Covid 19 Updates

LAST UPDATED: 11 May 2021

Disclaimer

Please be aware that information provided in this document has been gathered from Suppliers globally and through our own research using government resources. As the situation is unprecedented and changing rapidly we advise that Customers undertake their own research to be kept updated in real-time. It is imperative that Customers implement their own policies and plans in response to this outbreak and advise Topia accordingly.

As the situation continuously changes and has a global impact, there are delays and challenges booking services globally due to differing business, travel and government restrictions. Whilst we endeavour to provide as much information as possible to prepare for upcoming moves, we cannot guarantee that any of our global providers will be able or willing to deliver the service, in some cases restrictions will also prohibit us from initiating service. Separate from this, we have no control over any of our suppliers cancelling any pre-booked services with no notice if the supplier has introduced a COVID-19 company policy at their own discretion.

Immigration, Travel & Border Closures:

All immigration services globally are significantly impacted, with countries imposing restrictions on travellers from a number of countries and airlines reducing and cancelling flights world-wide. For the most up to date information regarding immigration delays and restrictions, please check the relevant government website.

The Americas:

Argentina

The suspension of entry for most non-residents and the suspension of consular visa services for foreign nationals is extended until 30 April 2021. The entry of foreign tourists (i.e. non-residents) from neighbouring countries (Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay) is suspended.

Regular international flights are permitted, with the exception of flights to and from the UK. Flights from Brazil, Chile and Mexico are also suspended. All arrivals in Argentina are required to carry out a COVID-19 test upon arrival and another one on the seventh day of stay as a condition to complete the mandatory self-isolation. The cost of both tests must be borne by the person entering the country.

Entry is permitted for:

Citizens and foreign residents of Argentina:
- Must enter via Ezeiza International Airport, San Fernando International Airport, Jorge Newbery Metropolitan Airport or Buquebus (ferry) Maritime Terminal in Buenos Aires.
- Complete online Affidavit (DDJJ), available at the Immigration Office’s website (http://ddjj.migraciones.gob.ar/app/), within 48 hours prior to boarding (see additional note below).
- Present negative result of a COVID-19 PCR test (taken no more than 72 hours prior to boarding).
- 7-day self-isolation.
Foreign nationals with direct family members in Argentina who are citizens or residents of Argentina:
- They must enter Argentina via Ezeiza International Airport, San Fernando International Airport, Buquebus (ferry) Maritime Terminal in Buenos Aires, and certain international border crossings.
- They may carry out procedures at either an Argentinean consulate abroad or the immigration office in-country.
  - Consulate: “Visa for Family Reunion”. It costs between 550 and 850 USD and enables the foreign national to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit (i.e. with no expiration date) for Argentina. Steps:
    - Present a Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Cohabitation or Coexistence Union Certificate (as appropriate), duly apostilled or legalized, to prove the direct relationship with an Argentinean National or Resident + Copy of the Argentinean DNI (ID Card) of the relative.
    - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will give intervention to the Ministry of Health and the Immigration Office to authorize the entry.
    - Complete online Affidavit (DDJJ), available at the Immigration Office’s website (http://ddjj.migraciones.gob.ar/app/), within 48 hours prior to boarding, adding proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test (no more than 72 hours prior to boarding) (see additional note below).
    - Present physical PCR negative test document at the time of boarding. Otherwise, they will not be able to board the flight.
    - 7-day self-isolation.
  - Immigration Office: This procedure does not grant Residence Permit. It costs 9,000 Argentine:
    - Present to the airline a Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Cohabitation or Coexistence Union Certificate (as appropriate), duly apostilled or legalized, to prove the direct relationship with an Argentinean National or Resident + Copy of the Argentinean DNI (ID Card) of the relative + Flight itinerary.
    - Submit a request letter to the airline briefly explaining the need for the visit, entry and return dates, and place where they will stay in Argentina.
    - Complete online Affidavit (DDJJ), available at the Immigration Office’s website (http://ddjj.migraciones.gob.ar/app/), within 48 hours prior to boarding, adding proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test (no more than 72 hours prior to boarding) + Covid-19 medical insurance (see additional note below).
    - Present physical PCR negative test + Covid-19 medical insurance documents at the time of boarding. Otherwise, they will not be able to board the flight.
    - 7-day self-isolation.
  - Those who are not listed above must apply at a consular post for a Special Entry Permit for nonresident performing essential activities (as detailed in Decree NUD 297/2020 dated March 19th, 2020). Approval of this Special Entry Permit may take 1 month.
  - All arrivals in Argentina are required to download an app developed by the Ministry of Health for a quick check related to COVID-19 symptoms.
  - Those who are exiting the country are also required to complete online Affidavit (DDJJ), available at the Immigration Office’s website (http://ddjj.migraciones.gob.ar/app/), within 48 hours prior to boarding. Note: In the case of minors or people with disabilities preventing them completing the form, a parent or guardian must complete the form on their behalf. People over 70 years of age are exempt from the obligation to perform the DDJJ electronically.

The mandatory general rules of conduct are extended until 30 April 2021. In-country immigration and registry services have resumed their activities. The extension of temporary residences can be requested online. Once documentation is uploaded onto the immigration platform, authorities issue the Certificate of Residencia Precaria together with a normal (i.e. nonexpress) appointment to complete the renewal process, at which the applicant will need to show original documents and biometrics will be taken. If appointments are rescheduled, the Certificate of Residencia Precaria will automatically be extended. Nevertheless, since normal appointments cannot be advanced, our recommendation is waiting until current restrictions are lifted in order to check if the Immigration Office allows the request for express appointments again.

Brazil

All airports are now permitted to handle international flights.

Ordinance No. 630, published 17 December 2020, establishes a temporary restriction of entry into Brazil by any nationality. This restriction includes all entry made by road or other land or waterway transport. Exceptions to this regulation include:
- Brazilian citizens; permanent or temporary foreign residents of Brazil (who have registered with the Federal Police);
- Foreign employees of the Brazilian government or international organizations;
- Foreign national spouse, partner, child, parent or guardian of a Brazilian citizen;
- Foreign nationals authorized to enter Brazil by the Brazilian Government in the public interest; and
- Foreign national holders of RNM (Foreign ID card); and
- Foreign maritime crew members, whose entry is by air or waterway, for the exercise of specific functions on board a vessel or platform operating in jurisdictional waters, provided that the migratory requirements appropriate to their condition are observed, including that of having an entry visa, when required.
- It is important to note that entry exceptions by road, other land or waterway transport do not apply to Venezuelan nationals, even if they are registered at the Federal Police.
- Unlike previous ordinances, this one has no expiration date.
- The restrictions of this Ordinance do not prevent foreigners from entering the country by air, provided that the migratory requirements appropriate to their condition are complied with, including having a valid entry visa, when required by Brazilian legal system.
  - Further, the Ordinance requires, effective 30 December 2020, all travelers arriving to Brazil via an international flight (including Brazilian nationals and 3rd country nationals) must present to the airline responsible for the flight, before boarding:
    - I. Document proving laboratory testing (RT-PCR), for screening infection by SARS-COV-2, with a negative/non-reactive result, carried out 72 hours prior the time of boarding; and
    - II. Traveler’s Health Declaration (DSV) completed (in paper or digitally) with the agreement on the sanitary measures that must be complied with during the period in the country.

The Federal Police has restricted services nationally. Immigration registration and residence permits, CRNM, DRNM and passport delivery requests will only be accepted in urgent cases. Passport issuance requests will only proceed for applicants with proof of travel in the next 30 days. Naturalization requests will not be processed.

The General Coordination of Labour Immigration has resumed its procedural deadlines for immigration processes. Residence Permits are accepted and approved in regular processing times. Publishing on the National Gazette is also resumed.

The deadlines for visitors are suspended. Visitors whose status expires will not be penalized. Document expiry dates are suspended. Immigrants with expired immigration documents will not be penalized.

Canada

All travellers arriving by air, land or sea, are required to submit their travel and contact information, including a suitable quarantine plan, electronically via ArriveCAN before crossing the border or boarding a flight. Within 48 hours of entering Canada, travellers must confirm they have arrived at their place of quarantine or isolation and those in quarantine must complete a daily COVID-19 symptom self-assessment during their quarantine period. Travellers who don’t use ArriveCAN to submit their information before entering Canada will be required to call the 1-833-641-0343 toll-free number on a daily basis throughout their quarantine or isolation period to provide their post-border information. They will not be able to revert to using ArriveCAN.

All travellers to Canada (other than for some essential services) are subject to mandatory 14-day quarantine (if asymptomatic) or isolation (if symptomatic).

All travellers arriving by air (with limited exemptions) are required to:

Submit, on boarding, proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure
Take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival at their own cost, before leaving the airport, and another on day 10 of their 14-day quarantine period
Reserve a room in a Government of Canada-approved hotel for 3 nights at their own cost.

All travellers arriving by land are required to:

Submit proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken in the United States within 72 hours before departure, OR a positive test taken 14-90 days prior to arrival
Take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival and another towards the end of their 14-day quarantine period.
All international passenger flights must arrive through one of four approved airports.
- The approved airports are Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Calgary International Airport, and Vancouver International Airport.
- The new restrictions will include scheduled commercial passenger flights arriving from the United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and South America, which were exempted from the previous restriction. Private/Business and charter flights from all countries will also be required to land at the four airports. Flights from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and cargo-only flights will remain exempt.

Effective 31 January until 30 April, all flights are suspended to and from Mexico, Costa Rica and the Caribbean.

The suspension of discretionary entry for foreign travellers who arrive from a country other than the United States is extended until 21 April 2021.

Entry from anywhere other than the United States for non-discretionary reasons requires an online application, even for someone who didn’t previously need one (e.g. a UK national), and thereafter a request/submission for allowance to travel to provide an essential service.
Exemptions exist for:
- Immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents if entering to be with an immediate family member for a period of at least 15 days.
  - Immediate family members here include spouse or common-law partner; dependent child of the person or of their spouse or common-law partner; dependent child of a dependent child; parent or step-parent of the person or of their spouse of common-law partner; guardian or tutor.
  - Immediate family members must have a quarantine plan showing they will quarantine for 14 days on arrival.
  - Immediate family members staying for less than 15 days must be travelling for an essential (non-discretionary) purpose;
- Extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents if entering to be with an immediate family member for a period of at least 15 days.
  - Extended family members here include persons who have been in an exclusive dating relationship for at least 1 year and have spent time in the physical presence of that person at some point during the relationship; or a non-dependent child (adult child), a grandchild (dependent child of a non-dependent adult child), a sibling, half-sibling or step-sibling or a grandparent.
  - Extended family members must have a quarantine plan showing they will quarantine for 14 days on arrival.
  - Extended family members must have written authorization from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
  - Extended family members staying for less than 15 days must be travelling for an essential (non-discretionary) purpose;
- Foreign nationals entering for compassionate reasons, with authorisation from the Public Health Agency of Canada;
- Certain essential and emergency service workers and transport crew members;
- Temporary foreign workers currently living in Canada with a valid work permit;
- Temporary foreign workers coming to work in Canada for the first time to begin work, with a valid work permit or work permit approval letter and proof of employment at an operating Canadian business;
- Some international students;
- Some people who have been approved to become a permanent resident of Canada, but who are not yet permanent residents;
- Immediate family members with written authorization from IRCC to reunite with a temporary resident of Canada (see Uniting with immediate family members for more information);
- Transiting passengers (must remain in the secure transit area of a Canadian airport to complete their connection);
- Members of the Canadian forces, visiting forces coming to perform official duties, Department of National Defence and their immediate family members;
- Accredited diplomats and their immediate family members (includes North Atlantic Treaty Organization [NATO], those under the United Nations Headquarters Agreement, other organizations);
- Air and marine crew members;
- French citizens who live in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon and have been in only Canada, the US or Saint-Pierre and Miquelon during the 14 days before the day they seek to enter Canada;
- Any person who does not pose a significant harm to public health, in the opinion of the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, and who will provide an essential service while in Canada;
- Any person whose presence in Canada is in the national interest, in the opinion of the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship; Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness; or Minister of Foreign Affairs.
  - If you fall under this exemption, you don’t have to demonstrate that you’re entering Canada for an essential (non-discretionary) reason.
- Any person who is coming at the invitation of the Minister of Health for the purpose of COVID-19 assistance;
- Any person whose purpose is to make medical deliveries;
Foreign nationals arriving from a country other than the United States must prove that they are listed as being exempted from travel restrictions (including immediate family members); that they are entering for an essential purpose; that they are not presenting signs or symptoms of COVID-19; and that they have a plan to quarantine for 14 days, unless exempted.

The suspension of discretionary entry for foreign travellers who arrive from the United States is extended until 21 April 2020.

Travel from the United States for non-discretionary purposes is permitted for anyone physically in the US who does not need a visa. This could include, most notably, those coming to work. As such, work permit applications from non-visa nationals in the US continue to be processed more-or-less as they were before COVID.
Entry may be permitted for:
- Temporary foreign workers currently living in Canada with a valid work permit;
- Temporary foreign workers coming to work in Canada for the first time to begin work, with a valid work permit or work permit approval letter and proof of employment at an operating Canadian business.
- Temporary foreign workers eligible to apply for a work permit at a port of entry and with proof of employment at an operating Canadian business.
All discretionary entry remains prohibited.
Foreign nationals arriving from the United States must prove that they are entering for a non-discretionary purpose; that they are not presenting signs or symptoms of COVID-19; and that they have a plan to quarantine for 14 days, unless exempted.

Canada visa centres in several cities have resumed operations, often with limited services / opening hours. A new policy temporarily exempts foreign workers in certain sectors, namely the agriculture, agri-food, health-care sectors and truck drivers, from having to give their biometrics before coming to Canada if the biometrics collection site closest to them is closed. The foreign worker must have a quarantine plan including a place to stay where they will not have contact with vulnerable individuals for 14 days after arrival. On arrival, they may be asked to give biometrics at a POE in Canada. They will also be assessed to ensure that they are coming for an essential purpose – for example, they have a letter of introduction for a work permit and a valid job offer and can work once they enter and complete their quarantine.

If the visa application centres or other biometrics collection sites in the applicant’s country or region are still closed, and their extension to give biometrics is ending, they won’t have to give biometrics until the biometrics collection sites reopen. This applies, even if the biometric instruction letter (BIL) says that the deadline is 30 or 90 days. No application in progress will be closed or refused because of documents that are missing due to COVID-19. Applicants should keep checking online to see when the VACs and other biometrics collection sites start to reopen. Once they are able, they should complete the steps, including making an appointment to give biometrics, as soon as possible to avoid delays.

Ports of Entry remain open, but service hours at various land border crossings have been reduced. Canadian embassies, high commissions and consulates are operating but with delays. However, most Visa Application Centers are closed, and the processing of biometrics therefore on hold. The Canadian government may allow extra time for the submission of biometrics.

New work permit applications are permitted in various circumstances:

For visa-exempt foreign nationals entering Canada from the United States (not only US citizens or permanent residents), work permits can still be sought essentially as they were pre-COVID. Information should be provided to stress the importance of the work in Canada).
For those seeking work permits from any country other than the United States, an application must be online, and only those relating to work in ‘essential services’ will be processed, based on procedures in place. Essential services are defined to include work in sectors including health, food, transportation, utilities, manufacturing and others.

Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) will not be issued for positions in Alberta except for the following exempt positions:

Computer and information systems managers (and certain other computerrelated fields);
Pilots;
Certain types of physicians;
Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations;
Farm workers;
Occupations where the work is for 30 calendar days or less and requires proprietary knowledge or entails installation, inspection or repair of equipment where the warranty requires that wok be done by workers designated by the manufacturer; o In support of a permanent residence application;
Global Talent Stream;
Certain in-home caregiver positions.

The government has issued additional guidelines for employers of foreign workers in light of the COVID-19 situation. These include that employers comply with all applicable requirements vis-à-vis the employee (salary, etc.) from time of arrival, not conclusion of the 14-day self-isolation period. Flagpoling (exiting Canada briefly for the purpose of making an immigration application upon re-entry) is once again permitted but returning workers may be required to meet the 14-day quarantine requirement.

Non-essential work permits will not be issued at the border. Immediate family members who intend to reunite with a family member currently in Canada need written authorization from the government of Canada.

Chile

Effective until 31 May 2021:

Entry is suspended for all non-resident foreign nationals, unless issued specific permits or visas by a Chilean consulate permitting entry during this specific period, including for those who have not in the past 14 days been in countries with community transmission of COVID-19, as defined by the WHO.
Non-resident foreign nationals are permitted to exit Chile freely, without any restrictions.
Chilean nationals and foreign nationals resident in Chile are not permitted to exit national territory unless granted an extraordinary authorization for the travel of persons abroad, for urgent and qualified reasons, without prejudice to the health measures provided in the country of destination, in the following cases:
- for humanitarian reasons;
- essential to the applicant’s health;
- for essential purposes for the proper progress of the country; and
- to reside abroad.

Requirements for all arrivals in Chile:

Complete a sworn statement of health status (sanitary passport) within 48 hours before boarding and submit to the Traveller Tracking period during the 14 days following entry.
Submit a negative result of a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before travel.
May be randomly selected by the Health Authority at the time of entry, to submit to a direct detection test for COVID-19 determined by the Health Authority.
All arrivals are subject to mandatory 10-day quarantine.
- The first 5 days of quarantine must be carried out at a transit hotel, where travellers will need to take a PCR test.
- The next 5 days of quarantine may be completed at home unless a positive result is returned.
- If the result is positive, travellers will be transferred to a sanitary residence to complete an 11-day quarantine.
- The costs of the PCR test and quarantine must be covered by the traveller before arrival.

All direct commercial flights between Chile and the United Kingdom are suspended. Entry is suspended for non-resident foreign nationals who have been in the United Kingdom in the previous 14 days.

All passengers arriving from Brazil, or who have visited Brazil during the last 14 days, will be transferred to a ‘transitory’ hotel, and will have to take a PCR test. They must remain there for at least 72 hours, even if the PCR test result is negative. After staying at the ‘transitory’ hotel for 72 hours and having obtained a negative PCR test result, passengers may leave the hotel to continue to their final destination where a 10-day mandatory quarantine must be completed. If the PCR test result is positive, the passenger will have to remain in a quarantine hotel.

The Migration Department has suspended all in-person services. Payments, visa stamps and visa renewals (except Mercosur visas) are available online.

Online Permanent Residence applications are now available for citizens of the following countries: Brazil, China, Cuba, Haiti, and Peru. Previously, these nationalities were required to apply in-person. Note that in-person validation of supporting documents will still be required as of 30 September.

Mexico

Mexico has extended restrictions on non-essential travel by land across its northern border with the United States until 21 May 2021.There is no quarantine for arriving travellers.

Visa services at certain Mexican consulates have recommenced, depending on local conditions.

Immigration Restrictions

The National Immigration Institute offices in Mexico City and Toluca reopened on 15 February 2021. The terms for temporary and permanent resident’s processes are still suspended.

The Immigration Offices in Mexico City and Toluca extend their working hours from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm; however, it is requested that the fingerprinting appointments for foreign nationals be during the mornings. Please consider that this information may change without prior notice.

Considering that the immigration authorities are focused on submitting pending processes, fingerprinting appointments will be scheduled from 22 February 2021.

Submission of applications will be through daily turns given by the immigration authorities.

Regarding the Local Registry process (“Canje”), the immigration authorities in Toluca and Mexico City will admit and resolve all processes until 31 March 2021, even if the Immigration Multiple Form (FMM) has expired in the period 18 December 2020 to 22 February 2021.

Effective 22 June 2020, appointments can be booked, online or via telephone, to obtain an ordinary Mexican passport at 41 offices in Mexico City and in other states. Appointments are currently being issued under normal basis but with some delay, due to the system is overcrowded.

The Migration Institute (INM) is operating, but only a limited number of tickets are issued each day for application submission and other procedures. Foreign nationals can attend their fingerprinting appointments. Delivery of residence cards continues, with the possibility of some delay. Requests for visa authorisations for job offers and to obtain or update Employer Enrolment Proof are being accepted.

Although the expiry dates of temporary and permanent residence cards are suspended until further notice, in practice the INM is accepting applications for residence renewal.

Panama

Effective 3 May 2021:

Any person coming from, who has stayed or transited through India, South Africa, the United Kingdom or any South American country during the last 15 days, must present a negative result of a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival.
A COVID-19 PCR test will be performed on arrival at a cost to the traveller of US $85.
- If the result is negative, a 3-day isolation at home or in a COVID-19 travellers’ hospital is required. On the third day, another molecular test must be taken:
  - If negative, the isolation ends;
  - If positive, the person must take a PCR-RT test and typing/analysis test by ICGES and undergo a 14-day isolation in a COVID-19 hospital hotel for travelers.
- If the result is positive, PCR-RT test and typing test +ICGES analysis should be performed. In addition, the traveller must undergo a 14-day quarantine in a COVID-19 travellers’ hospital. The cost of this test will be covered by the health authority.
The travellers can do their 3-day isolation in (i) their home, if they are nationals or residents in Panama, (ii) a hotel for non- COVID-19 travellers, at the government’s expense, or (iii) other hotels authorized by the health authority, at the traveller’s expense. For this last option, the person must present their reservation in the authorized hotel, prior to boarding.
In case of travellers coming from, who have stayed or transited through the United Kingdom, the Republic of South Africa, India or South America, during the last 15 days and turn out to be contacts of confirmed cases of COVID19 within the transport used to arrive in Panama, the following proceed must be follow:
- If the person is in Panama, a self-isolation for 3 days must be complied with a follow-up by telephone.
- If the person is no longer in Panama, the National Focal Point, of the country of destination, must be notified.
The health authority reserves the right to carry out the molecular test at random, to any travellers who entry to Panama, which will be at the traveller’s expense.

All foreign nationals in Panama can register for vaccination.

The Labour Immigration Department has resumed operations:

Lawyers can submit consultations and affiliations, conduct marriage interviews and obtain the issuance of previously paid-for work permit cards from already notified work permit decisions, and carry out online notifications, payments, issuance of digital work permit cards and reconsideration motions;
The public is served only by appointment.
From 15 July, all processes for new work permit applications and renewals must be carried out via the “Panama Digital” platform.

For an in-person process, an appointment should be requested through the Ministry of Labour website. The National Immigration Department will continue in-person services for lawyers and the public. The Notifications Department of the National Immigration Authority will allow lawyers to receive notice on their ongoing immigration processes provided they show (i) a copy of the relevant temporary ID card, and (ii) a copy of the relevant passport pages (data page, registration stamp, last entry stamp and multiple entry visa), therefore, it is not required that they submit originals of either the temporary ID or passport.

Effective immediately and during the State of National Emergency, the pre- registration and submission of the application for a residence permit as an employee of a multinational company (SEM Visa) are now authorized prior to the arrival of the executive and their dependents in Panama.

Once the application is pre-registered, all fees paid and the application submitted, the executive and their dependents are considered residents and are thus permitted to enter Panama.
Once the executive enters Panama, they have a period of 45 days to complete the application.

The United States of America

The Embassy of the United States in New Delhi and US consular posts in Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata have announced the temporary suspension of most visa services through at least 15 May 2021, including both in-person interviews and interview waiver appointments.

Emergency appointments may be accommodated as circumstances and staffing permit, but routine appointments will not be served. The posts are not currently rescheduling cancelled appointments and are not indicating the date when rescheduling might be available.
The US consular post in Mumbai will continue to allow Interview waiver applications and will continue to provide US citizen services and emergency non-immigrant and immigrant visa services

Effective 4 May 2021, entry is suspended for foreign nationals who in the previous 14 days have been in India.

This does not apply to US citizens or permanent residents (green card holders) or their family members.

Entry is suspended for foreign nationals who have spent the last 14 days in South Africa. This does not apply to US citizens or permanent residents (green card holders) or their family members, or to C (transit) or D (sea crewmember) non immigrants.

Entry is suspended for foreign nationals who in the previous 14 days have been in the Schengen area, the United Kingdom (excluding overseas territories outside of Europe), Ireland, and Brazil.

This does not apply to US citizens or permanent residents (green card holders) or their family members, or to C (transit) or D (sea crewmember) non-immigrants.

Previous restrictions implemented by the Trump Administration remain in place for both China (Proclamation 9984) and Iran (Proclamation 9992). Some foreign nationals may qualify for a national interest exception (NIE) from the travel ban.

Foreign nationals with valid visas or authorization via the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) can quarantine outside travel ban areas for 14 days and then travel into the United States. There is no restriction on the State Department granting visas to applicants who are resident in travel ban countries. However, without any official pronouncement, various US embassies in travel ban countries are denying visa issuance to foreign nationals who do not qualify for a national interest exception (NIE), even if they intend to quarantine outside of travel ban areas for 14 days and then travel to the United States.

All passengers, including US citizens and permanent residents, arriving by air must present, before boarding, written proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 3 days before travel. Alternatively, travellers can present written proof of recovery from COVID-19 after a prior positive test result. Air passengers will also be required to confirm that the information they present is true in the form of an attestation.

Travellers who test negative are advised to stay home and self quarantine for the full 7 days. If the result is positive, travellers are advised to isolate themselves to protect others from getting infected. Travellers who don’t get tested 3-5 days after arrival, are advised to stay at home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.

The Department of State (DOS) has issued new guidance clarifying its interpretation of the national interest exceptions for H-1B and L-1 entry. Canadian nationals entering as H, L or J non immigrants are exempt from the expanded travel ban, because Canadians are visa exempt. Guidance has been provided to local CBP ports of entry on this issue.

The affected visa categories included: H-1B (and dependent family members), H-2B (and dependent family members), J-1 (intern, trainee, teacher, camp counsellor, au pair or summer work travel program) (and dependent family members), and L-1 (and dependent family members), with limited exceptions.

Visa processing continues to be limited at U.S. Consulates and Embassies throughout the world due to staffing shortages. Entry is suspended for certain nationals of China seeking to enter the United States on an F (student) or J (exchange visitor) visa to pursue graduate-level study or conduct research in the US, if they have ties to entities in the PRC that support or implement China’s military-civil fusion (MCF) strategy. The president’s 29 May proclamation of this suspension also gives the Secretary of State discretion to revoke the F or J visas of certain Chinese nationals currently in the US who otherwise meet the criteria for suspension of entry, invalidating their visa stamp for future entry to the US. Chinese nationals in the US with F or J status and planning to depart, and those considering applying for F or J visas, should consult with program sponsors and/or immigration counsel before departing the US.

Entry as immigrants or non immigrants is suspended for travellers of any nationality who have been in Brazil, UK, Ireland, the Schengen countries, Iran or China in the previous 14 days (even if the traveller only transited through these countries). This does not apply to US citizens or permanent residents (green card holders) or their family members, or to C (transit) or D (sea crewmember) non immigrants.

