Biden bans South Africa visitors and reinstates restrictions on non-US citizens from UK and ‘much of’ Europe

President Joe Biden has announced travellers from South Africa are barred from entering the United States, his administration’s latest response to the coronavirus pandemic at a time when a new variant has surged through that country in recent weeks.

Additionally, the president has extended a ban that targets travellers from Ireland, the UK, and 26 countries in Europe. This was expected to expire on Thursday due to a proclamation signed by former President Donald Trump, but Mr Biden has since overturned that proclamation.

“With the pandemic worsening and more contagious variants spreading, this is not the time to be lifting restrictions on International travel,” said Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, during Monday’s press briefing. "Beginning tomorrow, international travellers to the US must provide proof of a negative test within three days of travel to airlines prior to departure."

More follows …