The British government has said that all 11 countries will be removed from the UK's travel red list from 4am on Wednesday.
Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe are on the list.
The red list was reintroduced in late November as a precaution after the emergence of the Omicron variant.
But Health Secretary Sajid Javid said it had spread so widely the rules no longer had much purpose.
"Now that there is community transmission of Omicron in the UK and Omicron has spread so widely across the world, the travel red list is now less effective in slowing the incursion of Omicron from abroad," he told parliament.
"Whilst we will maintain our temporary testing measures for international travel we will be removing all 11 countries from the travel red list effective from 4am tomorrow morning."
Currently, all UK arrivals from red list countries must pay for and self-isolate in a pre-booked, government-approved hotel for 10 days.
What tests do I need if I travel abroad?
They must also take Covid tests within 48 hours of setting off for the UK and PCR tests within two days of their arrival.
Some arrivals have already paid thousands of pounds to stay in government-approved quarantine hotels, and there have been complaints of chaotic organisation and inedible food during their stays.
Mr. Javid said he had asked for urgent advice on whether those currently in managed quarantine would be able to leave early.
He also said he was "very persuaded" by calls to reimburse people and hoped to make an announcement soon.
'Complete sense'
The move follows anger from African countries, with the UN describing the ban on non-UK residents entering England as "travel apartheid".
The travel industry had also warned the restrictions were hurting business.
Tim Alderslade, head of trade group Airlines UK, said emptying the red list made "complete sense", but that the government should also scrap pre-departure and day two tests for all arrivals.
"If the red list isn't necessary, given that Omicron is established here at home, then neither are the costly emergency testing and isolation measures imposed on even fully vaccinated travellers, which again put us completely at odds with the rest of Europe."
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said these testing measures would be reviewed in the first week of January.
"As always, we keep all our travel measures under review and we may impose new restrictions should there be a need to do so to protect public health," he said on Twitter.
Latest Stories
-
Ejisu By-Election: And the winner is…
48 seconds -
Dumsor: Businesses could collapse if situation is not resolved – Ghali
10 mins -
Ejisu by-election: NPP will do everything possible to win – Kingsley Nyarko
15 mins -
‘White envelope’ incident was unfortunate – Political Science lecturer
20 mins -
NPP will always win Ejisu elections – Paul Yandoh
23 mins -
Manhyia Palace Museum comes alive in May by showcasing restored Asante treasures
26 mins -
NPP win in Ejisu by-election will signal Bawumia’s triumphant victory in 2024 polls – Richard Ahiagbah
33 mins -
Presidents must respect Chiefs, says historian
36 mins -
Deloitte 2024 Technology, Media and Telecom predictions: Experts upbeat about impact of economy
40 mins -
Treat Ghana’s challenges seriously, not like topics in SHS debate – Suhuyini advises Bawumia
51 mins -
Trade Minister promotes Ghana’s industrialisation agenda to US investors
1 hour -
COCOBOD intensifies crackdown on cocoa smuggling syndicates
1 hour -
Akufo-Addo advocates African solidarity against maritime threats
2 hours -
Ejisu By-election: Don’t condemn EC officials before content of ‘bribe’ envelope is established- Dr Serebour Quaicoe
2 hours -
Ghana’s first Kente Culture Story Documentary Film takes centre stage abroad
2 hours