Travel by visitors to the UK from South Africa has been banned amid concern over a variant of Covid-19 linked to the country.
People who have been in or transited through South Africa in the last 10 days are no longer allowed into the UK.
The new rule does not apply to British and Irish nationals – but they will have to self-isolate.
The variant was found in London and north-west England, both in contacts of people who had been in South Africa.
The Department for Transport said the ban reflects the “increased risk” from the new variant, but will be kept under review.
Anyone required to quarantine will need to do so for 10 days, along with members of their household.
UK visa holders and permanent residents arriving from South Africa will not be affected – but they will also need to self-isolate.
