Denmark has said it is blocking entry to South African residents because of fears of a new strain of the coronavirus spreading there.
Denmark has not recorded any cases of the new variant, which was discovered by South African authorities in mid-December and has since been discovered in several other countries.
The South African species and another that has emerged in Britain are said to be more contagious versions of the virus, and have provoked widespread concern.
The Danish decision took effect on Wednesday and will last until 17 January.
“This means that foreigners living in South Africa in Denmark will be denied permission during this period,” the justice ministry said in a statement late Tuesday.
The only exceptions will be for childcare, family visits and for people who are ill or dying, and when a negative test is performed for the coronavirus in less than 72 hours, and for transporting goods.
Denmark, which has been partially locked up since mid-December, has nearly 90 cases of the new British variant.
It has already banned people from coming to Britain except Danish nationals and permanent residents, who have to show a negative virus test.
Authorities said Tuesday they were strengthening coronavirus restrictions and urging people to avoid social ties.
“Stay at home as long as you can, don’t meet people outside your house, those close to you,” Mette Prime Minister Frederiksen told a news conference.
To date Denmark has had 1,420 deaths and nearly 173,000 coronavirus cases among its 5.8 million people.