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Updates and Health Advisory on COVID-19 (Corona Virus)

Mar 17, 2020 | Press Releases

For Immediate Release

March 17, 2020, Toronto, Ontario –Ethiopian Airlines strives hard to guarantee travellers peace of mind concerning the advent of COVID-19

In response to the latest developments in the COVID-19 outbreak around the world, Ethiopian is taking extra steps to ensure our customers’ health and comfort and to provide passengers with confidence and peace of mind when planning their travel.

Thoroughly cleaning of our aircraft

On all aircraft departing from its hub in Addis, Ethiopian Airlines has implemented enhanced cleaning and complete disinfection of all cabins as a precaution.

In line with the latest expert medical finding that the COVID-19 virus is primarily transmitted by touch, Ethiopian has placed its greatest focus on surface cleaning Ethiopian uses an approved chemical that is proven to kill viruses and germs, leaves a long-lasting protective coating against new contamination of viruses, bacteria and fungi on surfaces, and is eco-friendly.

The cleaning process includes a comprehensive wipe down of all surfaces – from windows, tray tables, seatback screens, armrests, seats, in-seat controls, panels, air vents and overhead lockers in the cabin to lavatories, galleys and crew rest areas. All of this is done in addition to other normal procedures such as changing headrest covers on all seats, replacement of reading materials, vacuuming, and more.

All of Ethiopian’s aircraft are fitted with HEPA cabin air filters, which are proven to filter out 99.97% of viruses. They also remove dust, allergens and microbes from the air recirculated into the cabin and cockpit, which helps to provide a safer, healthier and more comfortable environment for the passengers and Crew.

Hand sanitizer is available at multiple locations at our airports

Hand sanitizer is available in our airports, lounges and on aircraft. Our customers and employees are welcome to use this as required. We also encourage regular hand washing.

Providing Personal Protective Equipment for our people

All of our aircraft are equipped with biohazard kits, and we have gloves, hand sanitizer and face masks to keep our staff and Crew safe.

The safety and security of passengers and employees is always the top priority of Ethiopian Airlines. Accordingly, we are working closely with WHO, IATA and the Ethiopian Ministry of Health to ensure your health and comfort as you fly with us.

OUR REFUNDS AND REBOOKING POLICY

This policy applies to all existing destinations across the Ethiopian international network (Excluding domestic flights within Ethiopia).

REBOOKING POLICY 

  • Change fees do not apply to tickets issued anytime for travel from 01-MAR-2020 onwards until 30-JUNE-20. If there is a difference in the airfare or applicable taxes, due to the reissue/rerouting of the ticket, the additional amount will need to be collected. Customers can change their booking to travel on/or before December 31, 2020. 

REFUND POLICY

  • Refund permitted free of charge if only the original flight shown on the ticket is cancelled. 
  • Full refund can be made free of charge for travel dates between 01-MAR-2020 until 30-JUN-2020 by issuing a voucher of equal amount to be used within one year of issue.
  • If the voucher is required to be refunded, the applicable rule at the time of ticket purchase shall apply.
  • No show fee will apply at all times except when a flight is cancelled involuntarily by the airline.
  • The policy is applicable for both refundable and non-refundable tickets.

REROUTING POLICY 

  • Rerouting is permitted by applying the applicable differences in fares, fees and taxes.

FLIGHT UPDATES 

  • As the situation remains dynamic, our flight schedules may change at short notice to comply with regulatory directives or operational requirements. At all times, we aim to provide the updated information to our esteemed customers as early as possible.  
  • For the latest notifications, please ensure that your contact details are updated by visiting  Manage Booking. You can also check our website or Mobile App for the latest flight updates, rebooking and refund options. 
  • For any inquiries on your flight reservation, please contact the nearest local Ethiopian office, our global contact center or your travel agent. 

Health Screenings at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport

Medics stationed at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and carry out continuous health screenings 24/7. Our flight crew are also equipped with all safety equipment they need to protect themselves and passengers from possible infection. 

Here Below, Please Refer to Information on Travel Restrictions Due to The Spread of Corona Virus Within Ethiopian Airlines Network.

Angola

  • Passengers from China, South Korea, Italy, Iran, Nigeria, Egypt and Algeria are not permitted to enter the country.

Argentina

  • Argentina has closed its Borders for foreigners as of March 16 for 15 days. Only Argentines and permanent residents are allowed to enter the country.

