Omicron: A Corona Virus (Covid 19) Variant after Delta : What International Volunteers and Travelers Should Know?

Last Updated: January 01, 2023

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The global concern over the COVID 19 is on the rise again due to widely and very quickly spreading variant Omicron.

The world is on the brink of another dilemma again, airport shutdowns and travel bans have been reintroduced and different countries are looking at new ways of precaution against the newest variant of novel coronavirus – Omicron which is first detected in Africa. 

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that causes mild to moderate respiratory illness. Many people infected from COVID- 19 recover without requiring special treatment. However, some become seriously ill and require medical attention. This virus is more likely to seriously affect older people and people with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer. 

COVID 19 is infectious and spreads through the infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe. Within 2 to 14 days, the immune system may respond with symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, body ache, loss of taste and smell, fatigue, etc. With proper education regarding the virus, its causes, symptoms we can protect ourselves. Social distancing, wearing a properly fitted mask, washing hands, or using an alcohol-based rub frequently and getting vaccinated is helpful to prevent this virus.

The emergence of this newly identified Omicron coronavirus variant had made the entire countries of the world to rethink their policies and measures to curb the COVID-19 infections.

What is Omicron Variant?

According to WHO, the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) is one of the mutations of Corona Virus first reported in South Africa on 24 November 2021.

Omicron is listed under a ‘variant of concern’ and it will take few weeks to be sure about the  significant changes in transmissibility, severity or implications for Covid vaccines, tests, and treatments. Omicron is the first new variant of concern after delta.

The emergence and mutation of different variants of the coronavirus has ripped off the travel culture in the entire world. There has been any travel restrictions and bans ever since the original coronavirus COVID-19 and its variants such as Delta and Omicron.

What international travelers should know ?

Are you planning to travel abroad? You might be considering to rethink about your plans, may be it's too soon to cancel a trip.

So if you’re planning to travel internationally or if you are going to join a volunteer abroad program you might have to consider the situation caused by coronavirus COVID-19 in the destination country you are planning to go. As for the recent update manyEuropean countries, UK and also The USA are imposing travel bands for some of the South African countries.What impact this new variant Omnicorn is going to bring is yet to be decided,  but until then it is advisable to all the travelers abroad to keep updated about this new variant.

Advice to Travelers and Volunteers from USA

US citizens are  advised not to travel to eight countries in southern Africa as the new coronavirus variant Omicron has been identified in various parts of the world. The US State Department on Saturday formally warned Americans against traveling to those countries.

According to I Go to Trips , international travelers should now plan their destinations only after looking into the rules and regulations of destination countries for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.

Covid Situation Advisory for the Volunteers from UK

In UK, the government advisory said it is necessary to take “targeted and precautionary measures” after few people tested positive for the new variant in England. As a result, the UK is recommending on mask-wearing and on testing of international arrivals after finding few cases of the new potentially more contagious omicron variant of the coronavirus.

Corona Virus and Travel Advice to Travelers from Canada

With immediate restrictions for travellers arriving from Southern Africa region, Canada is also applying the travel restriction rules for the international travellers. According to government of Canada, every Canadian citizens traveling to those countries are also suggested to consider the current situation before making any travel plans.

Australian Travelers Advice over Covid Variants Mutation

According to Australian Government Department of Home Affairs there is travel restrictions for those who have been in South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Seychelles, Mozambique, or Malawi in the last 14 days. Australian Citizens are also warned to not make any unnecessary travel to the countries listed as omicron affected countries.

Advice to the Travelers From France

According to the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in France new measures will come into effect as of 29th November 2021, in response to the worldwide rising cases of omicron variant of Coronavirus.

Advice to the Volunteers and Travelers from Spain

According to the travel advisory commission of Spain, one must always consult the requirements and recommendations of the public bodies and competent national authorities bodies in each country before making any decision of traveling that specific country.

Covid 19 Advice to The International Volunteers and Travelers from Germany

The department of foreign affairs of Germany has also issued the warning for its citizens to make them aware before they make any foreign traveling plan. It would be better to follow the guideline and notices if you are leaving Germany to travel any part of the world.

Conclusion: What International Volunteers and Travelers Should Do Next over the Situation of Omicron Variant of COVID-19 ?

It is advisable that who have booked trips to Africa to sit tight and wait for more information to emerge before making any changes. Also should follow the news closely for updates on the omicron variant and resulting restrictions for every part of the world.

We have seen the days of virus and the days of its variants, so there is nothing to worry as long as we are well informed and cautious of the situation. So, before you make any recent travel plan make sure what is the status of COVID-19 and its new variant Omicron, and after having the full information make a rational decision on your next trip.