportees are permitted to travel back without exemption process,” concluded the NCOC statement.
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