Austria

  • Flight Restriction 

Flights from the UK, the Netherlands, Russia and Ukraine have been added to the list of those denied permission to land in Austria.

Flight connections with France, Spain and Switzerland, Iran and South Korea had already been suspended from slowing the spread of Coronavirus. Italian citizens have been barred from entry to Austria.

Germany is closing its borders with Austria as of 8 a.m. on Monday, 16th, with exceptions being made for commuters and the transport of goods. Austria has introduced border checks

  • The Possible Penalties

The Austrian police have been tasked with controlling the new regulations, and if you break the rules, fines of up to 2,180 Euro can be applied.

Bahrain

  • Ethiopian Airlines Operation to/from Bahrain will be suspended effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at 03:00 LT for 14 days.

Benin

  • Passengers from China shall be required to self-quarantine at arrival. There is no entry restriction.

Botswana 

  • All individuals coming to Botswana from the following high-risk countries will not be allowed entry.
  • China, Japan, South Korea, Iran, USA, UK, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and India. 
  • Batswana citizens and residents returning from high-risk countries will be subjected to 14-day mandatory quarantine as per protocol.
  • Issuance of Visa at Ports of entry and at all Embassies is suspended with immediate effect. Current visas are cancelled with immediate effect until further notice.

Burundi

  • All passengers from China, South Korea, Iran, Italy, Germany, France, Japan, Spain and all countries of the European Union and those who have stayed in these countries during 14 days preceding their entry in Burundi shall be quarantined for 14 days.

Canada

  • Effective Immediately all non-Canadian citizens and non-permanent residents of Canada (Foreign Nationals) are not allowed to enter Canada
  • The ban excludes, Air Crews, Diplomats, Immediate Family members of Canadian Citizens and USA Citizens
  • Only the following four Airports to receive international flights (YYZ, YUL, YVR and YYC)

Chad 

  • Tchad Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced the suspension of all passenger flights to Chad effective March 19 2020 midnight for a period of 14 days to contain COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, all passengers arriving from COVID -19 affected countries from Mar 17-19, 2020 will be quarantined for 14 days effective immediately.

China

  • Hubei origin passengers are not allowed to travel to Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai & Chengdu.
  • Starting from March 13, 2020 at 00:00, anyone who has travelled or lived in Korea, Italy, Iran, Japan, France, Spain, Germany and the United States within 14 days before entering Shanghai and Guangzhou will be subject to home or centralized quarantine for 14 days.

Comoros

  • Comoros decided not to let any passenger from any point in China to arrive into the country. Please note that the restriction is also applicable to Comorian citizens.

Congo Brazzaville

  • All high risk originated flights /passengers will be prohibited starting March 19, precisely all Europe, China, South Korea, and Iran until further notice.

COTE D IVOIRE 

  • For 15 days, from 16 Mar2020 at midnight, Cote D Ivoire has restricted non-Ivorian passengers from countries with 100, and more confirmed cases of COVID -19 from entering into the country. Ivorian nationals and non-Ivorian permanent residents will be subject to a compulsory quarantine for 14 days upon entering Ivorian territory in centers requisitioned by the State.

Djibouti

  • As per the statement from Djibouti Civil Aviation Authority, effective March 18 2020 Djibouti airport will be closed for all commercial passenger flights as a preventive measure of COVID-19 until further notice.
  • This prohibition does not apply to cargo flights that are authorized to operate normally.

Egypt

  •  All international flights to/from all Egyptian Airports are suspended except cargo flights effective March 19, 2020 1000EST to March 31, 2020 2200EST.

 Equatorial Guinea

  • Due to COVID19, the Government of Equatorial Guinea has closed its border, and all international flights are banned from 15-March-2020 to 15-April-2020. This can be extended based on the evolution of the crisis.

Eritrea

  • Chinese and Italian passengers shall be quarantined upon arrival.

France 

  • From mid-night (23H UTC) tonight March 17, 2020 only Citizens or residents of EU countries, Schengen or UK territories will be allowed to enter French territory.
  • Foreigners coming to the French border, coming from a third state, will be refused if they do not meet the conditions of residence.
  • Foreigners coming from a third state, in transit on another third state where they are admissible, will be authorized to transit.
  • Foreigners with a transit or short-stay visa will not be allowed to enter Schengen territory. Only those holding a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit will be allowed to enter.