Effective 8 April 2021, the travel of immigrants, fiancé(e) visa holders, certain exchange visitors, and pilots and aircrew for certain purposes may now also qualify for national interest exceptions to the regional COVID travel proclamations. Qualifying categories are:

Immigrants
Fiancé(e) visa holders
Certain exchange visitors
Pilots and aircrew for training or aircraft pickup, delivery, or maintenance
Individuals supporting critical infrastructure sectors.
Journalists
Academics
Students
Humanitarian purposes
Public health response
National security.

Students who already hold valid visas, or are found to be qualified for visas, do not need to seek a national interest exception from the consulate to travel. All other categories of persons are required to apply for a NIE from the relevant consular post.

Immigration Restrictions

USCIS has cancelled the scheduled furlough of more than 13,000 employees (70% of its workforce, thanks to a combination of cost-cutting measures and an unexpected increase in fee revenue. However, USCIS warned that the operational impact of its spending cuts could mean longer waiting times, continued backlogs and a possible furlough in Fiscal Year 2021.

USCIS is reopening some domestic offices, including the local offices that process asylum claims, permanent resident and naturalization interviews, InfoPass appointments, and biometrics processing. USCIS has announced that they will send notices to individuals and their attorneys when previously cancelled appointments have been rescheduled.

Routine visa services in most countries are suspended until further notice. All routine immigrant and non immigrant visa appointments in most countries worldwide are cancelled. MRV fees remain valid for a visa appointment in the country where it was paid within one year of the date of payment.

Asia-Pacific (APAC):

Australia

Effective 3-15 May 2021, travellers who have been in India in the 14 days before their departure are not permitted to enter Australia. Until at least 15 May 2021, all direct passenger flights from India are suspended.

The ban on international travel continues. International travellers are advised to check the Department of Home Affairs and Department of Health websites regularly before commencing travel to Australia.

All travellers to or through Australia (other than those on quarantine-free flights from New Zealand), must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test to their airline, taken 72 hours or less before their scheduled departure.

All travellers to Australia need to complete an Australian Travel Declaration at least 72 hours prior to their flight.

Travellers aged 15 years and over need to complete their own declaration form.
Children under 15 can be included on a parent’s form.
Each declaration is only valid for one entry for the traveller named on the declaration.
You need to apply for an exemption at least two weeks, but not more than two months, before your planned travel.

All travellers, other than those on quarantine-free flights from New Zealand, are subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine at designated facilities (e.g. a hotel) at their port of arrival.

Entry is suspended for all nationalities, other than Australian citizens and Australian Permanent Residents, and their close family members; New Zealand citizens usually resident in Australia and their immediate family members; diplomats holding a subclass 995 visa; travellers transiting Australia for 72 hours or less; airline or maritime crew, those recruited under the government-approved Seasonal Worker Program or Pacific Labour Scheme; and holders of a Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188) visa.

Travellers from New Zealand can travel to certain Australian states quarantine-free.

– The “Trans-Tasman” bubble / safe travel agreement currently applies only to New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory, Queensland and Victoria.

– Qualifying travellers do not need to apply for a travel exemption.

– Travellers must have been in New Zealand for 14 days or more and not been in a designated hotspot;

– Travellers must travel to Australia on a quarantine-free flight. A quarantine- free flight only carries passengers who have declared they have been in New Zealand for 14 days or more and have not been in a COVID hotspot in New Zealand in the last 14 days before travel

– New Zealand citizens do not need to apply for a visa before coming to Australia. If eligible, they will be granted a Special Category visa (subclass 444) (SCV) on arrival. Other nationals will need a valid visa for entry.

– The safe travel zone does not apply to New Zealand citizens who are outside New Zealand or who have not been in New Zealand for the last 14 days or more.

– Travellers must print and complete a COVID-19 Declaration form and present it at airline check-in at the airport, otherwise they may not be able to board their flight. This form will be used to determine if they can travel and for contact tracing purposes by relevant state and territory governments.

– Travellers arriving in Australia on a quarantine-free flight will not need to enter mandatory quarantine. Those arriving at any other location or who are not on a quarantine-free flight will be subject to mandatory quarantine.

– Certain locations in New Zealand are of concern. Travellers who have visited any of these on the relevant dates must state this when completing their Australia travel Declaration.

Individual travel restriction exemptions may be granted for individuals in critical sectors or with critical skills:

– Non-citizens travelling at the invitation of the Australian Government or a state or territory government authority for the purpose of assisting in the COVID-19 response

– Those providing critical or specialist medical services, including air ambulance, medical evacuations and delivering critical medical supplies;

– Non-citizens with critical skills required to maintain the supply of essential goods and services (such as in medical technology, critical infrastructure, telecommunications, engineering and mining, supply chain logistics, agricultural technology, food production, and the maritime industry); o Non-citizens working in a critical sector in Australia (such as financial technology, large scale manufacturing, film and television production and emerging technology), where no Australian worker is available;

– Non-citizens sponsored by an employer to work in Australia in an occupation on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL);

– Non-citizens whose entry would otherwise be in the national interest, supported by the Australian government or a state or territory government authority;

– An individual can submit a request for a travel exemption under this category or a business can submit a request on their behalf. The applications of multiple travellers within the same group/business can be linked, so that the requests are considered together

A visa and an exemption must be obtained in advance of travel.

– An exemption application must be submitted online at least two weeks, but not more than three months, prior to the intended travel;

– If an exemption is granted, evidence of the exemption decision must be presented at the airport;

– If an exemption is not granted, the travel plans should be cancelled.

Where possible, Australian embassies, high commissions, and consulates are still operating in line with local regulations and restrictions. Priority is on assisting Australians overseas. Most offshore applications are on hold, particularly for permanent visas which would entitle the person to travel to Australia under an exemption. Temporary visa holders who are ineligible for entry into Australia under these measures will have their visa cancelled. Arrangements will be made to reinstate visas as appropriate following the lifting of these enhanced border control measures. Biometrics collection services at Australian Visa Application Centres (AVACs) and Australian Biometrics Collection Centres (ABCCs) has resumed, dependent on in- country COVID-19 restrictions.

– In addition, collection centres will offer enquiry and assisted online lodgement services;

– Applicants can use their original Requirement to provide personal identifiers (biometrics) letter to book and attend an appointment. Applicants who have applied for a visa online have a copy of this letter in their ImmiAccount.

Quarantine costs and procedures differ by state. For more detailed information please check the relevant state government websites below:

Exit Restrictions

All international visitors are encouraged to depart if it is possible to do so. Travellers may be able to re-enter Australia if they meet entry conditions.

Australian citizens and permanent residents cannot travel overseas due to COVID- 19 restrictions, unless they meet one of the following exemptions:

– Ordinarily resident in a country other than Australia;

– Airline, maritime crew or associated safety officer;

– A New Zealand citizen holding a Special Category (subclass 444) visa; o Engaged in the day-to-day conduct of outbound freight;

– Associated with essential work at Australian offshore facilities;

– Travelling on official government business, including members of the Australian Defence Force.

Alternatively, they can submit an online exit request under one of the following exemptions:

– Travel is part of the response to the COVID-19 outbreak;

– Travel is essential for the conduct of critical industries and business (including export and import industries;

– Travel to receive urgent medical treatment that is not available in Australia; o Travel on urgent and unavoidable personal business;

– Travel in the national interest.

A registration portal is available for temporary visa holders who would like assistance returning to their home country.

Immigration office are still operational. Applications can still be submitted online and via post, though processing of applications has slowed considerably, and some have been placed on hold for now. All Immigration Medical Examinations in Victoria have temporarily ceased.

China

Effective 29 March 2021, Shanghai will include foreign nationals of appropriate ages in the programme of distributing domestically produced COVID-19 vaccines.

Those interested should book a vaccination appointment online via Jian Kang Yun (Health Cloud) APP.
They should bring their Permanent Resident ID Card, or passport and valid residence permit/visa.
They will have to sign a letter of consent, a disclaimer and other documents. o Each will receive two doses of domestically–produced vaccine. o Those who have been covered by China’s medical insurance are entitled to the same treatment as insured Chinese citizens. Those who have not been insured should pay the RMB 100 per dose cost themselves.

As of 15 March 2021, China has announced an easing of visa restrictions for applicants who have proof of vaccination with a COVID-19 vaccine produced in China. Certain Chinese embassies have announced the following measures for applicants fully vaccinated with Chinese vaccines:

There is no need to provide a Letter of Invitation (PU), an Invitation Letter (TE) or an Invitation Verification Notice issued by the foreign affairs office or department of commerce of the provincial government or the headquarters of a state-owned enterprise;
Foreign family members of Chinese citizens or permanent residents of China, including spouses, parents, children and other close relatives living together (siblings, grandparents and grandchildren), can now submit visa applications for the purposes of reuniting with family, taking care of elderly, visiting relatives, attending funerals or visiting critically ill relatives, whereas this entry exception was not previously available.
Holders of valid APEC business travel cards can now apply for an M visa by presenting their original valid APEC business travel card and the invitation letter issued by the inviting party in China.
This has been announced by Chinese embassies and consulates in many countries, including: Australia, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Cambodia, Denmark, East Timor, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Macau, Malta, Micronesia, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam.
The consular requirements for COVID-19 testing and HDC health codes, and the quarantine requirements in the relevant destination cities, continue to apply.
Macao foreign residents (including permanent and non-permanent) can apply for visas to the mainland by providing residence certificates to prove they did not leave Macao in the last 28 days. All foreign nationals in Macao can apply for a new Chinese visa once they complete COVID-19 vaccines produced in China (14 days after finishing the 2 vaccines as the prescribed time interval) and hold a vaccination certificate issued by the Macao Health Bureau. For foreign nationals from other counties/regions who has not been inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines produced in China, visa requirements remain the same.

The Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in London has partially resumed services.

The CVASC will be open every Tuesday in March from 09:00 to 14:00 for some specific categories of visa application and legalisation application.
The processing time for visa and legalisation applications will be 7 days from the date of submission.
- Express service is not available.
- Postal return service will take approximately two weeks from the date of submission.
- The processing time might be longer if the Embassy requires further documents. In this case, the CVASC will contact the applicant for a new collection date.
An appointment is required for all visa applications except those on humanitarian grounds and pre-approved by the Embassy by email. The CVASC will not accept any visa application without an appointment.
- Applicants aged between 14 to 70 inclusive must come to the CVASC in person to submit their visa application and have their biometric information taken. Applicants under 14 or over 70 can entrust another person to submit their application, but they must book an appointment online in advance.
- Please note that the online application form will no longer be valid or retrievable after 30 days from the date completed.
An appointment is also required for a legalisation application. Walk-in service is temporarily suspended until further notice.
- All application fees need to be paid in full after being successfully accepted by the CVASC. The CVASC will have to terminate and return applications where no fees have been paid on the day of submission.

South Africa is added to the list of countries from which the entry of foreign nationals is banned.

Many Chinese embassies and consulates (including in France, Portugal, the United Arab Emirates, Belarus, Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Iran United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, Germany, Japan and Spain) now require that when applying for the health code, passengers taking direct flights should upload the local residence certificate, and no longer issue the health code to the local residents who go to China through a third country or the travellers from a third country where have direct flights to China.

Passengers from a third country which does not have direct flights to China in their habitual residence should follow the principle of “only transit once”, first obtain the health code approved and issued by the Chinese embassy and consulate in their permanent residence, and then apply to the Chinese embassy or consulate again after taking two COVID-19 tests according to the local requirements in the place where the direct flights are located.
The Chinese embassy and consulates in Japan clarify that health codes won’t be issued to transit passengers to China in Japan. If passengers really need to go to China from a third country (region) via Japan, they need to abide by the Japanese epidemic prevention policy and go to China after 14-day quarantine. When applying for health codes, they need to upload the photos of Japanese entry seal and the itinerary to China as well.
The Chinese embassy in the UK has issued a notice, stipulating the specific requirements for nucleic acid and antibody testing at the institutions designated by the Chinese Embassy and consulates in the UK for persons departing from or transferring to China via the UK, as well as the process for Chinese and foreign citizens to apply for the health code. At the same time, it is clear that the health code will no longer be approved for passengers who have made two or more transfers from the UK since 19 February.
The Chinese consulates general in Los Angeles and San Francisco have respectively issued announcements, requiring foreign nationals holding valid work, private and family reunion residence permits to send relevant materials to the designated mailbox in advance if they really have urgent, humanitarian and other necessary reasons, and then to purchase air tickets and conduct “double test” after obtaining the e-mail of the Chinese consulate general for pre-verification and -confirmation. For those without the prior approval of the consulate general, the health code will not be issued.
Chinese embassies and consulates in Washington, New York and Chicago continue to call for the postponement or cancellation of “non-essential, nonurgent” travel. All embassies and consulates will consider various factors to decide whether to issue a health code. Even if the passengers provide qualified “double test” reports and a valid residence permit or visa, they may not be able to get a health code.
The Chinese embassies in Egypt, Kazakhstan, Sudan, Pakistan, Ghana, Algeria and Indonesia are implementing more stringent measures against overseas visitors. Before traveling to China, the passengers must undergo home quarantine for at least 14 days and provide relevant quarantine certificate and “cross double tests” and other additional documents. The embassies and consulates of Egypt, Sudan, Pakistan and Kazakhstan have made it clear that these measures are also applicable to Chinese citizens planning to return home.

Entry to China is suspended for all foreign nationals, except certain holders of valid business or humanitarian visas issued after 28 March 2020, valid residence permits for work, family reunion or personal matters

– All visa waiver programs are suspended.

– Entry with diplomatic, service, courtesy or C visas is not affected.

– Foreign nationals coming to China for necessary economic, trade, scientific or technological activities or out of emergency humanitarian needs may apply for visas at Chinese embassies or consulates.

Companies in China are allowed to apply for an M visa invitation letter (“PU Letter”), for a maximum stay of 180 days, for essential foreign workers performing necessary and urgent economic, trade, scientific or technological activities. If the invitation letter is approved and issued (under limited circumstances), the foreign national can apply for an M visa at the relevant Chinese consulate.

Foreign nationals holding valid residence permits (including for work, family reunion, or personal purposes) are permitted to enter China without applying for a new visa.

– Foreign nationals from certain countries holding valid visas or residence permits issued before 3 November 2020 may be denied entry (see below),

– Holders of residence permits in these three categories which have expired since 28 March can apply for a new visa (for the same purpose) by presenting the expired residence permit among other documents to the Chinese consulate.

China has suspended the entry of foreign nationals from several countries holding valid visas and residence permits issued before 3 November 2020. Affected countries include Bangladesh, Belgium, Canada, Ethiopia, France, India, Italy, Nigeria, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Ukraine and United Kingdom.

– According to the Chinese embassies, they will no longer issue Certified Health Declaration Forms for these people.

– Entry by holders of diplomatic, service, courtesy or C visas will not be affected. Foreign nationals visiting China for emergency needs may apply for visas at the relevant Chinese embassy or consulate.

– Entry by foreign nationals with visas issued after 3 November 2020 will not be affected.

The provincial Foreign Affairs Offices in several cities in China have tightened up the requirements for issuance of PU letters and now require more concrete evidence demonstrating that the proposed visit is truly essential. Processing times for PU letters have therefore increased in many cases. Some FAO offices may temporarily suspend the issuance of PU letters depending on the local pandemic prevention and control measurements (including to essential business travellers and workers). Almost all cities in China have suspended the issuance of PU letters to family dependents and many Chinese consulates of suspended the issuance of visas to family dependents even if they are holding a valid PU letter.

A PU (invitation) letter from the Chinese government for business or work purposes no longer guarantees the approval of the visa application. Consulates also require a detailed explanation of why it is essential for the applicant to enter China at this time – such as a letter of invitation from the Chinese company.

Chinese embassies and consulates have started to require that foreign national travellers to China (including Fast Lane passengers) present an Electronic Health Declaration Form (QR code with “HDC” mark) at boarding.

All travellers are required to present BOTH a negative COVID-19 NAT/PCR test certificate AND a negative IgM antibody test certificate, from tests taken within 48 hours of boarding, in order to obtain a QR Code with “HDC”/”HC” mark or a Certified Health Declaration Form.

Travellers must obtain the certificates of the nucleic acid and IgM antibody tests from a designated or approved medical testing providers according to the requirements of the relevant Chinese Embassy/ Consulate where they depart from.
Most of the Chinese embassies and consulates do not issue health codes to passengers who come to China on non-direct flights o IgG antibody tests do not meet the new requirement.
Only IgM antibody test certificates marked with venous blood method are accepted for approval of green QR codes.
This also applies to travelers departing from New Zealand on China-bound flights, as IgM antibody test are now available in New Zealand.
Transit passengers from a third country to China via Singapore (including those who entered Singapore) must take nucleic acid and IgM anti-body tests respectively at the place of their original departure and 2 days before departure to Singapore and apply for the health code or certified health declaration code at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in the place of their departure. For passengers who failed to obtain the health code or certified health declaration code at the place of their original departure, they must take the nucleic acid and IgM anti-body tests twice at 2 different testing institutions in Singapore within 2 days before departure to China.

Foreign passengers must complete their information here, declare their health status and upload their COVID-19 test certificate(s), which will then be examined and verified by the Chinese Embassy. Upon approval, they will receive the Electronic Health Declaration Form, in the form of a QR code with the “HDC” mark. They must present the electronic or printed code and follow the procedures for inspection by relevant airlines during boarding. Chinese passengers (including the Hong Kong SAR, the Macau SAR and the Taiwan region) can still apply for the green health code with the “HS” mark via the WeChat Health Code app.

Current quarantine requirements in major cities are as follows:

Shanghai: 14 days at a designated hotel; Travellers from overseas can spend half of their quarantine time at home, if certain conditions are met.
- All inbound passengers to Shanghai will be required to undergo nucleic acid tests before being sent to 14-day quarantine at a designated facility, or into a medical facility if the result is positive.
- For those who have residence in Shanghai, live apart from family members who do not have to be quarantined, or live with people who agree to be quarantined along with them, they apply to be sent home to continue their quarantine on the eighth day if their nucleic tests on the fifth day are negative.
- On the eighth day, qualifying persons will be transported directly from the designated quarantine facility to their homes by the authorities.
- Those transferring to Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui provinces will also be transported to their destinations by the relevant authorities on the eight day, if their nucleic tests on the fifth day are negative. They will continue their quarantine according to the requirements of the local community.
- Conditional home quarantine is still available for senior citizens, underage people, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with restricted mobility, those caring for family members and those with certain diseases.
Beijing: Effective until 15 March 2021:
- For arrivals from low-risk areas domestically: passengers should hold a nucleic acid test with a negative result taken within 7 days, undergo 14-day health monitoring and take two nucleic acid tests at 7th day and 14th day after arrival in Beijing. Individual activities for work and daily life are allowed during health monitoring, while group activities and gathering are forbidden.
- For arrivals from medium- and high-risk areas domestically: Passengers from cities with any high- and medium-risk areas are advised to not travel to Beijing until risk level of all the local areas is adjusted to low-risk level. Those who have to go to Beijing must be approved by the local provincial epidemic prevention and control department, and must hold a negative nucleic acid test taken within 72 hours. People from low-risk areas whose living places are adjusted to medium-high risk areas after the travel, will be subjected to quarantine and nucleic acid test in accordance with Beijing’s epidemic prevention policy.
- For arrivals from Beijing port: Passengers should undergo 14-day quarantine at designated facilities, 7-day quarantine at home or at designated facilities, and 7-day health monitoring.
- For arrivals from other ports in China: only passengers who have landed in China 21 days ago are allowed to travel to Beijing and should undergo 14-day health monitoring.
Shenzhen and Guangzhou: Travellers from overseas should undergo quarantine for 14 days at a designated hotel followed by 7-day health monitoring at home or at a hotel designated by the local community while no outdoor activities are allowed;
Zhejiang Province: Travellers from overseas should undergo quarantine for 14 days at a designated hotel followed by 7 days at home or at a hotel designated by the local community, and additional 7 days of health monitoring while limited outdoor activities are allowed

Arrival Procedure

Step 1: Health & travel history declaration online via cell phone for entry code upon landing

Closer to landing, flight attendant will provide passengers with a QR Code of the China Custom (中国海关)’s website to make declaration on below:
Health declaration
Past 14 days travel history
Personal data and Shanghai contact information (address and phone)
Upon completing the declaration online, you will be granted with an entry code (a QR code). With the entry code you will be allowed to proceed to the following custom procedures. Please ask the flight attendant for China Custom’s QR code if you are not provided with it, since passengers are suggested to access to the website and complete the declaration for the entry code upon landing and cell phone re-connected for next step quickly. Please ensure network connection of your cell upon landing China.

Step 2: A quick interview with the custom officers

Upon entry code is ready, you will be proceeding to a quick face to face interview with the border officers to verify and re-confirm the health and travel history you declared online. You will be asked to show them the entry code in the cell phone. It’s about 5-10 minutes process.

Step 3: COVID-19 test

After the interview, you can then proceed to the next stop for COVID-19 test with the custom officers’ guide. This and the above step (step 2-3) are conducted inside the airport before the custom and luggage clearance. The COVID-19 test takes about 5-10 minutes depending on their workload.

Step 4: Custom and luggage clearance

Upon completing the COVID-19 test, you’ll proceed to the normal custom and then, luggage clearances.

Step 5: Transportation to government appointed facility for 14 days’ quarantine:

After custom and luggage clearance, you will be directed to the relevant zone based on the district of your residential address (e.g. JingAn, Pudong, HuangPu, etc.) to register online again via their specified QR code onsite, submit your travel document and wait for government’s coach to the quarantine facility. It depends on the number of passengers in your district, the waiting time for coach is usually about 15-30 minutes.
The Quarantine Hotel is assigned at the airport by the officials, we do not have visibility to this process. There should be different budget options, and the level of the hotel variers significantly. They are from what we would consider from 2-4 stars in general. Some of the lower level hotels can be quite an adjustment, there has been complaints on the cleanliness and conditions. Once the hotel is assigned, there is no way for the passenger to change, but they must complete the 14 day quarantine at the assigned facility.
In general the rule is that if family is travelling with children, one parent will be assigned to one room with mother/father, other parent to room on their own. There are cases where the hotel room has been large enough to fit the whole family, however this is not a guarantee and partners should be prepared to be separated in case this is required.

Hotel & facilities:

How big of a space and what are the accommodations (beds, kitchen, refrigerator, etc.)?
In general the options are from local (2-3 stars) hotel appointed by the local government with basic facilities and WiFi connection, to 4-5 stars with better accommodation. The price varies anywhere from 500CNY – 2000+CNY per night. You should in general should be able to choose the price category at the airport, this cannot be prebooked unfortunately.
If hotel does not accept international credit card, HR/Company can also in general support with the payment once hotel is assigned.
Standard 2 beds’ room with a shower/wash room. standard room is 2 beds.
No refrigerator (4-5 star hotels have, but not set standard to all options)
No kitchen, usually have water pot to boil water
Airconditioned
according to Chinese regulations all hotel rooms in China are non-smoking, which includes quarantine hotels. There may be exceptions, however it is best to prepare for this in case smoking is prohibited as it is

Immigration

Shanghai SAFEA has temporarily suspended the submission of physical documents for work permit applications (including renewal, information updating and cancellation).

The online process with commitments from Chinese employers has been fully implemented, and companies are exempt from submitting paper documents at the authority.
Processing times can be reduced by two working days.
Category B work permits can now be granted for up to two years, provided all the requirements are met. o Shanghai SAFEA has also simplified the required application documents to facilitate a change of employer – the new employer does not need to submit a certificate of no criminal record, certificate of physical examination, or work qualification certificate.

Labour authorities in other cities have suspended the submission of physical documents for work permit applications (suspended processes may include initial, renewal, information updating, transfer, and cancellation, depending on the local authority). Applications will be processed online only during this period, with a commitment letter provided by the Chinese employer. The commitment letter should affirm the authenticity and validity of their online submission and original documents should be kept for further check.

Medical authorities have the discretionary power to permit or refuse foreign nationals to undergo a medical examination based on their entry, residence, travel and other documents.

Hong Kong

Effective 7 May 2021, Hong Kong residents may board flights to Hong Kong from Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Persons who have stayed in these countries for more than two hours in the previous 21 days will not be allowed to board.
Persons who have stayed in these countries for less than 2 hours in the previous 21 days must have obtained a negative COVID-19 test result with samples taken 72 hours prior to departure as well as confirmation of a 21- night room reservation in a designated quarantine hotel.
Upon arrival in Hong Kong, they will be subject to the test-and-hold arrangement for obtaining a negative result at the airport, after which they will be subject to a 21-day compulsory quarantine in the designated quarantine hotel undergoing at least three tests during the period, and compulsory testing on the 26th day of arrival after completion of quarantine

Singapore and Hong Kong have agreed to set 26 May 2021 as the launch date of the Singapore – Hong Kong Air Travel Bubble (ATB).

Travellers on the ATB must have remained in either Singapore or Hong Kong in the last 14 days prior to departure, and the 14 days period must exclude any time spent in quarantine or Stay-Home Notice (SHN) arising from their last return to Singapore or Hong Kong from overseas. In addition, they must now download and install Hong Kong’s Leave Home Safe (LHS) app on their mobile devices prior to leaving Singapore for Hong Kong.
Holders of Work Permits or S-Passes issued by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower working in the construction, marine shipyard, or process sectors are excluded from travelling from Singapore to Hong Kong on the ATB
Hong Kong requires its residents to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before departing on the ATB flights (i.e. after 14 days upon receiving two doses of COVID-19 vaccine). This requirement does not apply to Hong Kong residents:
- aged below 16;
- not suitable for COVID-19 vaccination due to medical grounds;
- with less than 90 days’ stay in Hong Kong before departure; or
- using non-Hong Kong travel documents for departure.
Other requirements include undergoing COVID-19 pre-departure and onarrival PCR tests in lieu of quarantine or SHN, and travel on designated ATB flights.
There will be no restrictions on the purpose of travel and no requirements for a controlled itinerary or sponsorship.
Interested travellers must travel only on designated ATB flights operated by Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific.

All passenger flights are suspended from India, Pakistan and the Philippines. India, Pakistan and the Philippines are classified as extremely high-risk places (Group A):

Persons who have stayed in these countries for more than two hours in the previous 21 days will not be allowed to board.
Persons who have stayed in these countries for less than 2 hours in the previous 21 days must:
- Present a negative result of a nucleic acid COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before travel;
- Present confirmation in English or Chinese of room reservation in a designated quarantine hotel in Hong Kong for not less than 21 nights starting on the day of the arrival;
- Undergo compulsory quarantine for 21 days in a designated quarantine hotel.
- Undergo testing on the 12th and 19th days of quarantine. After the 21-day period, 7-day self-monitoring following quarantine and another COVID-19 PCR test on the 26th day after arrival.

Entry is suspended for non-Hong Kong residents arriving from overseas by air; and for non-Hong Kong residents arriving from the Mainland, Macau and Taiwan who have visited any other country in the previous 14 days.

