Mongolia is among number of countries that imposes travel bans on African nations amid fears over the new COVID-19 variant omicron.

Mongolia has imposed travel restrictions on 10 African countries after the potentially more contagious variant was first detected earlier this month in South Africa and Botswana.

The bans apply to South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe and Lesotho.

The travel restriction will not apply to foreigners who permanently residing in Mongolia and Mongolian nationals. However, they must have fully vaccinated and taken a Covid-19 PCR test within 72 hours before entering the country as well as be quarantined for 14 days in isolation facilities after arrival.

Foreign travellers from other countries also have to follow the rules of vaccination, testing and quarantines.