Gabon

  • Effective March 13 2020, the Government of Gabon announced tourist visa holders from the European Union and the United States are not allowed to enter into Gabon in addition to the already banned countries of China, South Korea and Iran.

Ghana

  • All travel to Ghana is strongly discouraged until further notice.
  • Any traveler, except for Ghanaian citizens and persons with Ghana residence permits, who within the last 14 days, has been to a country that has recorded at least 200 cases of COVID-19, will not be admitted into the Ghanaian jurisdiction. Airlines are instructed not to allow such persons to embark. Border posts are instructed not to allow such persons into the jurisdiction.
  • There will be a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for persons who are otherwise allowed to enter the Ghanaian jurisdiction. Guidelines for self-quarantine will be available at the various Ghanaian ports of entry. Enforcement protocols are being deployed in collaboration with state security and health authorities. Persons determined to be unable to satisfactorily self-quarantine will be quarantined by the State.
  • Any admissible traveller, who exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 will be quarantined and tested upon reaching Ghana.
  • Item one of this statement takes immediate effect.
  • Items 2,3 & 4 take effect at 1 pm on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

Hong Kong

  • The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has banned travellers from Hubei province from entering and transiting the region in order to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Please note that the restriction does not apply to residents of Hong Kong.
  • Passengers originating from Italy (Emilia Romagna, Lombardy and Veneto Regions, which covers Bologna, Milan, Venice and Verona) and Iran shall be quarantined for 14 days.
  • Passengers who have been in France Bourgogne-Franche-Comte & Grand Est regions, Germany North Rhine Westphalia regions, Japan Hokkaido Region and Spain La Rioja, Madrid and Paisse Vasco regions in the past 14 days shall be quarantined in a facility arranged for this purpose upon arrival in Hong Kong.

India

  • India has suspended e-visa to Chinese citizens, and all passengers who visited the people’s republic of china on or after 15-Jan-2020 will not be accepted, and the already issued e-visa will no longer be valid. 
  • Passengers from China, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Italy & Iran are not permitted to enter the country.
  • All existing visas issued to nationals of any country except those issued to diplomats, officials, UN/international organizations, employment, project visas stand suspended till April 15 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on March 13 2020. 
  • From 1200 GMT on March 18 2020 a compulsory quarantine for a minimum of 14 days will be enforced on passengers from/transiting through Qatar, Oman & Kuwait. 
  • With effect from 1200 GMT on March 18, 2020 entry into India is banned for passengers from member countries of the European Union, the European Trade Association, Turkey & the United Kingdom. 
  • These measures are temporary shall be enforced till March 31 2020 and will be reviewed subsequently.

Indonesia

  • All passengers who have travelled to /transited via mainland China shall not be permitted to enter the county.
  • Foreigners who have visited or transited China, Iran, Italy and South Korea in the past 14(fourteen days) without health certificate shall be denied entry. Flight and Cabin crew are not exceptions

Israel

  • Effective February 21, 2020 it is not permitted to enter into Israel for those passengers and Crew who had stayed in China; Hong Kong; Macao; Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Spain & France in the last 14 days.
  • Israeli nationals arriving from all countries under concern will have to go into home-quarantine immediately on arrival Israel.
  • As of 12/3/2020 at 20:00, all visitors who desire to enter Israel from everywhere worldwide must attest that they can go into self-quarantine for 14 days. This cannot be arranged at a hotel or any other accommodation, which is not a private residence.

Italy

  • Temporary Suspension of Operation to Milan, Italy effective March 17 2020.
  • Due to further mobility restrictions on account of COVID-19, Ethiopian Airlines flights to Milan, Malpensa are suspended from March 17 2020 until further notice.
  • Customers willing can be rebooked free of charge to/from Rome, Fiumicino where operations continue regularly.
  • Ethiopian Airlines would like to assure its customers that it is working round the clock to assist its customers in these challenging times.
  • We invite our customers to ensure that all their contact details are correctly inserted.

 Japan

  • Passengers from Daegu; Cheongdo-gun & Gyeongsangbuk-do regions of Korea & passengers from Hubei & Zhejiang provinces of China are not allowed to land in Japan

Kenya

  • Travel for all passengers coming into Kenya from any country with reported coronavirus cases is suspended.
  • All passenger’s other that the areas suspected to be affected by Coronavirus will be subjected to physical and temperature screening on arrival ports of Kenya.
  • Only Kenyan citizens and foreigners with valid residence will be permitted to enter the country.
  • This directive will remain in effect for the next 30 days.