Travellers from mainland China, Macau and Taiwan, including Hong Kong and non-Hong Kong residents are subject to 14-day quarantine.

The Hong Kong government has categorised countries as per below:

Group A (Extremely High Risk):

Brazil, India (from 20/4/21), Ireland, Pakistan (from 20/4/21), Philippines (from 20/4/21), South Africa, the United Kingdom.

Persons who have stayed in these countries for more than two hours in the previous 21 days will not be allowed to board.
Persons who have stayed in these countries for less than 2 hours in the previous 21 days must:
- Present a negative result of a nucleic acid COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before travel;
- Present confirmation in English or Chinese of room reservation in a designated quarantine hotel in Hong Kong for not less than 21 nights starting on the day of the arrival;
- Undergo compulsory quarantine for 21 days in a designated quarantine hotel.

On 21 and 28 April 2021, flight CX2252 from London, UK will be permitted to carry persons who have stayed in these countries for more than 2 hours in the previous 21 days. The airline will open the ticketing reservation system on April 8, and travellers successfully booking a ticket will be redirected to the reservation system of the specified hotel to book their rooms. The room charge per night will be $400 to $500.

Group B (Very High Risk): Bangladesh, Belgium, Canada, Ecuador, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Romania, Russia, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and the United States of America. Persons who have stayed in these countries in the previous 21 days must:

Present a negative result of a nucleic acid COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before travel;
Present confirmation in English or Chinese of room reservation in a designated quarantine hotel in Hong Kong for not less than 21 nights starting on the day of the arrival;
Undergo compulsory quarantine for 21 days in a designated quarantine hotel.

Group C (Medium to High Risk): All other places except Group A, Group B, Group D or mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

Persons who have stayed in these countries in the previous 21 days must:

Present confirmation in English or Chinese of room reservation in a designated quarantine hotel in Hong Kong for not less than 21 nights starting on the day of the arrival;
Undergo compulsory quarantine for 21 days in a designated quarantine hotel.

Group D (Low Risk) from 9 April 2021: Australia, New Zealand, Singapore.

Persons who have only stayed in these countries in the previous 21 days must:

Present confirmation in English or Chinese of room reservation in a designated quarantine hotel in Hong Kong for 14 nights starting on the day of the arrival.
Undergo compulsory quarantine for 14 days in a designated quarantine hotel.
Self-monitor for the subsequent 7 days.
Undergo compulsory testing on the 19th day after arrival.

Quarantine procedure:

Travellers arriving at Hong Kong International Airport in the morning will stay at the Temporary Specimen Collection Centre (TSCC) of the Department of Health located in the airport to wait for test results after collecting their deep throat saliva samples there. They will receive the test results on the same day. As the test results for.
Travellers arriving in the afternoon/evening/night will be taken to the Holding Centre for Test Results (HCTR) of the Department of Health (DOH) by coaches arranged by the Department of Health for one night to wait for their test results.
If the test results are negative, travellers will be allowed to leave the hotel and go home or to a designated place immediately to continue completion of the 14-day compulsory quarantine.
Confirmed cases and their close contacts will respectively be arranged for admission to hospital and sent to designated quarantine centres direct.
Exemptions from the quarantine measures include cross-border students, as well as travellers from mainland China who have manufacturing operations or business activities, or provide professional services, and their travel is in the interest of Hong Kong’s economic development. The full list of quarantine exemptions is

Hong Kong residents who have remained in Guangdong or Macau for the past 14 days are exempted from the 14-day quarantine requirement when they return to Hong Kong (Return2hk Scheme).

Initially, a quota of 3000 qualifying travellers per day has been set for Shenzhen Bay Port and 2000 for the HK-Zhuhai-Macau bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port.
The online booking system will be opened every Wednesday at 9am until Friday at 6pm to accept quota applications for the 7-day period of the following week (i.e. Monday to Sunday).
After securing a quota, the HK resident should undergo a COVID-19 PCR test at a mutually-recognised medical institution.
Before travel they must submit a negative test result to the Department of Health’s electronic health declaration system through the Yuekang code or Macau health code and submit all other required information to obtain a green QR code.

Travellers commencing their travel in China are permitted to transit via Hong Kong International Airport. They must meet the following requirements:

Itinerary must be in a single booking;
Comply with requirements of end destination country.
Baggage checked in to the end destination.
Onward boarding pass/passes issued in city of origin.
Flight connection within 24 hours.

All border crossings between Mainland China and Hong Kong remain closed apart from Hong Kong International Airport, The Shenzhen Bay Port and the Hong KongZhuhai-Macau Bridge.

All persons entering Hong Kong are required to complete and submit a Health Declaration Form on arrival. To be environmentally friendly, the Department of Health is encouraging travellers to complete the form online which can be accessed via http://www.chp.gov.hk/hdf After the online submission, the system will generate a QR code which is valid for 24 hours. The QR code screen should be captured and shown to the Department of Health authorities upon arrival in Hong Kong.

India

All flights from the UK are suspended from 18.29 GMT on Tuesday until 31 December.

The suspension of all scheduled international passenger services is extended until 31 December. The suspension of visa services is extended in line with the suspension of all international passenger services.

Entry is permitted for all overseas citizens of India (OCI) and persons of Indian origin (PIO) card holders as well as all other foreign nationals intending to visit India for any purpose, except on a tourist visa, by air or water through authorised airports or seaports.

– All existing visas (except electronic visas, tourist visas and medical visas) are restored.

– If visas have expired, fresh visas of appropriate categories can be obtained from the relevant Indian consular posts concerned.

– In case any foreign national not covered by the above categories is required to visit India urgently due to any family emergency, the Indian consular posts are authorized to issue single entry X-Misc visas for an appropriate period. In such cases, the Indian consular posts may take a decision on the grant of visa on a case to case basis on the merits of each case.

– Nationals of Nepal and Bhutan are permitted to come to India from any country (including any third country).

– Any Indian national or a national of Nepal or Bhutan holding any type of valid visa of any country is permitted to travel from India to the country concerned provided there is no travel restriction for entry of Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese nationals in that country. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese nationals to enter the country concerned with the particular visa category before issue of tickets/boarding pass to the Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese passenger.

– The right of multiple entry lifelong visa facility granted for any purpose shall stand restored with immediate effect to all persons registered as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders.

Entry is permitted for Tibetan migrants resident in India (registered with the FRO/FRRO) and holding a certificate of identity issued by the Ministry of External Affairs and a return visa (which will be reactivated). If the return visa is expired, a fresh visa must be obtained from the relevant Indian consulate.

All international travellers to Tamil Nadu or West Bengal must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate (taken within 96 hours prior to arrival) and undergo 14-day home quarantine.

– Indian nationals returning to Tamil Nadu, and their employers, must schedule the PCR test to ensure the result is received within 96 hours prior to departure.

– International passengers arriving in the State of Tamil Nadu are also required to obtain TN e-Pass which can be obtained online using https://tnepass.tnega.org/ and download Arogya Setu App on mobile (available at https://www.mygov.in/aarogya-Setu-app/). This should remain active at all times through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

UAE residents travelling to India are no longer required to register with the Indian consulates in UAE before booking their tickets.

Certain categories of foreign nationals from a “travel bubble” country (Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Canada, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Kenya, Maldives, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States), are permitted to enter India via non-scheduled commercial/chartered flights. The following are the applicable categories:

– Foreign nationals coming to India on any sub-categories of employment visa, along with their dependents holding dependent visas.

– Foreign journalists holding J-1 visas and their dependents holding J-1X visas (suspended visas are reactivated)

– Business travellers with a business visa (other than B3 visa for sports)

– Healthcare professionals, health researchers, engineers and technicians for technical work at Indian health sector facilities, subject to a letter of invitation from a recognised and registered healthcare facility, registered pharmaceutical company or accredited university in India

– Engineering, managerial, design or other specialists travelling to India on behalf of foreign business entities located in India, including all manufacturing units, design units, software and IT units as well as financial sector companies (banking and non-banking financial sector firms).

– Technical specialists and engineers travelling for installation repair and maintenance of foreign-origin machinery and equipment facilities in India, on the invitation of a registered Indian business entity.

– OCI Cardholders, minor children or students with at least one parent who is an Indian citizen or OCI Cardholder, spouses of Indian citizens, single parents of minor children who are Indian citizens or OCI Cardholders.

– Dependent family members of foreign diplomats and official/service passport holding service staff accredited to foreign diplomatic Missions, consular offices or accredited International Organizations in India.

– Foreign nationals who are persons of Indian origin, who wish to come to India on account of family emergencies like critical medical conditions of immediate family members or death. For this purpose, the person of Indian origin means someone who or any of whose parents had held an Indian passport or such parent (s) is/are or had been a citizen of India earlier.

– Foreign nationals stranded in the close neighbouring countries and seeking to exit to their destination country through India. (xii) Foreign nationals coming on Medical grounds for treatment in India (including one Attendant, if so requested).

All existing visas remain temporarily suspended and are not valid for entering India.

– Travellers in the above categories must first obtain a fresh visa, as applicable, from the relevant Indian consulate.

– This requirement does not apply to those holding valid visas of diplomatic, official, UN/International Organizations, employment and project categories.

– Foreign nationals holding a valid long-term multiple-entry business visa issued by an Indian consulate must have these visas re-validated by the relevant consulate.

Arrival protocols:

– All international arrivals must complete and submit a self-declaration form at least 72 hours before travel and undergo universal health screening at the designated health counters at all points of entry

– Travellers may be exempt from institutional quarantine by submitting on arrival a negative COVID-19 PCR test, conducted within 72 hours prior to travel

– If a negative PCR test result is not presented, testing on arrival at the airport is now available at certain airports.

– Otherwise, travellers are subject to a 7-day institutional quarantine at their own expense followed by a 7-day home quarantine. In exceptional cases, receiving states may permit home quarantine for the entire 14-day period. In such cases, those under home quarantine will have to download India’s domestic health monitoring and tracking mobile application known as ‘Arogya Setu’.

Visa-free travel granted to OCI card holders who are not in India presently has been suspended until further notice. All existing visas (except diplomatic, UN/international organization, employment and project visas) issued to nationals of any country who have not yet entered India stand suspended until the lifting of the suspension of international passenger services.

Incoming travellers, including Indian nationals are required to complete and submit a self-declaration form at least 72 hours before travel, and undergo universal health screening at the designated health counters at all points of entry.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has just released the guidelines for further easing of restrictions under “Unlock 5”. This does not affect international travel or immigration. India Visa application centres and online e-visa application facility are closed till further notice.

Foreign nationals are not permitted to visit the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) without a prior appointment until further notice.

Indonesia

The Indonesian Government just issued a travel policy on December 19th, 2020 due to the current situation of Covid-19 in Indonesia.

Domestic

For trips to Bali island using air transportation (plane) it is required to show the PCR Test Negative Covid-19 result which is not older than 7 x 24 hours before departure and fill in the e-HAC Indonesia forms. Travelers using land and sea transportation are required to show a negative test result certificate using the antigen rapid test which is not older than 3 x24 hours before departure as a trip requirement.
For trips to and from Java Island as well as within Java Island (between Provinces / Districts / Cities), travelers using air, intercity rail transportation and land (public or private) are required to show a negative test result certificate using the antigen rapid test which is not older than 3 x24 hours before being before departure as a trip requirement.
Children under 12 years old not required to have a PCR Negative Covid-19 result nor are they required to show the antigen rapid test as a trip requirement.
In case the result of the antigen rapid test is non-reactive or negative but the traveler shows symptoms, then the traveler is not allowed to continue the trip and is required to carry out a PCR test and self-isolation during the waiting time for the results of the examination.

International

Every individual who comes from abroad must show at the time of arrival a PCR Negative COVID-19 test results from the country of origin which is not older than 3 x 24 hours;
After arriving in Indonesia, the traveler is supervised by officers in the form of: a. body temperature check; b. validation of the PCR health certificate; c. re-examination of the PCR Test for Indonesian citizens and foreigners.
During the waiting time for the results of the PCR Test, Indonesian citizens are required to undergo quarantine at special quarantine accommodation provided by the government (Wisma Atlet) and foreigners need to wait at the certified quarantine accommodations at own expenses (hotels).

Indonesia and Singapore have agreed to establish a travel Corridor Arrangement (TCR) for essential travel for business and official purposes between the two countries.

– The TCR will be referred to by Singapore as the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL).

– Operational details are to be confirmed.

The suspension of visa on arrival and visa exemption continues.

Applications are now accepted for single-entry visas (travel visas and limited stay visas) and limited stay permits for certain purposes are available. Foreign nationals can enter Indonesia using a Single-Entry Visa for:

– Business

– Emergency and urgent work

– Purchase of goods in Indonesia

– Expertise testing for prospective foreign workers; o Medical and food assistance

– Crew on a vessel.

Stay permits (ITAS) are available for work, spouse, investment and retirement.

– Note that for a work ITAS, a recommendation from the investment authority (BKPM) is required in addition to a work permit from the Ministry of Manpower.

The visa for social purposes is not yet available foreigners outside Indonesia. Multiple-Entry Visas are also not yet available.

For single-entry visa and stay permit applications:

– The sponsoring entity must submit:

– A negative COVID-19 test result

– A letter stating that the foreign national is willing to enter quarantine at their own expense if tested positive in Indonesia

– A letter stating that the foreign national is willing to have their health monitored during quarantine

– A letter stating that the foreign national is willing to cover their own health costs in case of COVID-19 infection.

– The sponsoring entity must show proof that it has at least USD 10,000 (or equivalent in another currency) in its bank account. Previously, this was USD 1500. This requirement does not apply to single-entry visitors for medical and food assistance or crew on vessels.

Both the single-entry visa and the limited stay visa (required for ITAS), are issued in the form of an eVisa. This eVisa is issued electronically and this means that foreigners are no longer required to pick up their visa sticker at the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate abroad. Foreigners who have received their eVisa for their single-entry visit visa, can use this eVisa as proof of their permission to stay in Indonesia. Foreigners have obtained their eVisa for their ITAS/ITAP, they will need to report to local immigration to process the ITAS/ITAP.

Special travel corridor arrangements have been established between Indonesia and both South Korea and United Arab Emirates to facilitate travel for business, employment, diplomatic and official purposes.

Foreign nationals entering Indonesia must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate in English, issued no more than 7 days previously.

– Individuals who present a negative test result:

– are given health clearance, which will be forwarded to the local health office via their national representative for monitoring during quarantine

– will be issued a Health Alert Card (HAC) on arrival

– can continue to travel to their destination

– must undergo self-quarantine at home for 14 days.

– If travellers cannot provide an adequate, valid negative COVID-19 test certificate, health officers at the airport will take the individual to a hospital or quarantine facility to perform a PCR test. While awaiting the results (3-5 days), the individual must remain in quarantine at one of the designated hotels, at their own cost.

– If the result is negative, the individual is permitted to continue to their destination city, and must conduct self-quarantine at home for 14 days

– If the result is positive, the individual must remain in quarantine until a negative result is recorded.

Entry and transit are suspended for foreign national visitors who have spent any time in the previous 14 days in countries affected by COVID-19. Exemptions exist for:

– Children of dual citizenship with a foreign passport and registered in the immigration system as an Indonesian citizen

– Holders of Single-Entry Visas.

– Holders of Temporary Stay Permit and Permanent Stay Permit (Permanent Residents/KITAS and KITAP) with a valid Multiple Re-entry Permit.

– Holders of Diplomatic Visa and Official/Service Visa,

– Holders of Diplomatic Stay Permit and Official/Service Stay Permit.

– People engaged with Medical Services and Delivery of Supplies (humanitarian assistance),

– Airline and Maritime Crews including Land Transports.

– People whose travel is associated with essential work for National Strategic Projects such as infrastructure or construction with approval from the DirectorGeneral of Immigration.

– Holders of Temporary Stay Permit/Permanent Stay Permit(Permanent Residents/KITAS and KITAP) and Multiple Re-entry Permit that has expired and is still abroad, only through certain airports

New work permit applications by Foreign Investment Companies (PT PMA) which are not related with National Strategic Projects, can be approved by the Ministry of Manpower as long as there is a recommendation letter from the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM).

Israel

Until at least 31 January 2021, all passenger flights to and from Ben Gurion airport are suspended.

This measure suspends the entry of both foreign and Israeli nationals.
Special permission may be granted on a humanitarian basis.

Japan

Entry under the Business Track and Residence Track frameworks for foreign nationals from all 11 countries (Brunei, Cambodia, China, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam) is suspended.

The validity of visas already issued under the Business Track and the Residence Track and visas issued based on “new measures for border enforcement” are suspended.
The relaxation of restriction on movement during the 14-day quarantine period through the Business Track is suspended.

The suspension of entry for all non-resident foreign nationals is extended until 21 March 2021:

Re-entry is permitted for Japanese nationals, and for foreign nationals with residence status and a valid re-entry permit.

Japanese and foreign national travellers must:

Present a negative COVID-19 certificate of inspection from a test taken within 72 hours prior to departure:
- prescribed format must be used;
- Effective 19 March 2021, any traveller unable to submit a negative test result certificate, in the prescribed format, from a test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, will not be allowed to board their flight.
Undergo a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival at the airport; wait for the result of the PCR test at the designated area in the airport for a few hours; if negative, proceed to the landing examination procedure at the immigration counter;
Undergo a 14-day self-quarantine;
Refrain from using public transport during the 14-day quarantine.
Submit a written pledge to self-quarantine for 14 days, not to use public transport, to report their health conditions using the LINE app, to maintain their location information using a map app and to install a COVID-19 Contact Confirming Application (COCOA).

Japanese and foreign national travellers who have in the previous 14 days visited the following countries with community transmission of coronavirus variants of concern:

Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada (Ontario from 6/4/21), Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland (from 6/4/21), France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain (from 6/4/21), Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom must, additionally:

Quarantine in government accommodation for at least 3 days on arrival.
Undergo another COVID-19 PCR test on the third day after arrival. Those who have a negative result in this test are required to complete their 14-day quarantine at home.

New visa applications are currently not accepted at Japanese embassies and consulates.

Entry is suspended for foreign national travellers who have in the previous 14 days visited one of the below countries:

Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vatican, Bahrain, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Botswana, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sao Tome and Principe, Sudan, Tunisia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
There are exceptions to this restriction in the following circumstances, which do not apply to those who have stayed in countries with coronavirus variants of concern:
- Foreign nationals entering Japan with a re-entry permit (including a special re-entry permit);
- Individual humanitarian circumstances.

Suspended: The Government of Japan is phasing in a Business Track/Residence Track framework of special measures for resuming cross-border travel on the condition of additional quarantine measures.

– Foreign nationals intending to enter or re-enter Japan under this framework need either a new visa; or a re-entry confirmation letter (holders of a Japanese residence status returning from Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand or Vietnam on the residence track) or neither (holders of a Japanese residence status returning to Japan having travelled to Singapore on the Business track).

– On top of the current border control measures (i.e. undergoing PCR testing, refraining from using public transport and 14-day self-quarantine), applicants must take additional quarantine measures:

– Present on arrival:

– A copy of the written pledge, and schedule of activities

– a certificate of the result of pre-entry PCR testing

– a questionnaire including details of health monitoring for 14 days prior to departure

– Obtain private medical insurance

– Install LINE, COVID-19 contact tracing and map apps to record and report their health, location and contacts data for 14 days after entry into Japan.

The “Residence Track”:

– This applies to holders of a Certificate of Eligibility for work or long-term stay who are nationals of Brunei (effective 8 October), Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore (effective 30 September), Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

– Effective 1 October, entry is permitted under the Residence Track for holders of a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for any type of status of residence, as well as cross-border travellers (short-term stay for business) from any country or region, on condition that the person is hosted by a company / entity that can assure observation of quarantine measures. However, the number of people to be permitted to enter Japan under this new provision will be restricted.

– If the applicant presents an expired Certificate of Eligibility issued on or after 1 October 2019, the applicant is required to show a document issued by his/her accepting organization in Japan that states the organization will still be able to accept the applicant to have him/her engage in the activities described on the application for the Certificate of Eligibility.

The “Business Track”:

– This allows business travellers from Singapore to conduct limited business activities during their 14-day stay at home period immediately after arrival, with a total stay of up to 30 days.

– In order to reserve a pre-departure test in Singapore, the traveller must first submit a written pledge and schedule of activities to the Japanese embassy in Singapore and obtain from them a Cover Letter, and a new visa (except holders of a Japanese residence status returning to Japan having travelled to Singapore using the Business Track).

Visa exemptions for nationals of the following countries are suspended for the time being:

Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Andorra, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Vatican, Israel, Iran, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Lesotho, Tunisia.
- However, visa exemption measures are not suspended for nationals of Canada, United States of America, North Macedonia, Serbia, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey and Mauritius.

The effect of Pre-Clearances (i.e. visa exemptions) granted by the Japanese Government to holders of APEC Business Travel Cards (ABTC) issued by the following countries and regions is also suspended: Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam.

The Immigration Bureau is accepting applications for Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) for medium to long-term stays, and other applications such as extension or change of status.

Malaysia

All flights to and from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are suspended. Entry is suspended for all categories of traveller who have been in these countries in the last 14 days.

Travellers arriving from countries which have reported cases of a new coronavirus strain will be subject to a 14-day quarantine, rather than the established 7 or 10-day quarantine. As of 4 May 2021, these countries are:

Argentina, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Gambia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Malawi, Mexico, Mozambique, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Zambia.
A negative pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test is now mandatory for travellers arriving from these countries.

The Travel Notice / Letter of Undertaking (LOU) is no longer required for travel to Malaysia, except for travel by land. All other documentation and procedures for entry to Malaysia are unchanged.

Travellers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can apply by email for exemption from quarantine at designated quarantine centres or permission to quarantine at home.

Travellers must have been fully vaccinated for at least two weeks upon arrival and must have documentary proof, i.e., a vaccination certificate from the health authorities of the country of departure;
Travellers must come from a low-risk country (not clearly specified);
Travellers must show proof of a suitable residence to quarantine (also not clearly specified;
A negative result of a RT-PCR COVID test taken not more than three days previously.

All employers who wish to hire and employ any worker are required to update the work locations and employment information here, within 90 days from the date of any change.

Employers need to complete a registration form and manually submit this at the nearest Labour Department (Jabatan Tenaga Kerja) where the company is located (it is advised to bring two copies).
A copy of the acknowledgement from the Labour Department must be submitted in support of any Pass application.
Any employer who fails to register and update or provides false information may be fined up to RM10,000 if convicted.

All foreign nationals entering Malaysia must pay for the cost of 10-day quarantine and testing before departure via the MySafeTravel site.

Returning Malaysians are encouraged to do the same, but it is not mandatory.

The quarantine period for incoming travellers is reduced from 14 days to 10 days (if entering with no prior negative swab test) or 7 days (if entering with a negative swab test result not more than 3 days old.

Returning travellers (citizens and foreign nationals) are now subject to PCR testing on arrival and mandatory 10-day/7-day quarantine at designated quarantine centres.

At least three days before departure, returning travellers must download and complete a Letter of Undertaking (LOU), and submit it at a Malaysian mission in their home country.
Subject to the approval of the Malaysian mission, a Letter of Approval (Entry Permit) is issued via email. This must be presented during flight check-in, and again to the authorities on arrival.
Travellers must download MySejahtera mobile app at least 1 day before departure date and update essential information.
Travellers are not required to undergo a COVID-19 test in their home country before departure but are advised to check directly with airlines if there is any requirement to produce COVID-19 test results before boarding their flight (most airlines are requesting COVID-19 test results at check-in.)
Travellers presenting a negative result of a COVID-19 swab test not more than three days old may qualify for a reduced quarantine period of 7 days.
On arrival, travellers must go through health screening – those showing COVID-19 symptoms will be isolated and referred to hospital for treatment and COVID-19 PCR tests will be performed in the arrivals hall at the traveller’s expense (RM 250 per person).
The travellers will be transported by the authorities to the designated quarantine facility.
During quarantine, the traveller must conduct daily self-health assessments and report to Quarantine Station personnel. Those who subsequently test positive for COVID-19 will be transferred to hospital for treatment. A negative result of an Antigen Rapid Test (RM 120) is required for discharge.

Foreign nationals who are citizens or residents of countries with more than 150,000 COVID-19 cases, or who are travelling from those countries, are no longer permitted to enter Malaysia.

The current list is as follows:
Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Italy, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom and United States.
Exceptions are made for:
All long-term pass holders
Diplomats and dependants based in Malaysia who have been issued with the Exemption Order. Otherwise, an entry approval must be obtained by the Malaysia Immigration Department.
Seafarers (where entry is for sign on or joint ship activities only
Pilots and cabin crew of commercial and private airlines are entering as crew or passengers but must provide a General Declaration for the next flight operation.
Professional crew and workers in the Oil & Gas industry who already hold a valid Malaysian issued Pass and have been granted with Entry Approval by the Director General of Immigration.
Transit is allowed provided passengers have a confirmed connecting flight and do not pass immigration clearance.
Malaysian citizens travelling from the 23 countries are permitted entry but must enter 10-day quarantine at government-appointed hotels and testing at their own expense.

The Malaysian Embassies in the 23 countries will suspend the issuance of all visa types and Travel Notice/Travel Permission until further notice.

The Immigration Department has clarified that all holders of long-term passes (Employment Pass, Professional Visit Pass, Dependant Pass, Long-Term Social Visit Pass), along with their dependents and/or foreign maids, must apply for Entry Approval to enter Malaysia. Employers may also apply to the relevant approving agency for new immigration pass approvals for foreign nationals abroad.

There is no longer any exemption for Employment Pass (EP) Category 1 holders, Residence Pass (RPT) holders and their respective dependents.
Long-term pass holders are exempt from the travel ban on 23 countries.
Prospective entrants must obtain a Support Letter from the respective approving agency (ESD or MIDA – no longer required from MDEC), which typically takes 3-7 working days, depending on the agency.
They must then apply to taskforce_esd@imi.gov.my for entry approval from the Director General of Immigration (DGIM). If accepted, an Entry Approval Letter will be issued within 14 working days.
Entry Approval issued before 7 September 2020 is still valid and holders are advised to return to Malaysia within 60 days from issuance.
Visa-required nationals with existing passes which have expired, or with new immigration pass approvals, must submit the Entry Approval Letter with other relevant documents at a Malaysian embassy, consulate or high commission. Subject to approval, the Malaysian mission will issue an entry visa which must be presented to the airline at check-in and to the immigration checkpoint on arrival.
The foreign national must undergo a PCR COVID-19 test within 3 days of entry and must present a negative result on check-in and on arrival.
The permitted entry points are Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), the Immigration Checkpoint in the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) in Johor and the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (2nd Link), Johor.
On arrival, the foreign national must present their Entry Approval Letter and negative test results, and download the MySejahtera app. They will be subject to a health screening and may have to undergo a COVID-19 swab test. Arrivals who test negative must undergo quarantine at a designated quarantine center. Arrivals who test positive will be transferred to hospital.

