Influencers Banned From Travelling To Dubai Due To New Government Travel Ban

Dubai has been placed on the UK's 'red list' meaning that flights to the country have stopped and there will be strict isolation rules for travellers on arrival.

From 1pm today (29 January), direct flights from the UAE to England and Scotland were stopped.

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The UK's Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, took to Twitter yesterday to make the announcement.

He wrote: "From tomorrow (Friday 29 Jan at 1pm), we're extending our travel ban with the United Arab Emirates, Burundi and Rwanda all added to the UK's red list.

"This means people who have been in or transited through these countries will be denied entry, except British, Irish and third country nationals with residence rights who must self-isolate for ten days at HOME.

"Passengers must still have proof of a negative test and completed Passenger Locator Form before arrival - or could otherwise face a £500 fine for each."

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The changes are said to have caused chaos for many (some probably being influencers) who are trying to return in a hurry. Others are opting to stay in the country despite being effectively stranded.

Travel to Dubai has come under fire recently, as many people slammed social media influencers for travelling there to 'work'.

The changes have been made after research revealed there was a coronavirus variant identified in South Africa that was likely to spread.

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Emirates - the airlines with the largest number of flights to and from the UAE - told the Independent: "As directed by the UK government, Emirates will be suspending passenger services between Dubai and all our UK points - Birmingham, Glasgow, London, Manchester - effective 1300hrs GMT on 29 January 2021 until further notice.

"We regret the inconvenience caused, and affected customers should contact their booking agent or Emirates call centre for rebooking.

"Emirates remains committed to serving our customers in the UK. We look forward to resuming passenger services when conditions allow, and will continue to work closely with all relevant authorities in this regard."

People have taken to social media, welcoming the decision. One wrote: "To all these #Influencer in Dubai. Racing to get a flight back home. Do the country a favour and f***ing stay there. We don't want you back."

Someone else joked: "Looks like I better cancel my flight to Dubai. My 70 Instagram followers are gonna be gutted."

Topics: News, Dubai, Coronavirus

Rebecca Shepherd

I'm Becky - a journalist at LADbible. I graduated with a First Class BA in Journalism before going on to cover criminal court cases, medical tribunals and breaking news for the national media - which inevitably and eventually became as glum as it sounds. Can often be found rocking a bag for life - which I made a 'thing' way before Rihanna. You can contact me at [email protected]

@RJShepherd94