Kuwait

  • Kuwait has prohibited all passengers from entering Kuwait except Kuwaiti citizens and is set to ban all commercial flights to/from Kuwait effective March 13

Lebanon (Beirut) 

  • Flights to/from Beirut shall be suspended from March 18 to March 29 in order to contain the spread of CoronaVirus. No commercial flight will be allowed to Land or depart at Beirut airport during this time.   

Madagascar

  • Following instructions issued by the President of the Republic of Madagascar dated 14.03.2020
  • All airlines serving Madagascar via international flights must land at the international airport in Ivato (TNR) from March 15, 2020. There will be no flight to Nosy Be (NOS) as of March 15 2020 until April 14 2020.
  • Flights connecting Madagascar to Europe, The Reunion and Mayotte will be suspended as of Thursday, March 19, 2020.
  • Residents of Madagascar who have stayed outside of Madagascar can, therefore, return to the country until Thursday, March 19, 2020
  • It is forbidden for all airlines serving Madagascar to embark passengers from Europe, Reunion and Mayotte, or having stayed/transited there in the 14 days preceding their embarkation. Otherwise, quarantine is mandatory and is fully covered by the airline concerned. 
  • This decision takes effect on the date of its signature and until April 18, 2020, These measures may be extended depending on the development of the situation.

Malawi

  • Malawi Ministry of Health and Population dated March 16 2020, travellers from the following countries will be required to undergo a 14 days Self-Quarantine due to the COVI-19 pandemic:
  • China, Italy, Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Korea, Germany, France, Spain, USA, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, UK, Nederland, Norway, Belgium, Austria, Japan, Finland and Greece.

 

Malaysia 

Effective March 18 2020 0001hrs, the following Travel restrictions are announced:

  • The Government announced movement restrictions from 18-31/2020 throughout the country.
  • All Malaysians are banned from travelling overseas.
  • All Malaysians returning from overseas will be on self-quarantine for 14 days.
  • They are banning all foreign tourists.

Namibia 

  • Namibian Government is suspending flights from Qatar, Ethiopia and Germany following confirmed two COVID-19 cases in the country.
  • Accordingly, flights from Addis Ababa to Windhoek vice versa will be suspended effective March 16, 2020 until further notice.

Norway

  • Due to COVID-19 effective March 15 2020 Norway is closing the border to foreign nationals who don’t have a residence permit in Norway. Foreign nationals will be turned away at the border. Exemptions will be provided for European Economic Area (EEA) citizens and their family members who reside in Norway. Exemptions are also being prepared for EAA citizens who work in Norway. Norwegians who are abroad and people who live or work in Norway can still enter the country. Temporary entry and exit controls will be introduced at the internal schengen border. The airports will be open for international flights enabling tourist/foreign nationals to travel out of Norway.
  • Any passenger arriving in Norway from any country (Other than Sweden and Finland) upon arrival will be quarantined for14 days, or they will be returned back to the origin.
  • Airline operators and pilots must inform this to passengers. If the passenger is arriving via Sweden or Finland and the passenger has been outside these countries with in the last 14 days it shall be quarantined for 14 days.

Oman

  • Oman has banned the entry of Non-Omanis to the Sultanate of Oman through all land and sea border posts and via air except GCC citizens. GCC citizens are Saudis, Emiratis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis & Omanis.

Philippines

  • Any passenger, without distinction to Nationality who has been to or transited through Italy and Iran within fourteen (14) days before arrival in the Philippines, shall be required to present Health Declaration Certificate certifying passenger is COVID-19 free.
  • Any passenger, without distinction to Nationality, who has been to or transited through Italy and Iran within fourteen (14) days prior to arrival in the Philippines shall undergo a 14-day quarantine.
  • Failure to present a Medical Clearance or Health Declaration Certificate shall be automatically excluded and sent back to the port of origin.

Qatar

  • All inbound flights to Qatar will be suspended for at least 14 days effective March 18 2020

Russia

Effective 00:00 (UTC +3) March 18, 2020 to May 01, 2020. 

  • All foreign citizen’s entry to Russia is prohibited, including those entering from Belarus.
  • Visas invitations will not be issued by the immigration authorities, including working visas. 
  • An international transfer is allowed.