A Permission to Exit and Return Letter (PERL) allows eligible foreign residents to exit and re-enter within 60 days of the approval letter being granted.

Business and official visits are now also eligible.
Social visits and tourism are still not allowed.
Expatriates who wish exit Malaysia and not return during the RMCO will not need to apply for Exit Permission.
Permission to Exit and Return issued before 7 September 2020 is still valid and holders are advised to return to Malaysia within 60 days from issuance.

An online system called MYEntry has streamlined the process of applying for an Entry Approval Letter. MYEntry is accessible via the Expatriate Services Division online system. MYEntry is applicable for all Malaysian passes issued via ESD, MDEC and MIDA.

Singapore and Malaysia have introduced entry facilities between the two countries to certain types of travellers:

The Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) enables cross-border travel for essential business and official purposes for up to 14 days.
- Travellers of any nationality who have legally resided in Singapore for at least 14 days before travelling to Malaysia.
- A medical certificate must be presented showing a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued within the previous 72 hours before departure.
- Entry is permitted through direct flights only to KLIA, KLIA2, Penang International Airport and land border crossings (i.e. Causeway and Second Link).
- Travellers must remain under temporary self-isolation until the result of an on-arrival COVID-19 PCR test is confirmed.
The Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) allows Singapore nationals and permanent residents with valid Malaysian work authorization to cross the border.
Eligible travellers utilizing the PCA should remain in the other country for work for at least 90 days, after which they are permitted to return to their home country for a short period of time, and then re-enter their country of work for at least an additional three months.
Eligible travellers utilizing the PCA should remain in the other country for work for at least 90 days, after which they are permitted to return to their home country for a short period of time, and then re-enter their country of work for at least an additional three months – no daily commuting is allowed.
Entry is permitted through land border crossings only i.e. Causeway and Second Link.
Travellers must enter a 7-day modified Home Surveillance Order (HSO) until the result of an on-arrival COVID-19 PCR test is available.
The sponsor organisation in Malaysia is advised to file an application 10 working days before the traveller’s proposed travel date, via MyTravelPass (MTP) portal.
MTP approval is expected to be issued 24 hours before proposed departure date.
The traveller must pre-install the MySejahtera app before entry and agree to bear the cost of a COVID-19 test on arrival.

All new and renewal applications for Employment Pass (EP) and Dependent Pass (DP) at the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) must now be submitted online via the Expatriate Services Division (ESD). The Immigration Unit at MIDA will no longer process any EP or DP applications.

Note that registration for ESD services can take 1-2 months.
Pre-approved Expatriate Posts (key posts and term posts) are still required.
However, an advertisement must be placed in Jobs Malaysia for 30 days before the application for Expatriate Posts is submitted.
Certain applications can still be submitted to the Immigration Unit at MIDA: Transfer of endorsement; take-up balance of approved period; cancellation; special pass; DP applications of EP holders already holding MIDA-issued EPs.

Holders of Malaysia My 2nd Home (MM2H) passes are allowed to return to Malaysia. They must apply to the Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MOTAC) and, on approval, undergo a COVID-19 swab test a maximum 14 days before arrival at Malaysia International Airport, to be provided to the authorities on arrival. MM2H pass holders must agree to undergo quarantine for 14 days at an assigned quarantine station and must prepare and sign a Letter of Undertaking (LoU) stating their readiness to bear the accommodation costs.

Malaysian citizens in Singapore intending to return to Malaysia by land may need to apply for an “entry permit” from the Malaysian High Commission, in addition to the exit requirements of the Singapore Ministry of Manpower.

Malaysian citizens and permanent residence (PR) holders can enter but are subject to 14 days of self-quarantine. The same goes for the spouses and children of Malaysian citizens holding a Long-Term Social Visit Pass, foreign diplomats and their spouses and children.

Transit through Kuala Lumpur International airport, without going through an immigration checkpoint, is allowed.

Exit Restrictions

Holders of long-term passes which have expired since 1 January 2020 and who are currently in Malaysia are permitted to exit the country (for good) within 14 working days from the end of the Movement Control Order (MCO) without having to apply for a Special Pass or obtain prior approval from the authorities.

All categories of pass holder who wish to exit and return to Malaysia must obtain exit and re-entry permission (ERP) from DGIM and must return within 60 days. All categories who wish to exit for good must cancel their pass or obtain a special pass if required.

No approval is required for Malaysian citizens who are diplomats returning to work; students; holders of a long-term pass issued by another country; or employees of oil, gas and shipping companies signing on overseas. Approval is required for Malaysians who previously entered Malaysia during any of the Movement Control Orders; Malaysians who have just received work permit approval from an employer overseas; Malaysians who wish to attend meetings, seminars, exhibitions and other business activities; emergency or medical situations; or Malaysians who need to accompany their children for studies.

Exit for leisure, holidays or visiting family is not permitted.

Immigration

All MDEC Special Pass applications are to be submitted directly at the Immigration Unit (Expatriate Services) of MDEC Cyberjaya.

If an MDEC Pass renewal application is approved, and the passport submitted for endorsement, before the expiry of the current pass, a Special Pass is not required.
If a Pass renewal application is approved before the expiry of the current pass, but the passport submitted for endorsement after expiry of the current pass, a Special Pass is not required if the endorsement is submitted within 30 days after approval.
If a Pass renewal application is approved after the expiry of the current pass, a Special Pass is required.
If the applicant entered Malaysia with the approval letter and the current entry stamp (Social Visit Pass) has expired before submission of the passport for endorsement, a Special Pass is required

The submission of Special Pass applications can be done online at the Expatriate Service Division (ESD) portal.

This process will be known as e-Special Pass (eSP) and will currently only be made available for Employment Pass renewals.
Special Pass applications for all other passes (i.e. new Employment Pass (EP), Professional Visit Pass (PVP), Dependent Pass (DP), Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LT-SVP) etc) will still have to be done manually until it is implemented online at a later stage.

During the MCO, the company rollout procedure should be carried out online.

Companies will need to e-mail: inspektorat.esd@imi.gov.my using their ESD registered e-mail ONLY, and attach the following documents:
- Updated Letter of Undertaking (LoU);
- Copy of NRIC / Passport of Director signing LoU.

MYXpats Centre counter services will be operating with minimal support between 9am and 4pm.

Company representatives and Residence Pass – Talent (RP-T) holders are required to apply for MyHelp Online Appointment before proceeding with any passport/ payment submissions and endorsement processes at both the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) in Putrajaya and MYXpats Centre in Mutiara Damansara. Strictly no walk-in is allowed. All counter transactions will be based on confirmed appointments made via the MyHelp Online Appointment system. All application processes will operate as usual through online systems.

Philippines

The quarantine period for international arrivals is extended to 14 days, with the first 10 days spent in centralised facilities and the remaining four days at home.

Effective 7 to 14 May 2021, entry is suspended for all travellers coming from Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka or with travel history to these countries in the last 14 days. Passengers who arrive from these countries before 7 May 2021 are not subject to the above restriction but are nevertheless required to undergo stricter quarantine and testing protocols i.e., the observation of an absolute facility-based 14-day quarantine period even with a negative RT-PCR result.

Effective 29 April 2021 until 14 May 2021, entry is suspended for all travellers coming from India or with travel history to India within the last 14 days.

Filipinos and foreign passengers merely transiting through India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh are subject to the following rules:

All passengers, whether Filipinos or foreigners, merely transiting through these countries shall not be deemed as having come from or having been to such country, provided that they stayed in the airport the whole time and were not cleared for entry into these countries by their immigration authorities; and
Upon arrival in the Philippines, passengers covered by the immediately preceding paragraph need not complete a full 14-day quarantine facility-based quarantine but shall comply with existing testing and quarantine protocols of the national government.

All specimens from travellers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh that turn positive upon testing in the Philippines shall undergo Whole Genome Sequencing. All close contacts must undergo facility-based quarantine for 14 days and contact tracing shall expand up to the third generation contacts.

Entry is permitted for:

Filipino citizens, including those with Identification Certificate (IC) as proof of recognition as a Filipino citizen or as proof of retention/reacquisition of Philippine citizenship under RA 9225;
Foreign nationals holding valid visas at the time of entry;
Foreign nationals allowed entry under the Balikbayan Program (RA 6768), provided they are nationals from non-visa required countries under EO 408:
- Former Filipino citizens, together with their foreign spouses and children, regardless of age, who are travelling with them; and
- Filipino citizens’ spouses and children, regardless of age, who are travelling with them.
Foreign nationals who are holders of valid and existing Special Resident and Retirees Visa (SRRV) or Section 9(a) visas, provided they present, upon arrival, an entry exemption document issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Except for Section 9(e) visa holders who are covered by a different testing and quarantine protocols, the entry of all other foreign nationals is subject to the following conditions:

With pre-booked accommodation for at least 7 nights in an accredited quarantine hotel/facility; and
Subject to COVID-19 testing at the quarantine hotel/facility on the 6th day from date of arrival.
The pre-booked accommodation for at least 7 nights in a quarantine hotel accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) shall be presented for initial check at the immigration counters. Those who fail to present a pre-booked accommodation will be denied entry and will be boarded immediately on the next available flight.

Travellers arriving at Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO) are required to submit a negative RT-PCR test, taken within 48 hours of their departure. Those arriving at DVO without the required test will not be permitted to leave the airport until testing has been arranged.

Those arriving from a high-risk place of origin or lay-over (as identified by the latest WHO guidelines) and those identified as having influenza-like symptoms by a Quarantine Medical Officer at the port of entry are subject to RT-PCR COVID-19 testing and stringent quarantine under the supervision of the Bureau of Quarantine until the test results are released. If negative they are subject to 14-day home quarantine. If positive, they are subject to hospital treatment followed by 14-day home quarantine.

Other foreign nationals are subject to Rapid Antibody testing and mandatory 14-day quarantine at an Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)-designated facility.

Entry requirements:

All holders of immigrant visas must present on arrival a valid Re-entry Permit (RP).
All holders of non-immigrant visas must present a Special Return Certificate (SRC).
All foreign nationals arriving in the Philippines must have a valid and existing visa at the time of entry, except for those qualified under the Balikbayan program
All foreign nationals travelling to the Philippines (except section 9(e) visa holders), regardless of origin, must have pre-booked accommodation for at least 6 nights in an accredited quarantine hotel/facility, and are subject to COVID-19 testing on the sixth day.
Unless the passenger exhibits symptoms at an earlier date while on quarantine, a COVID-19 PCR test will be conducted on the sixth day from date of arrival in the Philippines;
If the RT-PCR test yields a negative result, the passenger shall be endorsed to their local government units of destination who shall then coordinate transfer of said passenger from quarantine facility to the Local Government Unit (LGU) and strictly monitor the remainder of the fourteen-day quarantine through their respective Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams.
Outbound travel to countries with reported new variants is subject to the existing exit protocols of the Philippines as well as the entry protocols of the respective countries.
Passengers who only transited the airport in one of the above countries are exempted from facility-based quarantine and may be permitted home quarantine upon testing negative at the point of entry.
All unaccompanied minor Filipino citizens coming from the travel restriction countries are not permitted to enter except if returning under the repatriation programme.
Entry is subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry.

All PEZA-registered enterprises are enjoined to inform PEZA, through the Foreign Nationals Unit (PEZA-FNU) by email at fnu@peza.gov.ph, regarding the arrival of their foreign nationals, and their respective dependents if any, within 72 hours from entry to the Philippines, for monitoring purposes. Failure to report shall affect future requests for endorsements from said company.

All foreign nationals classified for mandatory quarantine who have not been subjected to RT-PCR COVID-19 testing shall undergo Rapid Antibody Testing at the end of the 14-day mandatory quarantine.

All inbound Filipino citizens including any foreign spouse and children, holders of Permanent Resident Visas, and holders of 9(e) Diplomat Visas issued by the Philippines Government will be allowed entry, subject to applicable quarantine procedures if coming from certain countries.

Exit Restrictions

All foreign nationals holding visas (apart from 9(a) visas) and departing from the Philippines but not holding an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) are required to obtain a Travel Pass from the same agency which issued their visa, valid for 30 days for a single use.

Philippines citizens are permitted to exit the country subject to the following guidelines:

For those travelling on tourist or short-term/visitor visas, submission of confirmed round-trip tickets and adequate travel and health insurance to cover travel disruptions and hospitalization in case of COVID-19 infection during their stay abroad;
Execution of a Bureau of Immigration Declaration acknowledging the risks involved in travelling, including risk of delay in their return trip, to be provided at the check-in counters by the airlines;
Pre-boarding COVID-19 testing is no longer required by the Philippines authorities. However, whenever required by the country of destination or the airline, a negative COVID-19 test result should be taken in accordance with the health and safety protocols of such destination country or airline; and
Upon return, they shall follow the Guidelines of the National Task Force (NTF) for Returning Overseas Filipinos.

Immigration

Effective 25 March operations at PEZA Head Office have been temporarily suspended in response to the recent significant surge in COVID-19 infections at the workplace. All onsite operations at PEZA Head Office are suspended until 7 April 2021, with skeleton staff permitted to operate at critical and essential units. Delays can be expected in the processing of applications filed at the PEZA Head Office as well as the Bureau of Immigration Extension Office at PEZA.

Clients are advised to access PEZA services online until 7 April 2021.
- Valued clients may contact the appropriate head of unit through email or through their mobile numbers posted at the PEZA website through this link: http://www.peza.gov.ph/index.php/covid19.
- Usual correspondences, submissions, applications and requests, including as Travel Pass applications and visa downgrading notices, may be sent through odgcbp@peza.gov.ph
- General inquiries may be sent through info@peza.gov.ph.
- For 47(a)(2) visa extension/renewal applications due for filing during the period of the temporary closure of PEZA from 25 March 2021 to 7 April 2021, the same may be initially filed online by submitting the scanned 47(a)(2) visa extension/renewal application documents to the Foreign Nationals Unit’s (FNU) email address at fnu@peza.gov.ph. Upon receipt of the scanned application documents, FNU will advise applicant by email as to the schedule of submission of the physical documents.

Effective 1 – 14 May 2021:

The National Capital Region (NCR), Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal, Santiago and Quirino, Abra and Ifugao are under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ).

Effective 1 – 31 May 2021:

The following are under General Community Quarantine (GCQ):
- Cordillera Administrative Region: Apayao, Baguio City, Benguet, Kalinga, Mt. Province
- Region II: Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya
- Region IV-A: Batangas and Quezon
- Puerto Princesa City
- Tacloban City
- Iligan City
- Davao City.
The rest of the country is under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ).

DOLE NCR requires that only the following forms, duly received and verified by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) are accepted as proof of issuance of Tax Identification Numbers (TIN).

DOLE NCR has stated that Order of Payment Slips (OPS) are only valid for 7 days.

After the 7-day validity period and if OPS is unpaid, the transaction number of the AEP application shall be cancelled accordingly and company or its authorized representative shall re-file the application because it will be deleted from the AEP system. Further, this may also entail submission of valid visa or business permit, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) accreditation and Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) registration which expired at the time of payment.
Applications are deemed accepted upon payment of fees and its processing shall commence accordingly.
A penalty may be imposed if payment was accepted beyond the fifteen (15) days allowable period of filing without penalty.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) will:

accept the submission for extension/renewal of expired visas upon submission of an affidavit of explanation for late submission;
accept the submission of affidavit of guarantee and other supporting documents in lieu of hearings in person for visa applications; o suspend the imposition of fines and mandatory penalties for non-filing, late filing and failure to comply with compulsory notifications and other reportorial requirements for visa application, Temporary Visitor’s Visa updating, downgrading and order to leave.

Holders of temporary visitor’s visas who have stayed in the country less than one year and who are departing the Philippines are temporarily allowed to acquire their Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) at the international airports. ECCs for those leaving for good must still be obtained from the Bureau of Immigration Main Office or Satellite Offices which are open.

Foreign nationals whose visas will expire during the duration of the ECQ are allowed to submit their applications for extension without penalties, provided that they submit their applications within thirty days from the lifting of the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

Biometrics capturing and fingerprinting, and the issuance of Special Security Registration Numbers (SSRNs) as requirements for processing of ECC are temporarily suspended. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) will still conduct derogatory records checking before issuing the ECC to ensure that any foreign national who wishes to leave the country has no pending case or has no pending obligation with the Philippine government.

Departing passengers with pending extension applications of their immigrant or non-immigrant visas will no longer be required to secure a Grace Period Order. In lieu of the Grace Period Order, the subject foreign nationals shall submit certain documents to the Immigration Officer (during departure formalities). The requirement for a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance for an Order to Leave is temporarily suspended.

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), balikbayans, and foreign nationals leaving for abroad through any of the ports in Luzon shall be allowed to leave the Philippines at any time for the duration of the Enhanced Community Quarantine, provided they meet certain criteria.

Travel restrictions are lifted for Balik-Manggagawa overseas Filipino Workers returning to mainland China except for Hubei province.

Russia

All travellers arriving from India will be tested for COVID-19 on arrival and must self-isolate on arrival until they receive a negative result.

Effective 15 April to 1 June 2021, flights to and from Turkey are limited and flights to and from Tanzania are suspended.

The suspension of flights between Russia and the UK is extended until at least 1 June 2021. All persons arriving in Russia from the UK are subject to 14-day self isolation.

Entry is permitted for all categories of foreign national for the purpose of work (not only Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) employees, as previously).The employer must apply to Rostrud for FSB entry permission.

Temporary restrictions on entry via land and waterway borders are lifted for the following categories of foreign national:

Family members of Russian citizens
Holders of permanent residence permits
Persons performing installation and technical support of equipment produced outside Russia.
HQS and their family members
Foreign nationals entering for the purpose of work.
Citizens of countries with which air traffic has reopened (entry permission form the FSB may be required)
Citizens of Abkhazia entering from Abkhazia
Citizens of South Ossetia, entering from South Ossetia.
Multiple entry is permitted for approved Highly-Qualified Specialists (HQS) and their family members.

Multiple entry is permitted for approved Highly-Qualified Specialists (HQS) and their family members.

Employers have to apply to the respective Ministry with a request to allow multiple entries for a particular foreign national highly-qualified specialist and any family members.
Employers can request multiple entries for the period up to 31 December 2021.

Russia has now lifted entry restrictions for citizens and permanent residents of the following “green list” countries:

Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, Germany, Greece, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Qatar, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam (and the United Kingdom – suspended until 16 April 2021).
These individuals are eligible to obtain invitations and visas of all types.
Effective 16 April 2021, entry to Russia is now permitted for citizens and permanent residents of these countries (including those with suspended or limited flights – Tanzania, Turkey and the UK) travelling from other green-list countries.
Note that the decree does not lift the current restrictions on obtaining invitations and work permits for foreign nationals who are currently abroad. To obtain these documents, it is still necessary to include such foreign nationals in the state approved lists.
Entry into Russia remains limited to air travel.

Simplified entry by air from Belarus and Armenia for citizens of the Eurasian Economic Union countries (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan) is extended indefinitely.

Entry is permitted by direct flight from the country of citizenship or residence or from Armenia, Belarus or Kyrgyzstan without FSB permission.
Upon entry they will need to provide valid ID documents as well as proof of a negative COVID-19 test completed not more than 3 days before, reflected in the mobile application “Путешествую без COVID-19” (Travelling without COVID-19).
A completed questionnaire must be presented for boarding.

Foreign national applicants for entry permission can check the status of their application online by registering at the government services portal (http://www.gosuslugi.ru/).

Entry to Russia for foreign citizens is currently only allowed for citizens and residents of the open countries (see below) travelling by air from those countries and approved Highly Qualified Specialist employees (and their family members) from any country.

If the employee (and family) have already entered Russia in 2020 on the basis of permission granted from the Federal Security Services, it will not be necessary to apply for entry permission to enter Russia before 10 January 2021.

Foreign nationals, as well as family members, re-entering Russia after spending New Year and Christmas holidays abroad up and until 10 January 2021, must provide a negative COVID-19 test result. Results should be in Russian or English (or both) and confirm a negative test performed via the PCR method, which must be completed no earlier than 3 days before entering the Russian Federation.

Entry is permitted for the following categories of foreign national:

Holders of standard work permits;
Highly-qualified specialist (HQS) employees
The family members of HQS employees
Participants in sports events and their family members
Foreign national close family members (spouses, parents, children), guardians or trustees of Russian citizens on presentation of proof of relationship, travelling with their Russian citizen family member.
Permanent residents;
Diplomats and other officials and their family members;
Persons holding private visas related to the death of close relatives;
Persons transiting through air border checkpoints without crossing the Russian border;
Participants in the state program for relocation of compatriots living abroad, provided they have valid ID documents recognized as such by Russian Federation as well as a certificate of participation (and their family members);
Persons, participating in installation and technical support of foreign equipment:
Based on single-entry ordinary work visas with the purpose of entry “installation works”, valid for stays of up to 90 days;
No work permit or employment contract is required.
Change of crew on sea and river vessels staying in Russian ports;
- Quality control of equipment produced by Russian companies and supplied according to the contracts, signed for atomic energy facilities situated abroad as well as according to the international agreements and provided such persons are listed on special requests from State Corporation Rosatom to the Federal Security Service and the Internal Affairs Ministry;
Certification of new aircraft and technical support of companies using aircraft produced in Russia, provided such persons are listed on special requests sent from the Ministry of Trade and Industry to the Federal Security Service and the Internal Affairs Ministry.

Entry is now permitted for highly qualified specialist (HQS) employees.

Employers must prepare a list of foreign-national HQS employees, which must be approved by the respective Ministry and by the Federal Security Service and Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.
It is now possible to obtain a work permit and visa invitation letter for HQS employees approved in this way.
Visa invitation letter issued before 18 March 2020 are no longer accepted by Russian consulates.
HQS employees must present a valid labour or services contract with a Russian employer or customer on entry and will be subject to health requirements on entry.

The inviting entity (company or individual) must:

Provide the foreign national with its contact details;
Guarantee to provide financial, medical and accommodation security according to letters of guarantee provided during the arrangement of invitation letters;
Perform the stipulated actions to assist the foreign national to fulfil their purpose of entry (i.e. arrange business meetings, sign an employment or services contract and a workplace, arrange for studies, carry out migration registration or accommodation rental etc.)
Inform the MIA of Russia, within 2 business days, if it loses contact with the foreign national.

Foreign nationals permitted to enter Russia must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from a test done no more than 72 hours prior to arrival.

The post-arrival COVID-19 testing option has been removed.
If it is impossible to present test results in English or Russian language, they can be issued in the official language of the country where the medical institution is registered. In this case the translation must be certified by a Russian consular officer.
Before crossing the border, foreign nationals are required to complete the questionnaire for arrivals. A questionnaire example is available on the official website of Rospotrebnadzor.
14-day quarantine is still required for all persons arriving in Russia.
Employers are required to inform their foreign employees of these requirements and ensure that they comply.
Russian citizens must undergo examination within 3 days of their return to the country and upload the results to the official State Services website.
Russian citizens must register as arrivals on the official State Services website (before flight check-in), and also complete a paper application (before crossing the border).

Applicants for a work permit, work patent, temporary residence permit (TRP) or permanent residence permit (PRP) (but not for an HQS work permit) must submit negative COVID-19 test results (in addition to the test results that are already required).

Foreign nationals are permitted to enter Russia to receive medical treatment or to take care of their sick close relatives. Also, Russian citizens can exit Russia to receive medical treatment or to care for sick close relatives, to visit foreign national family members who live permanently abroad, to work or study abroad. It is possible to benefit from these new entry and exit permissions once only.

The following categories of Russian citizens are now exempt from the closure of land borders:

Diplomats and officials and their family members;
Drivers and crew members;
Russian citizens exiting Russia, in connection to the death of a close relative;
Those permanently residing on the territory of Kaliningradskaya region, travelling by train through Russia to Kaliningradskaya region and back, provided they can demonstrate permanent registration in Kaliningrad (stamp in their passport);
Those permanently residing on the territories of Donetsk and Lugansk, provided they have Russian passport;
Military personnel;
Employees of organizations, which are involved in the building of crucial energy infrastructure on the territories of foreign countries in accordance with international agreements of Russian Federation in the sphere of nuclear power.
Those who have citizenship or permanent residence in a foreign country for a one-way trip to their place of permanent residence.

Foreign nationals are permitted to exit Russia but will not be allowed to re-enter.

Visa issuance is suspended at Russian consulates, except for diplomats, officials, transport crews and those travelling with their Russian citizen family members.

Previously lodged applications may be issued or may be returned without issuance, depending on the consulate and the date of submission. Electronic visa issuance is also suspended.

Immigration Concessions

Companies in Russia owning or using foreign equipment may apply for an invitation letter for foreign specialists to enter with the purpose of “technical support” installation and technical servicing of foreign equipment). For foreign nationals already in Russia on a technical support visa, the inviting company can submit an application for a work permit (highly qualified specialist or standard) for the foreign specialist.

The suspension of terms for foreign citizens has been extended until 15 June 2021.

All types of visas, migration cards, permanent and temporary residence permits (PRP and TRP) expiring in the period 15 March 2020 to 15 June 2021 are automatically extended for 458 calendar days after the expiration date;
- This does not apply to HQS work permits, standard work permits, corporate work permits and work patents. Holders of these immigration documents and their employers have to submit an extension application in the standard manner. Work patents can be renewed without the holder first leaving Russia;
- This applies only to citizens (permanent residents) of countries with which transport communications have not yet been restored.
- Holders of immigration documents which expired in the period 15 March 2020 to 15 June 2021 who are citizens of countries with which transport communications have been restored have 90 days from 17 December or from the date when transport communications are restored to depart from Russia. No additional immigration documents will have to be obtained in such cases.
It is expected (but not confirmed) that between 15 March 2020 and 15 June 2021, it is not necessary to apply for extension of address registration, except in the case of change of place of stay in Russia, and arrival from abroad.
The period of suspension of the six-month permitted stay abroad for PRP and TRP holders, and for participants of the state program for relocation of compatriots living abroad, is also extended until 15 June 2021.
Foreign nationals who have not extended their migration documents in time before 15 March 2020 and who apply to the territorial offices of the Internal Affairs Ministry or were stopped by police, will be photographed, their fingerprints will be taken, they will be registered at the address of their stay and Migration Cards will be issued to them if necessary.
The period for voluntary exit for deportation, readmission and administrative removal cases is extended until 15 December.
Foreign citizens whose passports expire during this period can exit Russia to their country of citizenship without transit through third countries;
During this period, decisions will not be taken on undesirability of stay, administrative removal, deportation, readmission or annulment of immigration status in relation to foreign citizens.
Visa-free nationals can apply for a work patent irrespective of the set deadlines for submitting such applications and irrespective of the purpose of the visit indicated in their migration card;
Employers of foreign nationals who entered Russia from visa-required countries can apply for work permits for them irrespective of the purpose of entry, provided the employer has a valid corporate work permit.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs will accept extension applications for work permits, visas and visa-free stays for up to 90 days, even if already expired, and initial work permits, for foreign nationals already in Russia before 18 March. Administrative penalties will not be applied. Exit visas will also be issued if required. Also accepted are applications for highly-qualified specialist work permits, work visa extensions, employment contract and salary notifications, address registration, work patents, temporary and permanent residence permits and citizenship.

