Foreign ministry advises against foreign travel due to Omicron spread

"In recent days many countries have suspended flights from certain areas, closed the air traffic completely, or introduced additional restrictions in everyday functioning. Due to that reason, the MFA's call to avoid foreign travel remains in place," we read in a statement issued by the ministry on Tuesday.

"Remember that new information and restrictions often change from one day to the next, and may change during Your stay abroad. If your planning a trip, remember there might be problems with returning home, such as cancelled flights, additional costs resulting from changes in date and route of return trip, or necessity to be tested or placed in quarantine," Foreign Ministry cautions.

The MFA also advises that information regarding the pandemic situation in all countries across the globe can be found at the ministry's website, as well as in Polak za granicą mobile application. Crucial information regarding changes in restrictions are published live on @PolakZaGranica Twitter profile.

Countries should apply "an evidence-informed and risk-based approach" when implementing any travel measures related to the Omicron variant, including possible screening or quarantine of international passengers, but blanket bans do not prevent its spread, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday. "Measures may include screening of passengers prior to travel and/or upon arrival, and use of SARS-COV-2 testing or quarantine of international travellers after thorough risk assessment," the WHO said in its latest travel advice. "Blanket travel bans will not prevent the international spread, and they place a heavy burden on lives and livelihoods," it said. Some 56 countries were reportedly implementing travel measures aimed at potentially delaying import of Omicron as of Nov, 28, it added.