  Exemptions:

   – Crew members (of all nationalities),  

   – accredited or appointed workers of diplomatic representatives and consulates of foreign countries,  

   – international organizations and their representatives,  

   – other official representatives of foreign countries in Russia;  

   – immediate family members of the mentioned categories; 

   – Official delegation’s members 

   – Holders of official, diplomatic visas; 

   – Emergency visas issued due to the death of a close relative 

   – Russian residents 

 

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

  • To prevent the entrance of the Coronavirus to the Kingdom, all international flights to/from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are suspended for two weeks starting Sunday, March 15 11.00 hours.

Seychelles

Passengers who have been in China (including the SAR), South Korea, Italy and Iran in the last 14 days are not permitted to enter the country. 

Effective from March 18, 2020, 2000 hours, Seychelles’ time, 

• Any passenger who has been to ANY country in Europe, including the United Kingdom, Switzerland and the French Departments of Reunion and Mayotte, in the last 14 days (except returning Seychellois citizens) will NOT be allowed to enter Seychelles. 

• In the event that a person who has been to ANY country in Europe, including the United Kingdom, Switzerland and the French Departments of Reunion and Mayotte, in the last 14 days (except returning Seychellois citizens) arrives in Seychelles, he/she will not be allowed entry and the carrier airline or vessel will be responsible for the immediate return of the passenger.

• All returning Seychellois citizens from ANY country in Europe, including the United Kingdom, Switzerland and the French Departments of Reunion and Mayotte, will be placed under obligatory quarantine for 14 days upon the arrival.

 

Singapore

  • All passengers who have travelled to China in the past 14 days and all passengers who have been in Daegu City and Cheongdo County of the Republic of Korea cannot enter Singapore

   Effective from March 15 2020:

  • All new visitors with travel history to France, Germany, Italy and Spain within the last 14 days will not be allowed entry into Singapore or transit through Singapore.
  • Returning residents (SCs and PRs) and long-term pass holders (other than work pass holders) with travel history to France, Germany, Italy and Spain within the last 14 days will be issued with a Stay-Home Notice (SHN).
  • Returning work pass holders (including dependents) with travel history to France, Germany, Italy or Spain within the last 14 days will be required to show the MOM approval letter to the airline staff at check-in at the point of departure, and at the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) checkpoint upon arrival in Singapore, to gain entry into Singapore. Upon entry, they will be issued a SHN.  

 

Somalia 

  • All Airports in Somalia will be closed effective March 19, 2020, for 15 days for all Commercial passenger and Cargo flights.

South Africa

  • Travel ban on foreign nationals from high-risk countries, as of March 18, 2019
  • Cancelled VISA from High-Risk countries
  • South Africans to refrain from travel to China, Iran, USA, Italy, Spain and other high-risk countries
  • Any foreign nationals who have visited high-risk countries in the past 21 days will be denied VISA’s
  • All Travelers who have travelled to high-risk countries since February must present themselves for testing

Sudan

  • Sudan(North) has suspended issuing of on arrival and transit visa to passengers originating from China and/ to passengers who transited via China. 
  • Sudan has issued a circular suspending the arrival of all passengers to Sudan from the below-listed countries either direct or transited through other points. South Korea, North Korea, France, China, Italy, Iran, Spain, Japan, Egypt. 
  • Sudanese Nationals are exempted from this restriction. 
  • KRT APT is closed from March 16, 2020 – March 30 2020 for all commercial passenger flights. Only CGO schedule flight and other humanitarian flights are permitted to operate.

TCHAD 

  • Tchad Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced the suspension of all passenger flights to Chad effective March 19 2020 midnight for a period of 14 days to contain COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, all passengers arriving from COVID -19 affected countries from Mar 17-19, 2020 will be quarantined for 14 days effective immediately.

USA

  • Effective 1700 US Eastern Standard Time February 2, 2020, United States has banned any passenger who has been in Peoples Republic of China (PRC) for the past 14 days from entering the country to prevent the spread of CoronaVirus.
    1. This restriction doesn’t include US citizens
    2. Passengers from Hong Kong and Macau are not affected by this restriction
  • Airlines may refuse transportation to passengers who pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others because of communicable diseases for flights to the USA from origins determined by CDC as COVID-19 risk areas without asking for a medical certificate.
  • Entry into the United States of all aliens who have been physically present in the Schengen Area during the 14-day period prior to their entry into the US is suspended.

 

 

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