Singapore

Effective 7 May 2021, 23:59 hours:

Border measures that apply to incoming travellers will be determined based on the travellers’ recent travel history in the past 21 days, rather than 14 days.
All travellers with recent travel history to higher risk countries/regions (all countries/regions except Australia, Brunei Darussalam, mainland China, New Zealand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao) will be required to serve 21-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities. Travellers who are currently serving 14-day SHN and have yet to complete their SHN by 7 May 2021, 2359 hours, will be required to serve an additional 7-days at their current SHN location to minimise movement and risk of transmission.
Travellers who have stayed in Fiji and Vietnam in the last 14 days before arrival in Singapore were previously allowed to opt out of serving 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities. From 7 May 2021, 2359 hours, travellers who have stayed in these countries in the past consecutive 21 days before arrival in Singapore will be subjected to 21-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities, with the option to serve the last 7 days at their place of residence. Those whohave yet to complete their 14-day SHN by 7 May 2021, 2359 hours can complete their remaining 14-day SHN at their current SHN location and serve their additional 7-days at their place of residence, instead of at dedicated SHN facilities.
Travellers from the UK, South Africa, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka who are currently required to serve 21-day SHN will be required to serve the full duration of the SHN at dedicated SHN facilities. Travellers who have yet to complete their 21-day SHN by 7 May 2021, 2359 hours, will have to complete their 21-day SHN at their current SHN location to minimise movement and risk of transmission.
Travellers serving 21-day SHN will undergo COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests on-arrival, on Day 14 of their SHN, and before the end of their 21-day SHN period.

Effective 1 May 2021, entry and transit are suspended for all long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history in the last 14 days to Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan or Sri Lanka.

This also applies to those who had obtained prior approval for entry to Singapore;
All travellers with recent travel history to Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka who have yet to complete their 14-day SHN by 2 May 2021 will need to complete an additional 7-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities. They will undergo COVID-19 PCR tests on arrival, on Day 14 of their SHN, and another test before the end of their 21-day SHN period.
Travellers from Sri Lanka are also allowed to opt out to serve SHN at their place of residence if they fulfil the criteria: (i) travelled to no other country/region in the last 14 days and (ii) occupying their place of residence alone or with household members with same travel history and duration of SHN.

Effective 2 May 2021, all travellers entering Singapore who have a travel history in the past 14 days to Thailand are required to serve a 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated SHN facilities. They will no longer be allowed to opt out of dedicated SHN facilities, even if they have obtained approval to opt-out earlier.

Travellers from Fiji and Vietnam are still allowed to apply to opt out of dedicated SHN facilities and serve their 14-day SHN at their place of residence, if they fulfil the following criteria:
- Travelled to no other country/region than above-mentioned countries5, in the last consecutive 14 days prior to entry; and
- Are occupying their place of residence (i.e., residential address) alone, or only with household members who are also persons serving SHN with the same travel history and duration of SHN.

Singapore and Hong Kong have agreed to set 26 May 2021 as the launch date of the Singapore – Hong Kong Air Travel Bubble (ATB).

Travellers on the ATB must have remained in either Singapore or Hong Kong in the last 14 days prior to departure, and the 14 days period must exclude any time spent in quarantine or Stay-Home Notice (SHN) arising from their last return to Singapore or Hong Kong from overseas. In addition, they must now download and install Hong Kong’s Leave Home Safe (LHS) app on their mobile devices prior to leaving Singapore for Hong Kong.
Holders of Work Permits or S-Passes issued by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower working in the construction, marine shipyard, or process sectors are excluded from travelling from Singapore to Hong Kong on the ATB
Hong Kong requires its residents to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before departing on the ATB flights (i.e. after 14 days upon receiving two doses of COVID-19 vaccine). This requirement does not apply to Hong Kong residents:
- aged below 16;
- not suitable for COVID-19 vaccination due to medical grounds;
- with less than 90 days’ stay in Hong Kong before departure; or
- using non-Hong Kong travel documents for departure.
Other requirements include undergoing COVID-19 pre-departure and onarrival PCR tests in lieu of quarantine or SHN, and travel on designated ATB flights.
There will be no restrictions on the purpose of travel and no requirements for a controlled itinerary or sponsorship.
Interested travellers must travel only on designated ATB flights operated by Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific.

Effective 23 April 2021 23:59hrs, until further notice:

All long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history, including transit, through India within the last 14 days will not be allowed entry into, or transit through, Singapore, even if they have received Entry Approvals.
Only Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents will be allowed entry into Singapore from India.
All travellers who have arrived from India are subject to an additional 7-day Stay Home Notice (SHN) at the SHN Dedicated Facilities (SDF), making a total of 21 days.
The cost of the 21-day SHN at the SDF is about SGD 3000, not including the cost of the COVID-19 PCR tests.
Non-Singapore citizens and non-Singapore PRs who have arrived in Singapore before 23 April 23:59hrs must take the pre-travel COVID-19 PCR test, on-arrival COVID-19 PCR test and 2 COVID-19 PCR tests before the end of the 21-day SHN (total of 4 COVID-19 PCR tests).
Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents need only take the COVID-19 PCR test on-arrival at Changi International Airport, on Day 14 and on Day 20 of their SHN (total of 3 COVID-19 PCR tests).
Please note that all travellers (or their employers) are required to register and pay for the on-arrival COVID-19 PCR test (where required) here before their departure to Singapore.

Effective 22 April 2021:

The SHN period for travellers who have remained in Hong Kong for the last 14 consecutive days is reduced from 14 days to 7 days.
- The SHN can be served at the place of residence if suitable.
- They will be subjected to an on-arrival COVID-19 PCR test and another PCR test before the end of their 7-day SHN.
- Non-Singapore citizens and non-Singapore PRs must also obtain an Entry Approval before entry.
Entry and transit are permitted for all Long-Term Pass holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history to the UK and South Africa.
- All travellers from the UK and South Africa will need to serve a 14-day SHN at a SDF, and the consecutive 7-day SHN must be served at their place of residence (occupied only by the traveller and any family members) or at a hotel.
- They will be tested on arrival and at the end of their SHN (as per the current requirement), and again after they have completed their 7-day SHN period.
- Non-Singapore citizens and non-Singapore PRs must also obtain an Entry Approval before entry and present a negative result of a predeparture COVID-19 test, taken within 72 hours before departure.
Fully vaccinated individuals are permitted to travel to higher-risk countries/ regions as part of an official delegation.
- They are subject to a stringent testing and self-isolation regime;
- They must adhere to a strict event-by-event controlled itinerary while overseas, and undergo COVID-19 PCR tests on-arrival, and on Day 3, Day 7 and Day 14 of their return. As an added precaution, these travellers will also be required to undergo a 7-day self-isolation period at home (or in a hotel) upon return. They may only leave their place of accommodation to commute to the PCR test site or to the workplace for essential work that cannot be done remotely.
- Travellers who are not fully-vaccinated will continue to be subjected to prevailing border measures upon their return.

Applications for entry approvals for Employment Pass (EP), S Pass in manufacturing/services sector, Training Employment Pass (TEP), Personalised Employment Pas (PEP) with employers, Work Holiday Pass (WHP), EntrePass with CorpPass, including those on In-Principle Approval (IPA) or Letter of Consent (LOC), and their dependents must be submitted using the SafeTravel portal under the Work Pass Holder General Lane.

Those holding a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) granted by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and also holding a Letter of Consent (LOC) granted by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) must apply under the Familial Ties Lane.
The outcome will be available instantly once the entry approval application is submitted.
Companies employing workers in the construction, marine shipyard or process (CMP) sector on a Work permit, Training Work Permit or S Pass, or IPA for any of these 3 passes, and not entering with dependents, should still request entry approval here.

From 13 February 2021:

Singapore Citizens (SCs), Permanent Residents (PRs) and Long-Term Pass holders entering Singapore with travel history to Vietnam within the last 14 days before departure for Singapore, are subject to an on-arrival COVID-19 PCR test, 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities, and a PCR test before the end of the SHN period;
Short-term travellers holding an Air Travel Pass (ATP) with travel history to Vietnam within the last 14 days before departure for Singapore, are not allowed to enter Singapore. o All travellers who are not SCs or PRs will need to take a COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours before departure. These travellers are still required to undergo an On-Arrival Test (OAT) and serve their SHN upon arrival and be tested at the end of SHN.
Travellers from Vietnam are allowed to opt out of dedicated SHN facilities and serve their 14-day SHN at their place of residence, if they fulfil the following criteria:
- Travelled to no other country/region than above-mentioned country/region [1], in the last consecutive 14 days prior to entry; and
- Are occupying their place of residence (i.e. residential address) alone, or only with household members who are also persons serving SHN with the same travel history and duration of SHN.
- The COVID-19 tests will continue to be administered before the end of the SHN.

SCs, PRs and Long-Term Pass holders returning from New South Wales, Australia will undergo a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival at the airport in lieu of a 7-day SHN, and if the result is negative, they will be allowed to go about their activities in Singapore.

Short-term visitors travelling from NSW, Australia can also apply for an ATP for entry into Singapore on or after 16 February 2021. They will undergo a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival at the airport in lieu of a 7-day SHN, and if the result is negative, they will be allowed to go about their activities in Singapore.

The post-Stay Home Notice (SHN) 7-day testing regime has been extended to all newly-arrived Work permit and S Pass workers in Construction, Marine and Process (CMP) sectors from higher-risk countries/regions.

This will apply to Work Permit and S Pass holders (including those with In-Principle Approval (IPA) letters) from CMP sectors, as well as FDWs and CNs who are issued with an entry approval by MOM and are subject to a 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities on arrival.
Previously only those headed to dormitories needed to be subject to the additional 7-days testing.
Foreign domestic workers (FDW) and confinement workers (CW) who have recent travel history to higher-risk countries/regions will have to take an OnArrival Serology test. This is in addition to the On-Arrival Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test requirement already in place from 24 January 2021.

The Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL)/Fast Lane arrangements with Germany, Malaysia and South Korea are suspended between 1 February and 30 April 2021.

Travellers who have received approval to enter Singapore under the RGL arrangements from these 3 countries can still do so.
The RGL arrangements with Indonesia and Japan remain suspended.
The RGL arrangements with Brunei Darussalam and with selected cities in mainland China (Chongqing, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Tianjin and Zhejiang) are not affected.

Visitors applying to enter Singapore under the Air Travel Pass (ATP) and Reciprocal Green Lanes (RGLs) will need to have travel insurance for their COVID-19-related medical treatment and hospitalisation costs in Singapore, with a minimum coverage of S$30,000.

All travellers who are not Singapore citizens (SC) or Permanent Residents (PR), except those from lower-risk countries/regions, are required to present a negative result of a pre-departure PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure.

Only travellers aged 6 years old and below are exempted from the predeparture COVID-19 PCR test requirement.

All travellers who are not Singapore citizens (SC) or Permanent Residents (PR), except those from lower-risk countries/regions, are required to take a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival.

For arrivals at the airport, employers must book and make payment for the onarrival tests ($160 per person including GST) at https://safetravel.changiairport.com before their In-Principle Approval (IPA) / pass holders arrive in Singapore. Otherwise, the company’s subsequent entry approval requests may be rejected.
Other travellers are strongly encouraged to register and pre-pay for their onarrival COVID-19 PCR test prior to departing for Singapore at https://safetravel.changiairport.com.

All travellers, including Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, will need to take a PCR test on arrival.

Returning Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents with recent travel history to South Africa or the United Kingdom within the last 14 days are required to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival in Singapore, then undergo a 14-day SHN at dedicated facilities. This will be followed by an additional 7-day self-isolation at their place of residence. Another COVID19 swab test will be administered after the SHN period and again after the 7- day self-isolation. These test requirements do not apply to those who are only transiting through Singapore.

All long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history to South Africa or the United Kingdom within the last 14 days will not be allowed entry into Singapore, or transit through Singapore. This restriction will apply to those who have obtained prior approval for entry into Singapore.

Malaysian Citizens holding Singapore Permanent Resident status who are working in Singapore are eligible to apply for the Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) Scheme.

As of 1 January 2021, the Singapore government will no longer cover the cost of COVID-19 treatment for pass holders if they develop COVID-19 symptoms or test positive within the first 14 days of their arrival. This is regardless of when the pass holders left Singapore.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has introduced a new Entry Requirement. For all Work Permit, Training Work Permit and S Pass holders entering Singapore from 1 January 2021, employers are required to buy a 14- day COVID medical insurance which must meet these requirements:
- Has a coverage of at least $10,000 for medical expenses if the worker develops COVID-19 symptoms or test positive within the first 14 days of arrival in Singapore; and
- Includes coverage for workers on In-Principle Approval (IPA) Letters.
After the workers have obtained MOM’s Entry Approval, employers must buy the insurance before they arrive in Singapore.
The Entry Approval request forms will require employers to declare that employers of Work Permit, Training Work Permit and S pass holders will purchase the appropriate medical insurance before the traveller arrives in Singapore.
Employers should check that they have purchased the appropriate Medical Insurance.
For all other pass holders (e.g. Employment Pass holders or dependants), they are encouraged to buy Medical Insurance with the appropriate coverage before entering Singapore as they are responsible for their own medical expenses if they develop COVID-19 symptoms or test positive within 14 days of arrival in Singapore.
Employers are advised to familiarise themselves with the additional requirements and responsibilities to bring pass holders into Singapore before seeking Entry Approval from the MOM. More details about the mandatory insurance requirement for COVID-19 related medical expenses can be found in the list of frequently asked questions.

Arrivals from South Korea:

All travellers who have a travel history (including transit) in the past 14 days to South Korea will be required to serve a 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities (rather than at a suitable place of residence).
The 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities also applies to returning Singapore-based travellers under the Singapore-ROK Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL).

Arrivals from Australia:

All travellers from Australia will be required to declare their travel history prior to boarding;
Singapore Citizens (SCs), Permanent Residents (PRs) and Long-Term Pass holders entering Singapore with travel history to NSW, Australia within the last 14 days before departure for Singapore, will be subject to a 7-day SHN at their place of residence with a COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test before the end of the SHN period.
Short-term travellers holding an Air Travel Pass with travel history to NSW, Australia, within the last 14 days before departure for Singapore, will not be allowed to enter Singapore.
All other travellers departing from Australia who have been in Australia (excluding NSW) in the last 14 days prior to travel will continue to be subject to a COVID-19 test upon arrival at the airport, in lieu of their SHN.

The new Connect@Singapore initiative will permit a limited number of business, official and high-economic-value travellers from all countries to enter for short-term stays of up to 14 days.

Travellers will be required to undergo an enhanced testing regime. They will have to present a valid negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test prior to leaving their home country, obtain a PCR test on arrival in Singapore, and Antigen Rapid Tests (ART) on days 3, 5, 7, and 11, insofar as the traveller remains accommodated in the facility.
Travellers entering Singapore under the initiative will be required to stay within a “bubble” at appointed facilities. These facilities will have to put in place measures to separate travellers under this initiative from other individuals. For example, while travellers will be allowed to meet with local visitors, there will be floor-to-ceiling dividers separating travellers from local visitors. Staff working in the appointed facilities will undergo routine testing.
Within the appointed facilities, travellers will have to stay within their predeclared travel group of up to five travellers. They will not be allowed to mingle with other travellers outside of this group. They will also have to abide by all prevailing national SMMs, and use Trace Together and Safe Entry.

Visitors entering Singapore who have remained in Taiwan in the last consecutive 14 days prior to entry can apply for an Air Travel Pass (ATP) at no charge between 7 and 30 days before their intended date of entry into Singapore.

The Air Travel Pass is valid for single entry into Singapore anytime from the visitor’s intended date of entry and up to seven calendar days after.
Visitors who hold a visa-required passport must separately obtain a valid visa prior to departure for Singapore, after receiving their Air Travel Pass approval. Such visitors are strongly encouraged to apply for their Air Travel Pass early.
If the visitor already has an existing valid visa which has been suspended due to COVID-19, ICA will lift the suspension and there is no need to obtain a new visa.
Air Travel Pass holders must submit their health, travel history, and accommodation declarations electronically via the SG Arrival Card, no earlier than three days prior to his/her date of arrival in Singapore.
When checking in at the departure airport, the visitor must present to the airline staff:
- a valid Air Travel Pass approval letter (electronic or physical copy) for the specified period of entry into Singapore;
- a valid visa (for visa-required passport holders); and
- a mobile device with the TraceTogether app downloaded.
They are not required to serve a Stay Home Notice (SHN).
- Instead, travellers will undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival at the airport and only be allowed to go about their activities in Singapore after waiting in isolation (1-2 days) to receive the test result.
- Travellers are encouraged to register and pre-pay for the COVID-19 swab test before travelling.
- Travellers must book accommodation in advance to serve the isolation period.
- Children aged 12 years old or younger in that calendar year are not required to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test at the airport upon arrival in Singapore.
Returning Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass holders do not need to apply for an Air Travel Pass (ATP).
- However, Long-Term Pass holders still need to apply for Entry Approval / Approval Letter of Entry (ALE) and undergo a COVID-19 swab test on arrival.

All travellers entering Singapore who have a travel history in the past 14 days to Malaysia are required to serve a 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated SHN facilities.

This requirement also applies to travellers entering Singapore to work under the Periodic Commuting Arrangement and returning Singapore-based travellers under the Singapore – Malaysia Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL).

All travellers (except Singapore citizens (SC) and permanent residents (PRs) entering Singapore who have a travel history in the past 14 days to Malaysia are required to take a COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure.

This requirement does not apply for returning Singapore-based travellers under the Singapore – Malaysia RGL. However, they are required to take a COVID-19 PCR test before they complete the 14-day SHN.
Currently, travellers who are not Singapore citizens or Permanent Residents, and have recent travel history to Sabah state of Malaysia within the last 14 days prior to entry into Singapore, are required to take a COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours before departure.

The inaugural flights under the Air Travel Bubble (ATB) agreement with Hong Kong have been postponed until early 2021.

Meanwhile, travellers with a travel history in the past 14 days to Hong Kong from Hong Kong and with valid entry approvals may still travel to Singapore on non-ATB flights.
Such travellers are subject to a 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) upon entry into Singapore, as well as a COVID-19 swab test before the end of their SHN.
Travellers from Hong Kong are permitted to opt out of dedicated SHN facilities and serve their 14-day SHN at their place of residence, if they fulfil the following criteria:
- Travelled to no other country/region than Fiji, South Korea, Sri Lanka and Thailand, in the last consecutive 14 days prior to entry; and
- Are occupying their place of residence (i.e. residential address) alone, or only with household members who are also persons serving SHN with the same travel history and duration of SHN.
- There is no one ordinarily residing at the place of residence (e.g. domestic helper) who does not share the same travel history, and the traveller has already made all necessary arrangements to ensure that any such person will not reside at the place of residence until the conclusion of the SHN period.
For non-resident foreign nationals, the request to opt out of serving the SHN at the dedicated SHN facilities should be indicated when the Entry Approval request to Singapore is submitted.
Travellers serving SHN at their own place of residence will be issued with an electronic monitoring device at the checkpoints, after immigration clearance. They will need to activate the electronic monitoring device upon reaching their place of residence. If the device is not activated as required, the authorities will follow up to determine their location, and assist to resolve any technical difficulties, or take enforcement action, as the case may be.
All travellers (except Singapore citizens and permanent residents) must undergo a COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours before travel at a testing centre recognised by the Hong Kong government and obtain a certificate in English stating a negative result.

Travellers from Fiji, Hong Kong, South Korea, Sri Lanka and Thailand who have visited no other country in the last consecutive 14 days can opt out of dedicated Stay Home Notice (SHN) facilities and serve their 14-day SHN at their place of residence instead.

They must be occupying the place of residence alone or only with household members who are also serving the same duration of SHN with the same travel history.
For Singapore Citizens (SCs) and Permanent Residents (PRs), the application to opt out must be made prior to arrival via the Safe Travel Office website.
Travellers who are not SCs or PRs may apply to opt out as part of the entry approval process.
All travellers must present the approval to opt out upon arrival in Singapore.
As the list of countries will be updated from time to time depending on the public health risk assessment.
All travellers who opt to stay at their place of residence for SHN must remain in their declared place of residence at all times. They will be subject to close monitoring of their whereabouts, through electronic monitoring as well as physical spot-checks. Such travellers will also be required to utilise specially designated transport services from the checkpoint to their place of residence and to their respective testing facilities and bear the costs for these transport arrangements. Strict enforcement action will be taken against those who breach the requirements of the SHN or make false declarations.

From January 1st:

All returning SCs and PRs who last left Singapore before 27 March 2020 will be responsible for the cost of stay at dedicated SHN facilities.
All returning SCs and PRs and Long-Term Pass Holders (LPTH) who last left Singapore before 27 March 2020 as well as new SCs/PRs/LTPHs will also be responsible for their inpatient medical bills should they develop symptoms within 14 days of their arrival in Singapore. They will be able to use regular healthcare arrangements for their inpatient medical bills.

Short-term visitors who require a visa to enter Singapore can apply for visas though a local contact, Singapore overseas mission, or authorised visa agent. Visitors who had already been issued with visas which are still valid, as well as those who are eligible for the visa-free transit facility, do not need to re-apply/ apply.

Note that possession of a valid visa alone does not guarantee entry into Singapore. All short-term visitors must still seek prior approval via appropriate COVID-19 travel channels (e.g. obtain a Safe Travel Pass under Green/Fast Lane arrangements, or Air Travel Pass) before they can enter Singapore. More information will be available at ICA’s website (https://www.ica.gov.sg/covid-19).

Travellers from Macau, China and Taiwan are required to serve a reduced SHN of 7 days at their place of residence. A COVID-19 test will be administered before the end of the 7-day SHN.

Singapore Citizens and Permanent Resident may serve their 7-day SHN at their place of residence. Long-Term Pass holders may serve their 7-day SHN at a place of residence that they or their family members own or are sole tenants of, or in suitable accommodations such as a hotel.
All incoming travellers, including Singapore Citizens, Singapore PRs, Student Pass holders, Work Pass holders and their related dependants (including IPA holders) entering Singapore, who will be serving their SHN outside of SHN dedicated facilities (SDFs) need to wear an electronic monitoring device throughout the 14-day SHN. Those aged 12 and below will be exempted from this requirement

Travellers arriving directly from Australia, Brunei, China, New Zealand, and Taiwan, who have remained in these countries in the last consecutive 14 days prior to entry, will undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival, in lieu of serving SHN.

These travellers are strongly encouraged to register and pre-pay for their post-arrival COVID-19 PCR test prior to departure for Singapore here.

All other incoming travellers will continue to serve their 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities and will be subject to a test before the end of the SHN.

Existing travel conditions, including adherence to SHN requirements and applying for relevant approvals before entering Singapore, continue to apply.
Travel conditions under specific travel arrangements (such as Green/Fast Lane arrangements and Periodic Commuting Arrangement with Malaysia), will also continue to apply.

All travellers (including Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents) with recent travel history to India within the last 14 days are required to take a serology test (non-fasting blood test) during the 14-day SHN period, instead of the COVID-19 swab test. However, depending on the results of the serology test, a COVID-19 swab test may still be required before the end of the SHN period.

Travellers entering Singapore who have remained in either Australia, Brunei, China, New Zealand, or Taiwan in the last consecutive 14 days prior to entry must apply for an Air Travel Pass (ATP) at no charge between 7 and 30 days before their intended date of entry into Singapore.

The Air Travel Pass is valid for single entry into Singapore anytime from the visitor’s intended date of entry and up to seven calendar days after.
Visitors who hold a visa-required passport must separately obtain a valid visa prior to departure for Singapore, after receiving their Air Travel Pass approval. Such visitors are strongly encouraged to apply for their Air Travel Pass early.
If the visitor already has an existing valid visa which has been suspended due to COVID-19, ICA will lift the suspension and there is no need to obtain a new visa.
Air Travel Pass holders must submit their health, travel history, and accommodation declarations electronically via the SG Arrival Card, no earlier than three days prior to his/her date of arrival in Singapore.
When checking in at the departure airport, the visitor must present to the airline staff:
- a valid Air Travel Pass approval letter (electronic or physical copy) for the specified period of entry into Singapore;
- a valid visa (for visa-required passport holders); and
- a mobile device with the TraceTogether app downloaded.
They are not required to serve a Stay Home Notice (SHN).
- Instead, travellers will undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival at the airport and only be allowed to go about their activities in Singapore after waiting in isolation (1-2 days) to receive the test result.
- Travellers are encouraged to register and pre-pay for the COVID-19 swab test before travelling.
- Travellers must book accommodation in advance to serve the isolation period.
- Children aged 12 years old or younger in that calendar year are not required to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test at the airport upon arrival in Singapore.
Returning Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass holders do not need to apply for an Air Travel Pass (ATP).
- However, Long-Term Pass holders still need to apply for Entry Approval / Approval Letter of Entry (ALE) and undergo a COVID-19 swab test on arrival.

Senior executives based in Singapore with regional or international responsibilities who need to travel regularly for official and business purposes can apply for a Business Travel Pass (BTP).

Travellers on this pass can be required to abide by a strict, controlled itinerary when they travel overseas for work.
Upon return, the traveller will be undergo an on-arrival COVID-19 PCR test (OAT) in lieu of a Stay-Home-Notice (SHN) and self-isolate until a negative test result is received.
BTP travellers are required to use TraceTogether, avoid all forms of public transport within 14 days of return, comply with safe management measures at their workplace and abide by all other prevailing measures applicable to local residents.
Travellers on this scheme are now required to undergo COVID-19 PCR Tests on Day 3, Day 7 and Day 14 of their return. An additional serology test will also be required on Day 3. Travellers are also to avoid events with more than 8 attendees within 14 days of returning to Singapore.

Singapore and Brunei Darussalam have reopened the border between the two countries to residents of each country for short-term essential business and official purposes via a Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL).

Travellers of any nationality, resident in Brunei, who have remained in Brunei for at least 14 days prior to departure for Singapore, must be sponsored by a Singapore government agency or Singapore-based company, which will file an application for a SafeTravel Pass.
Once the SafeTravel Pass is issued:
- Visa-required applicants can apply for a visa through the usual channels;
- Visa-exempt applicants do not need to obtain a visa;
- If the applicant already has a valid visa, the visa suspension will be lifted when the SafeTravel Pass is approved.
Pre-departure, the approved SafeTravel Pass traveller will have to:
- electronically submit pre-trip health and travel history declarations and declare his/her accommodation in Singapore via the SG Arrival Card, before departing for Singapore.
- Take a COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure.
On arrival, the travellers will undertake a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival at their own expense and remain in accommodation, sourced by the receiving enterprise or government agency, for 1 or 2 days until they receive their test results.

