Advice against all but essential travel was imposed against South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini "based on the current assessment of Covid-19 risks". 

A temporary ban on commercial and private planes travelling from the six countries will come into force until 4am Sunday (28 November), where passengers will then be required to book and pay for a government-approved hotel quarantine facility for 10 days.

The restrictions were described as a "hammer blow" by the African Travel and Tourism Association (Atta).

Health secretary Sajid Javid said the government is taking "precautionary" action to "protect public health" and the progress of the vaccine rollout at a "critical moment" ahead of the winter period.

"As part of our close surveillance of variants across the world, we have become aware of the spread of a new potentially concerning variant, which UKHSA has designated a variant under Investigation," he added.

"I want to pay tribute to our world-leading scientists who are working constantly to keep our country safe, and I urge everyone to keep doing their bit by the getting the jab and following public health guidance."