Singapore and Malaysia have reopened the border between the two countries to certain types of travellers:

The Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) will allow holders of longterm immigration passes for business or work in the other country to cross the border.
- Eligible travellers utilizing the PCA should remain in the other country for work for at least 90 days, after which they are permitted to return to their home country for a short period of time, and then re-enter their country of work for at least an additional three months – no daily commuting is allowed.
- The entry and exit between Singapore and Malaysia must be via Woodlands Checkpoint or Tuas Checkpoint in Singapore.
- Singapore work pass holders approved under the PCA scheme will serve at least 7-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) and undertake a COVID19 PCR test.
Travellers crossing the border through either of these routes will be subject to entry health screening and testing requirements, including undergoing a COVID-19 PCR test.

Residents in China of all nationalities who are seeking to make essential business or official travel to Singapore may apply for a SafeTravel Pass, allowing Green / Fast lane entry and quarantine rules.

The SafeTravel Pass is valid for a single entry within the stipulated week.
The host company in Singapore can self-sponsor and submit the application for a SafeTravel Pass on behalf of the traveller directly or through a sponsoring government agency, between 20 and 5 working days before the day of the traveller’s planned departure.
If approved, an approval letter will be issued to the applicant as well as to the sponsor (company or Singapore government agency) within 3 working days. With this letter, an approved applicant who is a visa-required passport holder will proceed to apply for a visa for travel to Singapore through the usual channels at least 4 working days before departure. If the applicant already has an existing valid visa, the visa suspension will be lifted when the SafeTravel Pass is approved, and he or she need not apply for a new visa. The applicant can check his/her visa status through https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/esvclandingpage/save. Those who do not require a visa prior to the COVID-19 pandemic will not need to apply for a visa for fast lane travel. These include passport holders from countries and regions with which Singapore has visa-free arrangements, as well as diplomatic and official passport holders.
The approved applicant will also have to electronically submit pre-trip health and travel history declarations via the SG Arrival Card, within 3 days prior to the date of arrival in Singapore.
Approved applicants must monitor their health status before departure, take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test within 48 hours before departure and obtain a certificate of having tested negative for COVID-19.
The sponsoring company or government agency should log onto the SafeTravel Pass portal one to two days before the traveller’s departure to submit the traveller’s negative COVID-19 test result and controlled itinerary in Singapore.
Users of the fast lane between China and Singapore will bear the cost of the pre-departure PCR test.
In addition, applicants travelling from China to Singapore must have remained in any of the sending Chinese fast lane regions for the last seven days prior to departure for Singapore.
The applicant is required to produce a valid SafeTravel Pass, a negative PCR test result, a return air ticket and a valid visa (for visa-required passport holders) for pre-boarding checks. Otherwise, the applicant can be refused boarding. o An approved applicant travelling from China to Singapore will undergo a PCR test after arrival in Singapore.
Upon entry into Singapore, the applicant must remain in isolation at a selfsourced declared accommodation (non-residential address only) for one to two days until the test result is known. The host company or government agency will transport the traveller directly from the airport to the declared selfsourced accommodation, adhering to prevailing health measures. Travellers will bear the costs of the post-arrival PCR test in Singapore and stay in the declared accommodation. If the result indicates that the traveller has tested negative for COVID-19, the host company or government agency will ensure that the traveller is transported directly from the declared accommodation to the workplace, and back. If tested positive for COVID-19, the traveller will undergo medical treatment at his/her cost. The host company or government agency shall ensure that the travellers to Singapore use the TraceTogether app for the duration of their stay. If a traveller does not have a TraceTogethercompatible device, the host company or government agency should provide one to the traveller.
Travellers must adhere to a controlled itinerary that is supervised by the host company or government agency for the first 14 days. The traveller may not use public transportation for this purpose, with the exception of private hire cars/taxis or company transport.

All inbound and outbound travellers who enter Singapore and leave Singapore will be required to pay for their COVID-19 tests (up to SGD 200), where applicable.

Incoming travellers who are not Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents who enter Singapore from 17 June will be required to pay for their stay at dedicated SHN facilities (SGD 2000), where applicable;
Long Term Pass holders granted Entry Approval prior to 15 June 2020 may serve the 14-day SHN at a dedicated facility, and will not be charged for their stay, nor for the COVID-19 test, but only if they did not leave Singapore from 27 March 2020;
The cost of SHN accommodation and COVID-19 test for Work Pass holders who left Singapore for work reasons must be borne by the employer;
The cost of SHN accommodation and COVID-19 test for Work Pass holders who left Singapore for personal reasons, those affected by Malaysia’s Movement Control Order (MCO), and those entering Singapore with an InPrinciple Approval for a new Work Pass, can be borne by either the employer or the employee or both by mutual agreement.

All Long-Term Pass holders continue to require prior Entry Approval before entering Singapore.

The Entry Approval granted by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) must be cancelled if the pass holders (including their dependents) are unable to enter Singapore within the approved period.

The request for cancellation of MOM Entry Approval must be submitted at least seven days before the approved entry period expires, otherwise the requestors must still pay the full cost of the pass holders’ COVID-19 test and stay at the dedicated Stay-Home Notice (SHN) facility (if applicable).
The MOM will email the outcome of the request for cancellation of Entry Approval to the requestor within three working days.
The requestors should wait for the outcome before submitting a new MOM Entry Approval request for the pass holders, otherwise the new request will be rejected.
Employers (authorised employee with CorpPass access) may submit the request to cancel MOM Entry Approval for their pass holders or dependents via this link.
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) holders who do not have an employer, EntrePass holders and Work Holiday Pass holders should submit the request to cancel their or their dependent’s Entry Approval via this link.
MOM may request supporting documents to explain why the pass holders or their dependents are unable to enter Singapore within the approved entry period.

Entry remains suspended for all short-term visitors, except those coming in under the Green / Fast Lane arrangements or with special prior approval.

Any travellers (including Singapore citizens, permanent residents, long term pass holders) arriving into Singapore must first submit a Health Declaration via the new SG Arrival Card e-Service on the Immigration Checkpoint Authority ‘ICA’s’ website at SGAC e-Service up to 3 days in advance of their travel to Singapore. Singaporeans and long-term pass holders will need to select “Residents” on the SGAC e-Service page.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will only allow the entry/return of work pass holders, including their dependents, for those providing essential services, such as in healthcare and transport.

MOM will revoke the license of any Employment Agents who encourage or assist a person to breach their SHN. If the SHN is breached, MOM will take action against the employer and the employee.

Any Singaporean or Long-Term Pass holder who leaves Singapore in disregard of the prevailing travel advisories will be charged at un-subsidised rates for their inpatient stay at public hospitals, if they are admitted for suspected COVID-19 and have onset of symptoms within 14 days of returning to Singapore.

Any work pass holder or his/her dependent who leaves Singapore will be deprioritised for MOM entry approval and could see significant delays before they are allowed to return to Singapore if they persist in travelling abroad and return infected.

Immigration

Effective 23 December 2020, all work pass holders, excluding foreign domestic workers (FDWs), are required to update the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on their new residential address or mobile number within five days of any change, as part of their work pass conditions under the Employment of Foreign Manpower (Work Passes) Regulations (EFMR).

Employers should inform their foreign employees that they are to update MOM of their new details via the following channels:
- Work Permit holders: FWMOMCare mobile application
- S Pass holders: FWMOMCare mobile application
- Employment Pass holders: Employment Pass Online (EPOL).
All Work Permit holders (excluding FDWs) and S Pass holders are required to download the FWMOMCare mobile application, register their details. Thereafter, they must continue to update their details within 5 days of any change.
Currently, under the EFMR, Work Permit holders are required to inform their employers upon any change to their details, within 5 days. Employers of Work Permit holders (excluding FDWs) are also required to update any change in their Work Permit holders’ residential address or mobile number in the Online Foreign Worker Address Service (OFWAS).

Exit declaration and cancellation request forms are no longer required for the cancellation of a Malaysian employee’s pass.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has confirmed that unless a medical examination is required, passes may be issued (activated) while the pass holder is serving their Stay Home Notice (SHN). However, if they are required to attend the registration of biometric data, they first need to complete the SHN and be tested negative for COVID-19.

The AccesCode of employers and workers who have not been approved to resume work will be displayed as red instead of grey on the SGWorkPass portal.

The status may be red if the worker’s health status or place of stay has not been cleared, or they have not been approved to start work by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) or the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).
From 12 July 2020, a new Safe@Work eService will enable employers to download the AccessCode details. At first, employers will be able to download the AccessCode details of their workers who hold a Work Permit or S Pass. Subsequently, the service will be rolled out for Employment Pass holders.

Counter services at the ICA Building have resumed in a limited and controlled manner, strictly for selected services and by appointment only. Members of the public should continue to use ICA’s e-Services available at MyICA. Please refer to section “Services offered online” below for the list of available e-Services.

Card delivery services have resumed. Authorised recipients will be notified of delivery by SMS two days before delivery.

Pass holders can remain in Singapore with their notification letters or card replacement letters. Those who telecommute or work in permitted services approved by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) may use the letters as proof of the validity of their passes.

All Malaysian nationals in Singapore intending to return to Malaysia by land will need to apply for an “entry permit” from the Malaysian High Commission, in addition to the exit requirements of the Singapore authorities.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requires all new and existing Singapore long-term pass holders planning to enter or return to Singapore from any country to obtain MOM entry approval before commencing their journey. Employers are to make this MOM Entry Approval request at least 3 days before their intended travel into Singapore using this online facility. Applications submitted by 12pm will receive the outcome on the same day (after 12pm will receive the outcome the next day). Applications are processed on a ‘first-come-first-served’ basis. Approval is not guaranteed but it is important that the approval is received before arranging for the pass holder to enter Singapore. If the approval is rejected, a fresh approval request is to be submitted.

MOM requires all new and existing work pass holders (including dependants) planning to enter Singapore from Malaysia to obtain MOM’s entry approval before they commence their journey. This is applicable regardless of the mode of travel into Singapore. Only those Malaysians and work pass holders conveying essential services or supplies (e.g., lorry, vegetable, frozen supply truckers) via land and sea crossings will be exempted from this MOM entry approval and SHN requirement. MOM will reject all new work pass applications for foreign workers from mainland China until further notice. Renewal applications for existing pass holders will not be affected.

Holders of Long-Term Visit Passes (LTVP) issued by the Immigration Checkpoint Authority (ICA) or Student Passes issued by the Ministry of Education (MOE), including those granted In-Principle Approval (IPA), need to request and obtain Entry Approval from the relevant authority before they commence their journey to Singapore (preferably before they make any travel plans). If permission is granted, applicants will be issued an approval letter of entry valid for 2 weeks, which must be presented to airline staff on check-in and to the immigration officer at the checkpoint on arrival.

Vietnam

Effective 5 May 2021, all inbound travellers must quarantine in government facilities for 21 days (up from 14 days).

All inbound commercial flights have been suspended, except for repatriation flights. Flights from South Africa and the UK are banned.

Permitted travellers include experts, investors, business managers, high-tech workers and their family members; and Vietnamese citizens returning home. Travellers must still obtain special entry permission and arrange quarantine at an approved hotel or government facility.

Arriving travellers must present a negative PCR test result issued 5 days prior to travel and are subject to a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival and government quarantine period of 21 days.

If a second test after the sixth day after arrival is negative, the remainder of the 21-day government quarantine period may be replaced with selfquarantine. Any plans to work, attend business meetings with others or other travel during the remainder of the 21 days must be approved by the health department.
Travellers who are transiting via one of the approved airports but originated elsewhere do not qualify for the reduced quarantine.

Travellers must install the “Bluezone” contact tracing app.

Companies and organisations can seek special entry approval for foreign investors, business managers, experts, specialists and highly-skilled workers to enter Vietnam for work purposes.

Employers should submit a request to their provincial labour office before a specific date (depends on the province) using a standard request letter and a form for reporting various employee details.
The application must include a quarantine plan, registered with IHQC.

In HCMC:

– Quarantine in HCMC will only be approved for those incoming foreign workers whose sponsoring entity is located in HCMC.

– Foreign workers sponsored by entities in Tay Ninh, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Vung Tau, Dong Nai, Long An, and Tien Giang need to obtain approval from the HCMC CDC (Center for Disease Control) in parallel with approval from IHQC (International Health Quarantine Center) to allow them, upon arrival in HCMC, to be transported and quarantined in another province.

– For those provinces that are more remote than those in the above list, or that may not have proper quarantine facilities located within the province, the authorities will consider the option for the incoming traveler to stay in HCMC quarantine, with additional approvals from the People’s Committee in HCMC and HCMC CDC.

– Note that for those incoming travelers who already have their quarantine stay approval in HCMC (even if their sponsoring entity is in another province) there are no required changes to their current plan or additional steps necessary.

A quarantine plan must be submitted to the Labour Department along with the Entry Labour Demand application;
A quarantine location and travel plan must still be registered with the International Health Quarantine Centre (IHQC) of HCMC, but only after the Special Entry Visa Approval Letter and Entry Demand Report Letter have been issued (rather than simultaneously with the Special Entry Visa Approval Letter application, as currently) and no Quarantine Approval Letter will be issued by the IHQC.

Special arrangements are available for short-term business travellers entering Vietnam for less than 14 days, avoiding the normal 14-day quarantine and allowing them (with strict supervision), to perform specific meetings and tasks outside of their quarantine hotel.

Arriving travellers must present a negative PCR test result issued 3 to 5 days prior to travel.
The sponsoring entity must prepare a plan for entry, transportation, accommodation, meeting place(s), workplace(s), travel schedule, number of attendees and safety during the work activity and obtain approval from the health authorities.
Any movement outside of the hotel must be arranged, approved, and overseen by Provincial centres for disease control and prevention (CDC). Further, short term travellers must still make a reservation at one of the designated quarantine hotels and are not allowed to travel freely during their stay in Vietnam.
One designated driver and vehicle must be used, and medical staff must be on hand to supervise the work activities.

The visa exemption scheme remains suspended for all foreign nationals. Travellers need an immigration approval and a visa sponsored by their host company. Visa renewal and work permit applications, processing and issuance for all foreign nationals has resumed.

The Department of Labour in Hanoi has resumed accepting work permit applications for Chinese e-passport holders in Vietnam.

It is not clear whether the Justice Department has also resumed issuing local police clearance certificates for Chinese e-passport holders.

Immigration departments/bureau have reopened. New and renewal work permit applications are being accepted for all applicants who are currently in Vietnam and in all provinces. Work permit applications for those who have not yet arrived is also accepted in some but not all provinces (i.e. HCMC, Binh Duong require the original passport of the applicant). Additional documents may be required. Work Permit applicants must conduct a medical check at an authorized hospital. If the required medical check was conducted before 11 February, the applicant needs to obtain a health declaration report from Pasteur Institute in HCMC or redo the medical check at an authorized hospital.

The automatic stay extension has been extended until 30 May 2021, for foreign nationals who entered Vietnam with a visa exemption certificate, e-visa, or tourist visa on or after 1 March 2020.

Individuals in this qualifying group may exit Vietnam during this period without having to apply for an extension of stay.
During “automatic stay extension” period, foreign nationals are required to complete temporary residence and health status declaration

Foreign nationals who entered Vietnam before 1 March 2020 may also be granted permission to stay until 30 May 2021, subject to proof that the person was stranded in Vietnam due to Covid-19, and a diplomatic note from the relevant diplomatic mission or a written document from relevant Vietnamese authorities confirming that the person was required to undergo mandatory quarantine or treatment for Covid-19, or advice of other force majeure.

Taiwan

Effective 3 March, Australia is moved to the list of low-risk countries.

Effective 1 March, during the home isolation period, individuals placed in home isolation cannot live with other persons not required to home isolate in the same residence. Furthermore, if all members of a household living in the same residence are required to home isolate, and their last contact with a confirmed case falls on the same day, they can all isolate in the same residence but each of them needs to have a separate room (including a separate bathroom), abiding by the one person per room rule.

Effective 1 March, foreign nationals are again permitted to enter Taiwan for medical purposes.

Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA):

European Union

EU countries have agreed on a coordinated approach to travel measures and developed common criteria for measuring risk.

Using data provided weekly by member states, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) will publish a weekly map of EU member states, broken down by regions as follows:

Green: if the 14-day notification rate is lower than 25 and the test positivity rate below 4%
Orange: if the 14-day notification rate is lower than 50 but the test positivity rate is 4% or higher or, if the 14-day notification rate is between 25 and150 and the test positivity rate is below 4%
Red: if the 14-day notification rate is 50 or higher and the test positivity rate is 4% or higher or if the 14-day notification rate is higher than 150
Grey: if there is insufficient information or if the testing rate is lower than 300.

Travelers from other EU countries should not be refused entry but could be asked to submit passenger locator forms.
Green areas:
- No restriction of free movement of persons can be applied.
Orange and red areas:
- Restrictions to free movement of persons could be applied
- Possible requirements for travellers: quarantine/self-isolation, COVID19 testing after arrival or prior to arrival
- Measures should take into account the epidemiological situation in their own territory
- Inform other affected EU countries 48 hours before applying measures.

There should be exceptions from any quarantine requirement for travellers with essential function or need while performing that function.
Member states should inform the public at least 24 hours in advance of introducing any new measures.

Based on the criteria and conditions set out in the latest recommendation, member states should start lifting the travel restrictions at the external borders for residents of the following third countries:

Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand.

Austria

Travel to the province of Tirol should be limited to essential trips only. Travellers leaving the province of Tirol must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 48 hours previously. Exemptions apply to children under 10, transit journeys, and journeys to East Tirol, Jungholz, and the Rißtal valley.

Effective 8 February, anyone entering Austria except those coming from Australia, Finland, Greece, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea and the Vatican will need to show a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test and commit to a full 10-day quarantine that cannot be curtailed by getting a test. Arrivals who cannot show a negative test must get tested within 24 hours of arrival.

Effective until 21 February, flights from Brazil, South Africa and the United Kingdom are not permitted to land in Austria.

Hotels are closed to leisure travellers/tourists. Essential travel (e.g. for business) is still possible, and Austria’s borders are not closed.

Entry is permitted for third-country nationals arriving from any states except the Schengen area and the safe countries (Australia, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, and the Vatican).

Travellers arriving from high-risk areas (most of the world) are required to self quarantine for 10 days on arrival.

On arrival, travellers need to present a completed “Declaration of Quarantine” form.
After 5 days of quarantine at the earliest, they may take a COVID-19 PCR or antigen test to leave quarantine early.
Exceptions from the quarantine requirement exist only for the following:
- Arrivals who have only been in safe countries in the last 10 days: Australia, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea and the Vatican.
- Unexpected personal emergencies, passengers in transit without stopover, regular cross-border commuters, people travelling to the towns of Vomp-Hinterriss, Mittelberg (Kleinwalsertal), and Jungholz. In these instances, no negative test and no quarantine is necessary to enter Austria.
- Business travellers, who must instead present a medical certificate verifying a negative COVID-19 test taken in the 72 hours prior to entry.

Entry is prohibited for third-country nationals arriving from high-risk areas.

First-time residence permit applicants can submit further required documents by email or post, but should expect delays. D visa applications for applicants outside Austria are not possible until the relevant consulate has reopened. D visa holders may be able to enter Austria but should note that they have six months to collect their residence permit in Austria, from the date of the notification by the Austrian consulate that they can apply for a D visa.

First-time residence permit applicants in Austria whose permission to stay in Austria has expired should be notified by the authority of the requirement to make an additional application under § 21 (3) of the Settlement and Residence Act. Residence permit renewal applications can be submitted by email or post to the relevant branch office. Delays should be expected. A personal appearance is not required until the authorities resume normal operating hours. Holders of work and residence permits who have applied for renewal before their current permit expires can continue to work during processing of the renewal application.

Residence permits cannot currently be collected in person. Applicants should contact the authorities by telephone, email or post to arrange collection or delivery

Bahrain

Entry is restricted to Bahraini citizens, GCC citizens who do not require a visa, travellers eligible for visa on arrival, travellers with a valid eVisa, diplomats, military personnel, airline crew and holders of official, service or UN passports.

Visas on arrival are reintroduced for citizens of eligible nationalities (see evisa.gov.bh). To obtain an eVisa prior to departure, see evisa.gov.bh.

All arrivals must undergo a COVID-19 test on arrival and another ten days later, at their own expense.

If the first test is positive, they will be required to quarantine for ten days.
If the first test is negative, they will not be required to continue self-isolation, but will be tested again on the tenth day.

All incoming passengers must sign a declaration stating that they will follow the Ministry of Health’s self- isolating regulations until their COVID -19 test carried out upon arrival in Bahrain is confirmed negative.

All arrivals showing symptoms upon arrival or those that have visited Iran, Iraq, or Lebanon within 14 days will be subject to further quarantine measures.

Until further notice, visa on arrival is suspended at all ports of entry.

Belgium

Entry by air, sea and land, including transit, is suspended for all travellers from Brazil, India and South Africa. Citizens and residents of Belgium are permitted to enter but are required to enter 10-day self-isolation and undergo testing on day 1 and day 7 of quarantine.

Green zones include:

Australia, Finland (North and East Finland), New Zealand, Norway (Northern Norway, Trondelag), Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand.

Orange zones include:

Denmark (Central Jutland, North Jutland, Southern Denmark, Zealand), Finland (Aland, Helsinki Uusimaa, South Finland, West Finland), Greece (Epirus, Ionian Islands, North Aegean, South Aegean), Iceland, Ireland (Northern and Western Ireland, Southern Ireland), Norway (Adger, Innlandet, Southeastern Norway, Trondelag, Western Norway), Portugal (except Azores), Spain (Baleares, Canary Islands, Extremadura, Galicia, Murcia, Valencia).

Red zones include all other EU, Schengen and third countries.

Effective 5 May 2021, the following regions are new red zones:

Greece (Epirus).

Non-essential travel to Belgium is not permitted for travelers who are not citizens of the EU or Schengen zone countries and who have their main residence in a non-green zone third country. Essential travel includes:

Health professionals, health researchers and professionals providing care for the elderly who are travelling for work;
Frontier workers travelling for work;
Seasonal agricultural and horticultural workers travelling for work;
Transport personnel travelling for work;
Diplomats, staff members of international organisations and people invited by international organisations and institutions whose physical presence is required for the proper functioning of those organisations and institutions, military personnel and personnel belonging to the forces of law and order, customs authorities, intelligence services and magistrates travelling for professional purposes, as well as humanitarian and civil protection staff, when performing their duties;
Travel for transit purposes to destinations outside the Schengen Area and the European Union;
Travel for compelling family reasons, namely:
- travel that is justified for the purpose of family reunification, as defined in the Law of 15 December 1980 on the entry, stay, settlement and removal of foreign nationals;
- visits to a spouse or partner who does not live under the same roof, insofar as plausible evidence can be provided of the stable and long-term character of the relationship;
- travel in the context of co-parenting (including treatment related to medically assisted reproduction);
- travel in the context of burials or cremations of first or second degree relatives;
- travel in the context of civil or religious weddings of first or second degree relatives.
Mariners travelling for work;
Travel for humanitarian reasons (including travel for compelling medical reasons or to continue urgent medical treatment, but also in order to provide assistance or care to an elderly person, a minor, a disabled person or a vulnerable person);
Study-related travel such as travel by pupils, students or trainees who are undergoing education or training as part of their studies, or study-related travel by researchers with a hosting agreement;
Travel undertaken by qualified professionals for economically necessary reasons which cannot be postponed; including professional sportsmen and sportswomen with elite sport status, cultural sector professionals with a combined licence and journalists travelling for work;
Travel by persons coming to Belgium to work in salaried employment, including young au pairs, irrespective of the duration of their activity, on condition that they have been authorised to do so by the competent Region (employment authorisation or evidence that the conditions for exemption have been fulfilled);
Travel by persons coming to Belgium to work as a self-employed person, irrespective of the duration of their activity, on condition that they have been authorised to do so by the competent Region (valid professional card or evidence that the conditions for exemption have been fulfilled).

Anyone travelling to or from Belgium will be required to carry a sworn statement (form available from the Minister of the Interior) linked to the Passenger Locator Form and supported by the necessary documents.

All travellers permitted to enter Belgium, regardless of the means of transport must complete and submit a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) no more than 48 hours before arrival. Exceptions for:

Travellers returning by car following a stay of less than 48 hours abroad or are staying in Belgium for less than 48 hours;
Travellers arriving by train or bus from within the EU or the Schengen area.

Travellers who are residents of Belgium who receive a text message after submitting the Passenger Locator Form are required to enter 10-day self-isolation and undergo testing on day 1 and day 7 of quarantine. If the latter test is negative they can exit self-isolation.

Travellers who are not residents of Belgium, travelling from a red zone, must present a negative PCR test carried out no more than 72 hours before departure.

Those travelling by air, train, bus or boat and spending less than 48 hours in Belgium are exempt from this pre-departure PCR test requirement.

Travellers who are not residents of Belgium who receive a text message after submitting the Passenger Locator Form are required to enter 10-day self-isolation and undergo testing on day 7 of quarantine. If the latter test is negative they can exit self-isolation.

All people travelling to Belgium from the United Kingdom, South Africa or South America must quarantine for 10 days with a PCR test on day 1 and day 7.

Holders of Work Permits B can enter once they have requested and obtained a Certificate of Essential travel from the Belgian mission in the country of departure, supported by a letter form the Belgian company or client.

Highly qualified third-country workers seeking a D visa to enter Belgium must have been issued a positive single permit decision (Annex 46). This no longer needs to bear the code B29 (for Blue Card).

Non-resident travellers to Belgium for business (not employment) for between 48 and 72 hours may be exempt from the mandatory quarantine requirement.

A Business Travel Assessment (BTA) form must be completed online by the Belgian employer, Belgian client or international organization established in Belgium;
The completed BTA form generates a certificate number that must be entered in the modified Passenger Location Form (PLF) to activate the professional travel section. Without this number, a travel cannot be considered professional.
The Passenger Location Form (PLF) is completed by the traveler before return to arrival in Belgium. The PLF provides a self-assessment questionnaire that should allow the government to carry out a risk analysis. On this basis, it will be decided whether or not to impose the quarantine.
This also applies to residents of Belgium travelling abroad in connection with cases or projects that necessitate limited interventions on site. There is no time restriction.

Some communes are closed for all but urgent services. Government ministries are working from home, which is expected to lead to delays in application processing. Visa applications and issuance are suspended and visa application centres are closing.

Bulgaria

All direct passenger flights with the UK are suspended until at least 31 January. Entry restrictions are extended until 31 January.

Entry is permitted without proof of a PCR test or a 14-day quarantine period from:

EU and Schengen states, the microstates, the United Kingdom and their family members.
Australia, Belarus, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Uruguay.

Entry is permitted with proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival, for travellers arriving from:

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Israel, Kosovo, Kuwait, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Ukraine.
However, the 14-day quarantine and the requirement to submit negative PCR test results taken no more than 72 hours prior to entry still applies to arrivals from Sweden and Portugal and to most other third countries
Tourists not subject to quarantine must submit to health inspectors at the border a declaration regarding observation of the Ministry of Health’s antiepidemic measures and acknowledgement of the risks of COVID-19.
Further exemptions are available.

Czech Republic

Effective 5 February: There will be a new category of so-called dark red (high-risk) countries with the strictest epidemiologic measures applicable to journeys from this category. This means that there is the obligation to submit a first PCR test done 48 hours or less prior to the entry, followed by a second PCR test undergone in the Czech Republic at the earliest the 5th day from the entry. The self isolation is obligatory until the second negative test result is submitted.

In case of journeys from orange and red countries, there is the obligation to submit an antigen or PCR test done 48 hours or less. In case of red countries, a person must likewise undergo a second PCR test in the Czech Republic (this can be undergone also earlier than the 5th day from the entry). The self isolation is obligatory until the second negative test result is submitted.

There is the obligation to fill in the electronic Public Health Passenger Locator Form in case of journeys from all orange, red and dark red categories of countries. The form will be checked along with the test at the entry to the Czech Republic.

There will be exceptions applicable to these rules, especially in regard to the international transport and regular cross-border movement for the purpose of work, study and childcare. The journeys of Czech citizens from the Czech Republic for other reasons than those absolutely essential continue to be strongly discouraged.

Effective 31 January 2021, entry is permitted for foreign nationals only for essential reasons.

All travellers who have visited the United Kingdom in the last 14 days are subject to 10-day self-isolation.

Self-isolation may be ended by the presentation of a negative result of a PCR test carried out no earlier than the 5th to the 7th day after arrival.

All travellers from the United Kingdom are required to present a negative result of a COVID-19 antigen or RT-PCR test taken in the UK in the previous 72 hours.

Entry by air from the United Kingdom is only permitted for the below-specified categories of persons:

Citizens of the Czech Republic with their common place of residence in the territory of the Czech Republic or their family members who accompany them.
EU citizens with a certificate of temporary residence in the territory of the Czech Republic or with a permanent residence permit for residence in the territory of the Czech Republic or their family members who accompany them.
Holders of a valid long-term visa, a long-term or permanent residence permit card for residence in the territory of the Czech Republic, issued by the Czech Republic.
Other foreign nationals who only transit by air across the territory of the Czech Republic or who change flights at the same airport for up to 12 hours after their arrival.

Entry is permitted for foreign nationals for non-essential reasons. Arrivals from high-risk countries must self-isolate for 10 days or until a negative PCR test result is submitted to the respective regional hygienic station.

Entry is permitted from any country for up to 24 hours for urgent health, family, business and work reasons without completing a Public Health Passenger Locator Form prior to entry or undergoing a PCR test after entry.

The government has divided countries into low risk (green and orange) countries and high risk (red) countries.

Low-risk (green and orange) countries include Australia, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Azores and Madeira (Portugal), Singapore, South Korea, Canary Islands and Balearic Islands (Spain), Thailand, Vatican. o High-risk (red) countries include Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal (except Azores, Madeira), Romania, Rwanda, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain (except Canary Islands), Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Uruguay. o Foreign national employees/students travelling from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Malta and Norway, the Azores and Madeira (Portugal), the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands (Spain) (orange countries) and from all red countries cannot enter the workplace / educational institute until they have submitted the result of a PCR test taken in the Czech Republic to their employer/institution.

All arrivals who have spent more than 12 hours in the last 14 days in red countries must submit an online form before entry and undergo a PCR test within 5 days after entry.

If they do not submit a negative result to the relevant hygiene station within 7 days of entry, they are subject to quarantine.Until the PCR test result is submitted or for the duration of the necessary quarantine measure, there is a free movement ban within the Czech Republic and an obligation to wear facemasks.
Alternatively, Czech citizens, EU citizens and third-country nationals with a long-term or permanent residence permit in the Czech Republic or another EU country can submit to the relevant hygiene station, on arrival, a negative PCR test result issued by another EU member state no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. This does not apply to:
- International transport workers
- Citizens of the European Union and foreigners with long-term or permanent residence in the European Union, who are transiting via the Czech Republic for no more than 12 hours who travel to the Czech Republic for urgent health, family, business or work reasons for a period not exceeding 12 hours.
- Citizens of the Czech Republic, European Union citizens and their family members with residency in the Czech Republic and foreign nationals with a permit to stay for 90 days issued by the Czech Republic, who stayed only in regions specifically marked in the list of green countries as part of a vacation with a tour operator or through a travel agency (in this case there is a free movement ban, and an obligation to wear facemasks, for ten days)
- Cross-border workers, pupils and students who for the purpose of work performance or education on a regular basis at least once a week justifiably cross the state border with the Czech Republic from or to the neighbouring state.
- Persons under 5 years of age.

Entry is permitted for Czech/EU/EEA/Swiss/UK/microstates citizens and third country citizens who are citizens of a low-risk third-country or who hold a residence permit issued by the Czech Republic or an EU member state or a low-risk country.

Third-country citizens resident in Czech Republic require a temporary, long term or permanent residence permit; a long-term visa; or a short-term visa issued after 11 May 2020.
Citizens of third countries in a low-risk country require permission to enter the Czech Republic (visa-free travel; or a residence permit issued by another EU state; or a visa issued by Czech Republic or another EU member state);
Third-country citizens resident in an EU member state require a long-term or permanent residence permit from an EU member state (a long-term or short term visa is not sufficient).
Third-country citizens resident in a low-risk third country require BOTH a:
- long-term or permanent residence permit from a green third country (a long-term or short-term visa is not sufficient);
- AND permission to enter the Czech Republic (visa-free travel; or a residence permit issued by another EU state; or a visa issued by Czech Republic or another EU member state).

Entry is suspended for third-country citizens and residents of red countries, with the exception of:

Holders of a long-term or permanent residence permit issued by a low-risk country
Holders of a valid long-term visa, long-term, temporary or permanent residence permit issued by the Czech Republic
Holders of a short-stay visa by the Czech Republic after 11 May 2020
Foreigners with a long-term or permanent residency permit in the European Union
Family members of citizens of the Czech Republic or of citizens of the EU resident in the Czech Republic
Entry in the interest of the Czech Republic
International transport workers
Accredited members of diplomatic missions in the Czech Republic, including private service members, holders of diplomatic passports travelling to the Czech Republic for up to 14 days for service purposes and official of international organisations registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs o Urgent emergency situations
Those with a proven long-term relationship with an EU citizen who has a certificate of temporary residence or permanent residence permit issued by the Czech Republic. To obtain an authorisation, a declaration of honour of partnership must be downloaded.

Foreign nationals applying for a residence permit for economic or educational activity must submit a document guaranteeing the above obligations of the sponsoring entity.

Applications for visas and temporary and permanent stays are only to be accepted at consular posts in low-risk countries, with the following exceptions:

- Short-stay visas for the purpose of seasonal employment or for the purpose of employment if the foreigner is employed in food production, health care or social services, or short-stay visas for the purpose of employment, if they are filed in Ukraine by Ukrainian nationals, provided they do not exceed the maximum number of such applications stipulated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs upon discussion with the Ministry of Health,
- Short-stay visas for scientific, key and highly qualified staff, provided that the conditions set out in the Key and Scientific Staff Programme and the Highly Qualified Staff Programme, and critical infrastructure service staff are met,
- Family members of citizens of the Czech Republic or of citizens of the EU resident in the Czech Republic; entry in the interest of the Czech Republic; international transport workers; accredited members of diplomatic missions in the Czech Republic, including private service members, holders of diplomatic passports travelling to the Czech Republic for up to 14 days for service purposes and official of international organisations registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; or urgent emergency situations;
- long-term visas for the purpose of seasonal employment;
- Extraordinary work visas;
- Temporary residence, if they are submitted by foreigners included in government programmes in order to achieve an economic or other significant benefit for the Czech Republic;
- Permanent residence, if they are submitted by foreigners included in the government program according to Government Resolution No. 1014/2014;
- A blue card, long-term residence permit for the purpose of scientific research and applications for residence permits for over 90 days for the spouses and minor children of scientific workers or persons applying for a blue card;
- Long-term visas and long-term residency permits for the purpose of study;
- Long-term or permanent residence permits for the purpose of joint family cohabitation in the country and applications for long-term visas for family purposes, in the case of spouses or minor children of a foreigner with a long term or permanent residence permit in the Czech Republic;
- Long-term visas for the purpose of picking up a residence permit in the Czech Republic;
- Long-term visas for the purpose of culture, sports or a working holiday;
- Residency permit, if the entry of these foreigners is in the interest of the Czech Republic.

Immigration

Individuals are able to exit the country if they have received government permission based on “reasonable grounds”. On re-entry, they must either present a negative PCR test certificate (tests may be undergone on Czech territory) followed by free movement limitations for 14 days or undergo “necessary quarantine measures” as ordered by the regional hygiene station.

Denmark

Effective 29 April 2021, India has been added to the red countries list.

Effective 1 – 13 May 2021, all foreign nationals aged over 12 years arriving in Denmark must present a negative PCR or antigen test taken no more than 48 hours (previously 24 hours) before boarding.

Those arriving from yellow or orange countries with a proof of completed vaccination issued in an EU or Schengen country are exempt from the test requirement. The vaccine used must be approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the date of final vaccination must be at least two weeks and at most 180 days before the time of departure.
Passengers who previously have been infected with COVID-19 and therefore are unable to present a negative test result must present a positive COVID-19 test result from a test performed between 14 days and 12 weeks prior to the flight. These passengers are no longer perceived to be contagious.

On arrival by air, a COVID-19 test must be taken before leaving the airport.

Travel restrictions for EU and Schengen countries will be updated weekly to take into account the infection situation in individual countries and regions (rated red, orange or yellow).

Yellow countries and regions include Australia, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway (Norland, Trondelag, Troms og Finnmark), Singapore, South Korea, Thailand.
Red Countries include Bangladesh, Botswana, Brazil, Eswatini, India, France (Reunion), Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Orange countries: All other countries.

Those travelling from yellow countries or regions do not require a worthy purpose to enter Denmark and are not required to isolate on arrival.

Those travelling from orange or red countries or regions require a worthy purpose to enter Denmark and are required to isolate on arrival.

For foreign nationals habitually resident in orange countries, entry is only permitted for the following worthy purposes:

To work in Denmark;
- These travellers must be able to present a valid work permit (if required), a valid employment contract from an employer in Denmark or proof of self-employment, such as a certificate of incorporation.
To attend a business meeting;
- These travellers must be able to present:
  - Evidence, such as an email, of the time and place of the meeting/work;
  - Documentation from a company/business partner confirming that they need to enter Denmark to attend the meeting.
- To perform services or transport goods into or out of Denmark;
  - These travellers must be able to present:
    - Proof of the transaction in the form of an invoice, a receipt, a purchase agreement or the like;
    - Receipt for registration in the Register of Foreign Service Providers (Registret for Udenlandske Tjenesteydere), RUT. The receipt must be reforwarded by the employer to the employee;
    - Proof of social security (PD A1) in connection with work in another EU/EEA country issued by the authorities in the country of origin of the employer/the self-employed person;
  - Sailor, crew member on a plane, diplomat, etc;
  - To attend a job interview;
  - To study;
  - To attend a traineeship;
  - To attend a folk high school
  - To take up an au pair placement;
  - Family member of a resident of Denmark;
  - Family member of a Danish national resident abroad, entering together;
  - Family member of a person sent by a state, holding a diplomatic passport or similar document;
  - To have parenting time with minors;
  - Primary caregiver of minor children;
  - Family or significant other of someone who is seriously ill or dying in Denmark;
  - To participate in an ongoing course of treatment with the health authorities;
  - To attend the birth of their child or attend a funeral;
  - To participate in legal proceedings;
  - Owner of a summer house or boat or a permanent resident at a campsite in Denmark.

For foreign nationals habitually resident in red countries, entry is only permitted for the following worthy purposes:

Primary caregiver of minor children;
Family or significant other of someone who is seriously ill or dying in Denmark;
Persons transporting freight;
Persons who are air or ship crew members, offshore workers or maritime technicians and who travel through Denmark in transit on their homebound journey;
Diplomats, diplomatic couriers, or persons entering Denmark to pay a service visit to a local diplomatic mission or who are allowed to enter Denmark under a host country agreement are allowed to enter Denmark.

Persons entering from the border regions (Schleswig-Holstein, southern Sweden (the provinces of Blekinge and Scania) and western Sweden (the provinces of Halland and West Gothia)) with a worthy purpose must provide a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before entry (previously within 7 days of entry).

Persons arriving to work, provide services or visit a close relative in a border region are exempted from the post-entry testing and self-isolation rules if they present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before entry (previously within 7 days of entry).

Passengers on connecting flights to Denmark transiting in one or more airports have two different options:

They can take a test no more than 24 hours before boarding the first flight;
They can take a test while in transit.
Even when a test is taken in the first country of departure, the Danish testing requirement only applies to the connecting flight to Denmark. In the transit airport, the airline must make sure that test was taken no more than 24 hours before the passenger boarded the first flight. However, this possibility applies only if the ticket has been booked as a combined flight ticket.

Passengers who have previously tested positive for COVID-19, and who may therefore afterwards return a positive test result for a long period even though they can no longer transmit the disease, may show a positive COVID-19 test taken between two and eight weeks ago instead of a negative test.

All SIRI’s branch offices (in Copenhagen, Odense, Aarhus, Aalborg, Aabenraa and Bornholm) have reopened. The online booking system has reopened and it is now possible to book appointments online. Longer processing times can be expected in all cases (30-45 days for initial cases and 90-100 days for extensions).

Note that employers must inform SIRI if their assignees’ employment terms have changed, regardless of the reason (including government-approved reduced time/salary packages). This also applies if the salary (including a possible reduction) still meets minimum salary requirements. The minimum salary threshold overrules collective agreements and must be met regardless of any support package.

The immigration Service’s Citizen Service is open, but it is only possible to get personal service if you book an appointment in advance. You can book an appointment for the following types of service:

Biometric features for residence permit
New passport o Re-entry permit
Short term visa extension
Laissez-passer (pick up).

The Immigration Service will continue to process all types of cases to the extent possible.

Certain parts of the case processing can be delayed or limited because it among other things was not possible to appear in person at the Citizen Service for a limited period of time.
It is also possible to submit digital (online) applications to us. Paper-based applications can be scanned and sent to us via our contact form.

Finland

Entry restrictions are extended until 25 May 2021.

Commuting into Finland from all Schengen countries for work is permitted only for essential purposes.

Essential travel constitutes work that is important for the functioning of society or for security of supply, that must be performed by a person or persons arriving from another country and that must be carried out without delay.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment maintains a list of the work that is considered important for the functioning of society or for security of supply. However, any critical task included in the list does not automatically mean that entry into the country is warranted. Employers must use a separate form to justify why the job of a worker seeking entry into Finland is essential and why the work must be performed without delay. The worker seeking to enter Finland presents this form in the border check in addition to other documents required for crossing the border.
- See below for other permitted essential reasons for entry from Restriction Category 1 or 2 countries.
- The right to enter Finland on the basis of belonging to a border community is suspended. However, a Finnish citizen will continue to have the right to enter and leave the country.

Everyone arriving from high-risk countries is required to take part in health examination to determine whether they are infected with COVID-19.

High-risk countries are countries with a high incidence of coronavirus or countries without sufficient information on the number of COVID-19 infections.
Travellers do not need to undergo a COVID-19 test at the border if they have:
- a certificate of a negative coronavirus test taken not earlier than 72 hours before the entry OR
- a certificate that they have had COVID-19 less than 6 months earlier.
In addition, health authorities will ask for contact information so that the communicable disease control physician in the municipality of residence can make contact to provide instructions on how and where to get tested in 72 hours as well as to provide more information. Disclosure of contact information is voluntary.
Travellers who refuse the test may be placed in 14 days’ official quarantine.

A 14-day period of self-isolation is recommended for travellers arriving in Finland from a higher incidence country.

Travellers can shorten their self-isolation period at their discretion if they take two voluntary COVID-19 tests. It is recommended to take the first test in the country of origin no more than 72 hours prior to travel. Alternatively, the first test can be taken at the airport on arrival, but the traveller may have to queue for several hours for this and may have to wait days for the result.
The second test should be taken no sooner than 72 hours after arrival.
Travellers who have a certificate that they have had COVID-19 less than 6 months earlier are exempt from self-isolation.

As of 1 April 2021:

Unrestricted entry (‘green’) is permitted from Australia, Iceland, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and the Vatican.

Restriction Category 1 is in force from Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

Self-isolation for 14 days upon arrival from these countries is recommended.
Those wishing to cross the internal border must use border crossing points where border control has been reinstated. Crossing the border in other places is not permitted without a border crossing permit.
On the border rivers between Finland and Sweden and Finland and Norway, border crossing on ice is permissible. However, going ashore on the soil of another country is not permitted.

Restriction category 2 is in force from all other countries (including the United Kingdom).

Self-isolation for 14 days upon arrival from these countries is recommended.

Category breakdown:

Entry is permitted from restriction category 1 countries for:

Return to Finland:
- Finnish nationals and their family members;
- EU/Schengen national residents of Finland and their family members,
- Third-country nationals resident in Finland with a residence permit.
Return to or through other EU or Schengen countries:
- EU/Schengen nationals and their family members;
- Third-country nationals resident in another EU or Schengen country.
Essential travel:
- Work that is significant for the functioning of society or supply security, the implementation of which requires the work performance of a person or persons coming from another country and the work cannot be delayed;
- The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has overseen the process of defining the types of work that are important for the functioning of society or security of supply and cannot tolerate delay. This list of critical tasks does not constitute an advance decision granting entry into the country. The employer or the client must use a separate form to justify the necessity of an employee entering the country. In addition to the other documents required for border crossing, the employee seeking to enter Finland presents this form at the border check.
- The border control authority will consider the list of critical tasks and the employer’s explanation when assessing a necessary reason for entry.
- Health care and rescue service personnel (including first aid) and elderly care professionals during assignments as well as personnel performing essential work tasks;
- Freight transport and logistics personnel during assignments
- Persons with a Finnish residence permit and EU/Schengen citizens who have registered their right of residence;
- Persons travelling for family matters (e.g. meeting a relative, relationship, funerals, weddings, illness);
Other necessary and justified reason (e.g. necessary or otherwise justified personal reasons, representatives of foreign media, scheduled air services at airports, property, residence or secondary residence in Finland, property arrangements in Finland and in internal border traffic, pursuit of the Sámi livelihood and culture).

Entry is permitted from restriction category 2 countries for:

Return to Finland:
- Finnish nationals and their family members;
- EU/Schengen national residents of Finland and their family members,
- Third-country nationals resident in Finland with a residence permit.
Return to or through other EU or Schengen countries:
- EU/Schengen nationals and their family members;
- Third-country nationals resident in another EU or Schengen country
- UK citizens and their family members residing in Finland who the Withdrawal Agreement applies to.
Essential reasons (as above)

Return traffic to Finland and other essential traffic from other third countries will be allowed at the external borders. In addition, transit traffic will be allowed at airports. Family members of Finnish citizens may enter the country regardless of nationality.

The acceptance of residence permit applications at Finnish consulates is gradually resuming, depending on the situation in each country. Priority appointments will be given to applicants who had a previous appointment cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Finnish airports are now open for passenger traffic. Third-country nationals can enter Finland for the first time if they already hold a valid residence permit.

The Finnish government has again started to grant first residence permits for applications submitted from abroad that become valid on the day the application is decided. However, for the time being, consulates cannot hand over residence permit cards as usual. New residence permit applications can be prepared, but not fully submitted if the applicant is still abroad.

France

Effective 24 April 2021, entry is suspended from Argentina, Brazil, Chile and South Africa for all except French nationals and their families, EU citizens and permanent residents of France.

All arrivals from these countries must present either a negative result of a PCR test taken less than 36 hours before travel or a negative result of a PCR test taken less than 72 hours before travel and a negative antigen test less than 24 hours old.

All arrivals form these countries are subject to mandatory 10-day quarantine.

The suspension of all flights to and from Brazil is extended until 24 April 2021.

The French Consulate General in London will accept all long-stay visa applications. The list of compelling/essential purpose of entry has been expanded to include all family relationships, students taking competitive examinations, people returning to their main residence in France and certain situations related to family separation:

Married couples and civil partnerships one of whose members is established abroad for professional reasons;
Minor children attending school in France while the family home is established abroad;
Couples with children, one living in France, the other abroad and separated.

Travellers entering France from the EU, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland or the Vatican by road, rail, air or sea must present:

A negative result of a PCR (not antigen) test taken no more than 72 hours before travel (if aged 11 years or over).
- Exceptions exist for road hauliers, frontier workers and residents of border areas within an area of 30 km around their home;
A sworn declaration that:
- they do not have COVID-19 symptoms;
- they haven’t been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case in the 14 days preceding travel;
- they will undergo a COVID-19 test on arrival.

Travellers entering France from Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea or the United Kingdom must present:

A negative result of a PCR (not antigen) test taken no more than 72 hours before travel (if aged 11 years or over).
- Exceptions exist for road carriers, frontier workers and residents of frontier living areas within an area of 30 km around their home;
A sworn declaration that:
- they do not have COVID-19 symptoms;
- they haven’t been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case in the 14 days preceding travel;
- they will undergo a COVID-19 test on arrival.

Travellers entering France from any other third country for essential purposes only must present:

A negative result of a PCR (not antigen) test taken no more than 72 hours before travel (if aged 11 years or over);
An exempted international travel certificate.
- For international road hauliers, this will be replaced by the European certificate;
A sworn declaration that:
- they do not have COVID-19 symptoms;
- they haven’t been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case in the 14 days preceding travel;
- they will undergo a COVID-19 test on arrival;
- they will undergo self-isolation for 7 days on arrival, then take a second PCR test following the self-isolation period.
Only certain essential purposes of entry are valid for travellers from most third countries – as listed on the respective travel certificate/sworn declaration form.
- Please note that categories of travellers authorized to enter and compelling reasons are cumulative conditions.
- Posted workers and intra-company transfers from all non-EU countries are no longer considered authorised travellers (some exceptions exist for short-term posted workers whose assignments have high economic impact for France).

Exit is permitted for essential purposes only. Certain consulates have suspended the issuance of visas for family members of professional Talent Passport holders.

Workers with the nationality of an EU member state can enter and work in France under the posting regime if their assignment cannot be postponed. Before their arrival on French territory, the client sends proof of filing of the posted worker notification and all documents justifying the non-reportable nature of the assignment (if applicable, a declaration on free paper) to the address mail: detaches@interieur.gouv.fr. To cross the border, the posted worker must have a certificate of international travel (which includes a declaration on honour of the absence of symptoms of COVID-19 infection) and proof of filing of the posted worker notification. European workers posted for more than 48 hours to France must be subject to a quarantine measure or any other equivalent measure in their country of origin.

Seasonal agricultural workers with nationality or residence in an EU member state the Schengen area, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or the Vatican are allowed to enter and work in France. To cross the border, the worker must present an individual travel certificate travel (which includes a declaration on honour of the absence of symptoms of COVID-19 infection); an “employer” certificate of international travel; and a declaration prior to hiring, or an acknowledgement of receipt of simplified agricultural job title (TESA or TESA+) or an employment contract concluded with a company in France. If staying in France for more than 48 hours, they must undergo a 14-day quarantine or, alternatively, the employer can provide accommodation at the worksite, which the seasonal worker does not leave for 14 days, or accommodation near the worksite with a strictly controlled commute.

Individuals traveling between Metropolitan France and the overseas territories are required to self-isolate on arrival, excluding French Guiana and Mayotte, where all but essential travel is currently prohibited

The issuance of visas is suspended until further notice. This decision applies to all visa requests (Schengen short-stay visas, long-stay visas for France, and visas for overseas France). It also applies to applications for which appointments have already been made.

Online applications are now available for renewal of receipts (récépissés) for residence permit application which expired before 16 March or will expire after 15 June. Récépissés which expire between 16 March and 15 June are automatically extended for 6 months from the expiry date. All in-country authorities are open. Online submission is available for certain residence permit applications.

Germany

Effective 30 March until 12 May 2021, all inbound air passengers must present before boarding proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 test carried out no more than 48 hours before entry.

The suspension of travel by train, bus, ship and air directly from areas of variant of concern is extended until 28 April 2021.

Exceptions apply only to the following persons and in the following cases:

German citizens and members of their immediate family who are citizens of countries outside of the EU and are travelling with the German citizen. “Immediate family members” are spouses, registered civil partners, minor children and parents of minor children;
Persons who are legal residents of Germany;
Cargo transport staff and other staff needed for the transport of goods (including mail, freight and empty carriers, as well as returning aircraft, ships and crews);
Medical staff (physicians, nurses, and staff of nursing homes) and other escort staff needed for air ambulance and organ transplant flights;
Persons travelling to Germany for urgent humanitarian reasons.

Travellers to Germany who have been in a risk area in the 10 days prior to entry must:

Register online prior to entry and present proof of this registration on entry;
Self-isolate at home for 10 days – The self-isolation may end after 5 days if a test for Coronavirus carried out on the fifth day after entry to Germany or later is negative. The obligation to self-isolate at home does not apply in the case of transit through Germany. In this case, however, travellers are obliged to leave Germany immediately. The specific regulations of the Länder apply.

As of May 9th the following are considered areas of variant of concern:

Botswana, Brazil, Eswatini, India, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

The following are high incidence areas:

Andorra, Argentina, Bahrain, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bulgaria, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, France, Georgia, Greece (Attica, Central Greece), Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Lebanon, Malawi, Maldives, Mexico, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Oman, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sudan, Sweden, Syria, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United States, Uruguay, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

The following are new risk areas:

Anguilla, Armenia, Hungary, Malaysia, Montenegro, Norway (Vestfold og Telemark), Poland

The following are no longer risk areas:

Albania, Falkland Islands, Finland (Uusimaa and Varsinais-Suomi), Malta, Norway (Rogaland), Portugal (Algarve)

Hotels and other accommodation providers may only provide accommodation to people whose travel is essential, and not for tourism purposes.

Visas for tourism purposes will only be issued in exceptional cases. The Länder are responsible for implementing this decision. Whether a specific journey is possible thus depends on the rules of the destination Land. More information for potential travellers can be found here.

Entry is permitted for travellers arriving from EU member states, Schengen associated states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) and the following non-EU countries: Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand.

Travellers from China, Hong Kong, Macau and South Korea will only be able to enter once they offer reciprocal entry permission to German nationals.

Entry restrictions do not apply to:

German citizens;
EU citizens and nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, and their immediate family members (spouse, unmarried minor children, parents of minors)
Third-country nationals holding residence permits or long-term visas for an EU member state or a Schengen country, and their immediate family members.

Regardless of country of origin, entry is also permitted for third-country nationals with an urgent need to enter:

Skilled and highly-skilled foreign workers whose employment is necessary from an economic point of view and whose work cannot be postponed or be carried out abroad:
- Skilled workers who have a concrete job offer as defined by law (sections 18 (3), 18a, 18b of the Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz)) for which proof is given in the form of certification of employment
- Scientists/researchers (section 18d of the Residence Act)
- Persons transferred (in accordance with section 19c (1) in conjunction with section 10 of the Ordinance on the Employment of Foreign nationals (Beschäftigungsverordnung)) and ICT limited to managers and specialists (sections 19 (2), 19b of the Residence Act)
- Managers (section 19c (1) in conjunction with section 3 of the Ordinance on the Employment of Foreign nationals)
- IT specialists (section 19c (2) of the Residence Act in conjunction with section 6 of the Ordinance on the Employment of Foreign nationals)
- Persons employed in positions of significant public interest (section 19c (3) of the Residence Act);
- Qualified contract workers (section 19c (1) in conjunction with section 29 (1) of the Ordinance on the Employment of Foreign nationals).
- Foreign national skilled and highly-skilled workers who may enter into Germany for a long-term stay without a visa but who are nationals of a state that is not on the positive list, may ask the German diplomatic representation responsible for their place of usual residence for certification of their eligibility for, and of the urgency of, their entry, based on the provision of documentation from their employer.
- Entry at short notice is permissible for urgent business purposes, conditional on the requirement to substantiate sufficiently (e.g. by presenting documentation from the employer or business partner in Germany) that entry is absolutely necessary even under the circumstance of a pandemic.
Immediate family members for family reunion, to return home to Germany, to attend a funeral or wedding, for minor children to visit parents, to accompany a German spouse or registered partner to their residence in Germany or to take up residence in Germany or to accompany a German child as a custodial parent, even if the other parent remains outside Germany.
Unmarried partners from third countries – Proof is required of a long-term partnership with at least one meeting in Germany, or proof of a previous common place of residence abroad
- Proof is required of a long-term partnership with at least one meeting in Germany, or proof of a previous common place of residence abroad;
- Applicants must submit an invitation from the person residing in Germany, a jointly-signed statement on the existence of the relationship and proof of previous meetings with passport stamps, travel documents or plane tickets.
Healthcare workers, health researchers and geriatric care workers; o Freight transport and other transport personnel;
Seasonal workers in agriculture;
Seafarers in transit to a ship’s port of departure or to an airport in order to return to a third country;
Foreign students whose course of study is not fully possible from abroad as well as trainees and third-country nationals who are entering Germany to obtain qualifications if their training or qualification programme is not fully possible from abroad;
Persons in need of international protection or protection for other humanitarian reasons, including urgent medical reasons;
Diplomats, staff of international organisations, military personnel and humanitarian aid workers in the exercise of their functions Ethnic German resettlers;
Passengers in transit.

Arrivals who have spent time in a risk area within the previous 14 days must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued in the previous 48 hours. Otherwise, they must be tested at the airport, port or train station on arrival, and enter 14-day quarantine until they obtain a negative test result.

Self-isolate at home for 10 days;
If no other grounds for exception apply, these individuals may only be released from the obligation to self-isolate at home – no earlier than 5 days after entering Germany– if they provide proof of a negative test result.

Travellers returning to Germany will be offered free COVID-19 tests up to 72 hours after entry.

Those returning from risk countries will be tested at the airport, while those returning from non-risk countries will be offered an optional test from their local health authority.
Persons who do not want to get tested or those who test positive will be obliged to go through two weeks of mandatory quarantine.

Before traveling to Germany one should double check on the website of the competent federal state of entry regarding the specific regulations there. If the state of entry is not the destination (residence) state at the same time, then the traveller should refer to the website of the destination. The obligation to self-isolate at home does not apply in the case of transit through Germany. In this case, however, you are obliged to leave Germany immediately.

Immigration Restrictions

Immigration offices in several cities have reopened with limited services (mainly for emergencies only) and on an appointment basis. Services at the alien offices in Berlin are unavailable without an appointment. Immigration offices in other cities are closed or offering only limited or emergency services.

Hungary

Hungarian citizens returning from business trips to a selected list of countries, as well as citizens and residents of those countries entering Hungary for business or economic purposes, are exempt from quarantine requirements.

Qualifying destination countries include EU and EEA member states, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, China, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States and Uzbekistan.

Individuals entering Hungary from abroad (including Hungarian citizens) are required to self-quarantine for 10 days. Note that the following individuals will be allowed to leave self-quarantine before the end of the 10-day period if they are able to produce two negative test results taken two days apart after arrival in Hungary:

Hungarian citizens.
Persons who are employees or officers of foreign companies who are in business relations with a Hungarian company or are employees or officers of such a Hungarian company may enter Hungary.

Commuters within 30 km distance of the border may enter Hungary for a 24-hour period.

Commuters travelling from Austria are exempt from the 30km and 24-hour restrictions.

Transit through Hungary within 24 hours via designated routes is possible. Transiting individuals may only stop at designated resting points.

Entry is permitted without quarantine for citizens of EU and EEA member states arriving from any country.

Entry is suspended for all other foreign nationals except:

Permanent residence card holders who are family members of Hungarian citizens;
EU/EEA citizens holding a permanent residence card (all subject to a 10-day quarantine).
Foreign nationals arriving from Japan or South Korea for intracompany business trips.
Serbian nationals can enter Hungary based on a reciprocity agreement.
Ukrainian nationals can enter Hungary for up to 24 hours and up to 30km from the border.
Non-EU/EEA residents of Hungary who wish to return to Hungary but do not have a Hungarian family member, and non-EU/EEA residents of another EU/EEA country may make a special request to re-enter Hungary via an online portal provided by the Hungarian police. Documents need to be attached to the request to prove a court appointment, business travel, medical treatment, school exam, travel connected to transportation or the funeral of a close family member.
Foreign nationals transiting through the airport must have a negative COVID19 certificate, no more than four days old, and signed by a medical professional (from any country).

Passengers arriving at Budapest’s Liszt Ferenc International Airport (except business travellers from South Korea or Japan) will undergo a compulsory medical test upon arrival. Depending on the test’s result, they may be taken to hospital quarantine or ordered to stay in home quarantine for 14 days. Consular application submission and processing are suspended.

Italy

The suspension of entry for all travellers who have visited or transited Bangladesh, India or Bangladesh within the last 14 days is extended until 30 May 2021.

Individuals resident in Italy and authorised essential travellers are permitted to re-enter with a negative result of a swab test taken at most 72 hours before departure, another taken on arrival, a mandatory 10-day quarantine in an approved location and another test after the quarantine period.
Anyone who has been in Bangladesh or India over the last 14 days and is already in Italy is required to undergo a swab test, by contacting the prevention departments.

The suspension of entry and transit for all travellers who have visited or transited Brazil in the last 14 days is extended until 15 May 2021.

Exemptions, with self-declaration and without Ministry authorisation, for persons registered in Italy since before 13 February 2021; to reunite with spouse or civil partner, persons who must reach their home, their residence or the residence of their minor children; persons travelling for essential reasons and specifically authorized by the Ministry of Health, and officials and other servants, however designated, of the European Union or international organisations, diplomatic agents, administrative and technical staff of diplomatic missions, consular officials and personnel, and members of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies engaged in their official duties;
In these exempt cases, travellers are required to:
- Present to the carrier on boarding, and to any other control authority, a negative molecular or antigenic swab test result taken within 72 hours before entering the country;
- Take a molecular or antigenic swab test on arrival at the airport, port or border crossing, where possible, or within 48 hours from entering the country at their local health authority. Travellers entering Italy with a flight from Brazil must take a swab test on arrival at the airport;
- Regardless of the result of the swab test on arrival, self-isolate under medical supervision for a period of 14 days, at their home or other place of residence, subject to communication of their arrival to the Prevention Department of the competent local health authority (except transport and haulage personnel engaged in transporting passengers and freight);
- Take an additional molecular or antigenic swab test at the end of the 14th day of the self-isolation period.
The following categories are exempt from self-isolation when presenting a self-declaration, a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test result taken within 48 hours prior to arrival and a negative PCR or antigen COVID-19 test result taken on arrival at the airport, port or border crossing, where possible, or within 48 hours from entering the country at their local health authority:
- Entry for work, health or absolute urgency for up to 120 hours; staff of companies and bodies with registered or secondary offices in Italy for travel abroad for work for up to 120 hours; officials and agents of the European Union or international organisations, diplomatic agents, administrative and technical staff of diplomatic missions, consular officials and employees, military personnel, including those returning from international missions, and police force personnel, and personnel of the Information System for the Security of the Republic and the Fire Brigade in the performance of their duties.

Country Groups:

List A: For travellers who, in the previous 14 days, have only visited San Marino and Vatican City, neither COVID-19 testing nor 14-day self-quarantine are required.
List C: Effective until 15 May 2021, for travellers who, in the previous 14 days, have only visited List C countries (Andorra, Austria Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark (including Faroe Islands and Greenland), Estonia, Finland, France (including Guadeloupe, Guyana, Martinique, Mayotte, Reunion and excluding territories outside the European mainland), Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands (excluding territories outside the European mainland), Norway, Poland, Portugal (including the Azores and Madeira), Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom):
- A negative result of a COVID-19 molecular or antigenic swab test, carried out within 48 hours prior to arrival, is required;
- A 5-day self-quarantine is required, with another swab test at the end of the 5 days;
List D: Effective until 15 May 2021, for travellers who, in the previous 14 days, have only visited List D countries (Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand):
- A negative result of a COVID-19 molecular or antigenic swab test, carried out within 48 hours prior to arrival, is required;
- 10-day self-quarantine is required.
List E: Effective until 15 May 2021, for travellers who, in the previous 14 days, have visited List E countries (rest of the world except Brazil):
- Entry is only permitted:
  - for specific, essential purposes (such as work, health, study, absolute urgency, return to one’s own home); OR
  - for any reason for Italian/EU/Schengen citizens and residents and their family members).
- A negative result of a COVID-19 molecular or antigenic swab test, carried out within 48 hours prior to arrival, is required;
- 10-day self-quarantine is required.
The following exemptions from quarantine and swab testing exist for the following:
- transport crew members; haulage workers; persons entering Italy for work reasons regulated by specific security protocols approved by the competent health authority; persons entering Italy for reasons that cannot be postponed; persons entering Italy for a period not exceeding 120 hours for proven work, health, or absolutely essential reasons, subject to the obligation to immediately leave the country at the end of the said period, or, if unable to do so, to self-isolate under medical supervision; persons travelling through Italy, by private transport, for a period of no more than 36 hours, subject to the obligation to immediately leave the country at the end of the said period, or, if unable to do so, to self-isolate under medical supervision; citizens and residents of the countries and territories included in lists A, B, C and D entering Italy for proven work reasons (persons arriving in Italy after visiting the Countries in List C shall nevertheless be required to take a (molecular or antigenic) swab test; health personnel entering Italy to practice a healthcare profession, also on a temporary basis, pursuant to Article 13 of Decree Law 18/2020; cross-border workers entering and leaving the country for proven work reasons and returning to their home or place of residence; employees of corporations or entities with headquarters or branch offices in Italy and travelling abroad for proven work reasons for no longer than 120 hours; officials and other servants, however designated, of the European Union or international organisations, diplomatic agents, administrative and technical staff of diplomatic missions, consular officials and personnel, and members of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies engaged in their official duties; students attending a study programme in a country other than the country of residence or home country, to which they return on a daily basis or at least once a week; persons travelling on “Covid-tested” flights, in accordance with the order issued by the Minister of Health of 23 November 2020, as amended; athletes, sportspersons, coaches, sports judges, match commissioners and accompanying personnel entering Italy to participate in professional sports competitions – recognised as being of pre-eminent national interest by the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) and the Italian Paralympic Committee (CIP) – with a negative molecular or antigenic swab test result taken within the last 48 hours.

All arrivals from abroad are required to complete a self-certification form declaring their purpose of travel, their place of departure and the address of their destination in Italy, and to present this to the carrier before boarding. They must inform the local health authority (ASL) upon arrival.

Effective until 30 June 2021, passengers on “COVID-tested flights” are required to:

Present on boarding a certificate of a negative result of a PCR or antigen test carried out no later than 48 hours before boarding;
Present a declaration;
Complete a Passenger Locator Form;
Undergo a PCR or antigen test upon arrival at the destination airport.

Delta airlines is offering COVID-tested flights between Atlanta and Rome and between New York and Milan/Rome.

Immigration Restrictions

Public offices throughout Italy remain closed to the public. Employers and assignees in Italy should be prepared for delays in the processing of immigration and work authorisation applications. All applications pending as of 23 February or submitted since 23 February will not be processed until further notice.

The Republic of Ireland

The ban on visa-free travel from all South American countries and South Africa has been extended until further notice.

All persons travelling to Ireland are required to complete an online COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form prior to arrival.

The information provided may be used to contact the travellers in the following 14 days to verify the details given on the form and to provide public health advice. This form may also be used for the purposes of contact tracing in relation to confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19.
Travellers are not required to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form if they are an essential supply chain worker (that is, air and ship crew and hauliers) or an accredited diplomat.

All passengers arriving in Ireland from all countries must present a negative result of a pre-departure PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. Children aged 6 years and under are exempt.

All travellers who have visited or transited through designated high-risk countries in the previous 14 days are subject to mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine. This applies to travellers from:

Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bermuda, Bolivia, Bonaire, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Burundi, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica (from 4/5/21), Curaçao, DR Congo, Ecuador, Eswatini, Ethiopia, France, French Georgia (from 4/5/21), Guiana, Guyana, India 110 DOCUMENT SUBTITLE COVID-19 Travel & Immigration Updates | 3 May 2021 © 2021 Newland Chase | A CIBT company (from 4/5/21), Iran (from 4/5/21), Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Malawi, Maldives, Mauritius, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia (from 4/5/21), Montenegro, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Paraguay, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Rwanda, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Somalia, South Africa, Suriname, Tanzania, Turkey, the Territory of the Wallis and Futuna Islands, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
This also applies to passengers arriving from non-high-risk countries arriving without a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.
The quarantine can be ended with a negative COVID-19 test result after ten days.
Affected travellers must reserve and pay for a place in mandatory hotel quarantine

There are some limited exemptions from the mandatory hotel quarantine requirement:

Anyone arriving from designated high-risk countries with proof of full vaccination with an approved vaccine from Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca or Janssen, coupled with a negative predeparture PCR test is exempt from hotel quarantine and permitted to quarantine at home.
Families with a new-born baby travelling home from designated high risk countries and holding a negative pre-departure PCR test are also exempt from hotel quarantine.
Those arriving in the course of duty and who hold a valid Annex 3 certificate (ensuring the availability of goods and essential services);
Those arriving in the course of duty and are drivers of a heavy goods vehicle;
Airline pilots, aircrew, maritime master or maritime crew and who arrive in the course of performing duties
Those travelling pursuant to an arrest warrant, extradition proceedings or other mandatory legal obligation;
Members of An Garda Síochána or Defence Forces (or their equivalents from another country) and travelling in course of duty;
Those travelling for unavoidable, imperative and time-sensitive medical reasons and these reasons are certified by a registered medical practitioner or person with equivalent qualifications outside Ireland;
Those who have been outside of the country to provide services to or perform the functions of an office holder (under any enactment or the Constitution) or a member of either house of the Oireachtas or the European Parliament;
Diplomats and certain other categories of persons entitled to privileges and immunities in Ireland.

All travellers arriving in Ireland from any non-high-risk country are subject to a mandatory 14-day home quarantine:

The quarantine must be undertaken at the address specified on the Passenger Locator Form.
Travellers originating in Northern Ireland are exempt.
Those arriving from another country via Northern Ireland are not exempt.
Those who do not fulfil the legal requirement for mandatory quarantine are committing an offence and can be fined up to €2,500 or get a prison sentence of up to 6 months, or both.
Travellers may only leave their place of residence during the quarantine period for unavoidable reasons of an emergency nature to protect a person’s health or welfare, or to leave the State.
Travellers may leave quarantine to take a RT-PCR test no less than 5 days after their arrival – if they receive written confirmation that the result of this test is negative/ ‘not detected’, their period of quarantine can end.
Travellers must retain the written confirmation of their test result for at least 14 days.
If their journey began in South Africa or Brazil, the travellers must complete the full 14 days of quarantine – even with a negative test result. Further work on additional legislation to implement mandatory quarantine at a designated facility for those arriving from countries with variants of concern, such as Brazil and South Africa is being progressed and will be implemented as soon as possible.
There are some limited exemptions from the requirement to complete mandatory quarantine:
- patients travelling for urgent medical reasons
- international transport workers in possession of an Annex 3 Certificate; Drivers of Heavy Goods Vehicles; Aviation and maritime crew
- Gardaí/defence forces, while carrying out their duties
- travel to the State pursuant to an arrest warrant, extradition proceedings or other mandatory legal obligation
- diplomats, or travel to perform the function of or provide services to an office holder or elected representative
- transit passengers who arrive for the purposes of travelling to another state, and who do not leave the port or airport.
The following may temporarily leave their place of quarantine when necessary to perform their essential function – and only for as long as strictly required:
- a person required to carry out essential repair, maintenance, construction or safety assurance of critical transport infrastructure, critical utility infrastructure, manufacturing services, information services, or communication services
- a member of staff of an international organisation, or person invited, carrying out functions required for the proper functioning of such organisations and which cannot be carried out remotely
- a passenger who has been provided with written certification by Sport Ireland related to an internationally important competitive level event
- journalists, carrying out their professional functions.

New visa/preclearance applications will temporarily not be accepted.

Certain Priority/Emergency cases will continue to be processed and these include the following:
- Workers or self-employed persons exercising critical occupations including healthcare workers, frontier and posted workers as well as seasonal workers as referred to in the Guidelines concerning the exercise of the free movement of workers during the COVID-19 outbreak;
- transport workers or transport service providers, including drivers of freight vehicles carrying goods for use in the territory as well as those merely transiting;
- patients travelling for imperative medical reasons;
- pupils, students and trainees who travel abroad on a daily basis and Third-country nationals travelling for the purpose of 3rd level study;
- persons travelling for imperative family or business reasons;
- diplomats, staff of international organisations and people invited by international organisations whose physical presence is required for the well-functioning of these organisations, military personnel and police officers, and humanitarian aid workers and civil protection personnel in the exercise of their functions;
- passengers in transit;
- seafarers;
- journalists, when performing their duties

Until further notice, in addition to countries who were visa required prior to that date, passport holders of the following countries are now also required to apply for an entry visa or transit visa, as appropriate, before travelling to Ireland:

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia (transit visa now required – this country is already subject to entry visa requirements), Ecuador (transit visa now required – this country is already subject to entry visa requirements), Guyana, Paraguay, Peru (transit visa now required – this country is already subject to entry visa requirements), South Africa, Suriname (transit visa now required – this country is already subject to entry visa requirements), Uruguay.

The Department of Justice and Equality has recommenced issuing decisions on certain long-stay visas in certain categories, including tertiary study, employment and family reunion.

The issuance of short-stay visas for non-emergency/priority travel remains suspended.

The list of emergency/priority exemptions now includes:

Healthcare professionals, health researchers, and elderly care professionals;
Immediate family members of Irish citizens (who are returning to their ordinary place of residence in Ireland);
Persons legally resident in the State;
Persons entitled to avail of the provision of the EU Free Movement Directive;
Transport personnel engaged in haulage of goods and other transport staff to the extent necessary;
Frontier workers;
Seasonal workers in agriculture;
Diplomats, staff of international organisations and people invited by international organisations whose physical presence is required for the wellfunctioning of these organisations, military personnel and humanitarian aid workers and civil protection personnel in the exercise of their functions;
Passengers in transit;
Passengers travelling for critical family reasons;
Seafarers;
Persons in need of international protection or for other humanitarian reasons;
Third-country nationals travelling for the purpose of 3rd level study;
Highly qualified third-country workers if their employment is necessary from an economic perspective and the work cannot be postponed or performed abroad.

Immigration

The Registration Office in Burgh Quay, Dublin is closed until further notice.

Customers with appointments for first time registrations are being contacted directly by the Immigration Service and they will be prioritised for appointments once the Registration Office can safely reopen.
Registrations outside of the Dublin area are processed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau through the Garda Station network.

Customers renewing their Immigration Registration Permission will no longer need to submit their original passport to have an immigration stamp attached by their Registration Office.

From now on, immigration stamps will no longer be attached to passports, and the Irish Residence Permit (IRP) will prove that the applicant is legally registered in Ireland.
This applies to renewals made in the Burgh Quay Registration Office in Dublin and renewals made in local Registration Offices at Garda Stations nationwide.
In Dublin, applicants have to upload scanned copies of their passport personal information page to the online system.
Elsewhere, applicants still need to present their passport as proof of identity but do not need to leave their passport at the registration office.

Processing times for Irish Residence permits in Dublin have decreased to about 2-4 weeks. There may still be further delays in returning documents by post.

The online Registration Renewal System for immigration registration has been extended to all Dublin-based non-EEA nationals seeking to renew their immigration registration, who have less than 30 days left on their permission.

The renewal registration process involves completing an online form, uploading supporting documents, paying a fee and then submitting the passport and current IRP Card via registered post to ISD Burgh Quay. No attendance at Burgh Quay is required.

Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) has temporarily stopped accepting visa applications. Online applications are available as usual, but applications will not be processed, apart from emergency visas for essential workers, and visas for immediate family members of Irish citizens, legal residents and EU citizens. Any application made online will remain valid until restrictions are lifted.

Visa-required nationals, currently outside Ireland, with an expired IRP card are required to apply for an entry visa through their local consulate / VFS Global office.

Kenya

All flights are currently suspended to and from India.

All travellers boarding flights to Kenya are required to:

present a negative COVID-19 test result produced not more than 96 hours before travel;
present a completed Kenya Travellers Health Surveillance form online and present the corresponding QR code to health authorities at the port of arrival
passengers may be subject to quarantine of they are from certain unexpempted countries or if they are symptomatic.

All arrivals are subject to a mandatory 14 day quarantine at their own expense, unless they are arriving from countries listed here.

Visa and work permit endorsement can be completed for those who need to travel out of Kenya.

In-country immigration services have resumed, but there is a significant backlog of cases. Follow-ups in person are not possible. Permit and pass processing is now taking 1-2 months, compared to 2 weeks before the pandemic. Applications are to be submitted on Mondays at 7:30am only, and working hours are reduced (9am to 1pm).

The amnesty allowing foreign nationals who are out of immigration status to remain in the country during the lockdown period has been lifted. Affected foreign nationals must leave the country within two weeks or apply for a permit or pass to regularize their status.

The Directorate of Immigration (DIS) has partially resumed operations. Applications for permits and passes can be submitted to the DIS for processing (expect an additional 2-3 weeks processing time). Pending applications are under review. Applicants must stop working once their current work permit expires. A notification that a permit or pass has been issued shall suffice as proof of authorization to work. During this time they should obtain a visa to allow them to remain in Kenya. Endorsement and foreign national registration will be completed once the DIS resumes full operations.

Luxembourg

Effective 1 – 15 May 2021:

Any person (regardless of nationality and age) who stayed in India during the 14 days prior to his or her arrival in Luxembourg must undergo a PCR, TMA or LAMP COVID-19 test – upon arrival and inform the medical analysis laboratory that he or she has stayed in India.
If the person arrives in Luxembourg by air, the test will be carried out free of charge at the COVID-19 test centre at Luxembourg airport.
Upon arrival, the persons concerned are placed in strict quarantine for 7 days with the obligation to undergo a second PCR, TMA or LAMP test on the 6th day of quarantine. In the event of refusal to submit to the test on arrival or at the end of the 7-day quarantine period, the quarantine will be extended for a further 7 days, bringing the total duration to 14 days.
Persons concerned must notify their presence to the Health Inspection Department (by e-mail: contact-covid@ms.etat.lu or by telephone: 247- 65533), which ensures a reinforced monitoring and tracing system.
By exemption, the quarantine may be lifted early for persons on duty in the transport sector, provided that these persons leave the national territory as soon as possible in the course of their professional activities.

Any person aged 6 or over, including foreign nationals and Luxembourgers, travelling to Luxembourg from any country, must present at boarding a negative PCR or antigen test carried out less than 72 hours before travel.

Travellers from countries outside the EU/Schengen area must also undergo a rapid antigen test at the airport on arrival. This also applies to air transport of persons bound for Luxembourg from a third country who are in transit through an airport of a Member State of the European Union or of the Schengen area.

Those who choose not to undergo a rapid antigen test are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine which can be terminated if a negative test result is provided during that time.
These measures do not apply to travellers arriving by land or sea.
Certain categories of people are exempt from the testing requirement:
- People on duty employed in the transport sector and passengers in transit from the airport;
- Persons making a return journey by air, for less than 72 hours, from the Grand Duchy to a country which is a member of the Schengen area or the European Union, provided they have not left the Schengen area or the territory of the EU Member States during this period;
- Members of the diplomatic corps, personnel of international organisations and persons invited by these international organisations whose physical presence is required for the proper functioning of these organisations, military personnel, personnel in the field of development cooperation and humanitarian aid, and civil protection personnel in the exercise of their respective functions, provided that their stay in Luxembourg does not exceed 72 hours;
- Persons who have had a recent SARS-CoV-2 infection within 3 months prior to travel and who have completed the applicable isolation period in the respective country with the disappearance of any symptoms of infection. These persons may present a medical certificate attesting to these facts, which allows them to board a flight to Luxembourg without having to undergo a new PCR or antigen test.
- Travellers who refuse to take a test, either prior to boarding or upon arrival, must quarantine accordingly once in Luxembourg

Entry is permitted for citizens of the European Union and of the countries associated with the Schengen area, as well as citizens of San Marino, Andorra, Monaco and the Vatican/Saint See, regardless of the purpose of the stay and not only to return to their homes.

The Immigration Directorate is not accepting manual applications or document submissions, and all reception desks are closed until further notice. Appointments can be made in emergency situations.

Morocco

Additional restrictions expected on travel to and from the UK.

Entry is permitted for certain visa-exempt foreign nationals with proof of a hotel reservation or business invitation. Entry is permitted for Moroccan citizens and foreign residents of Morocco, as well as their families.

All travellers to Morocco over the age of 11 are required to present a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within less than 72 hours of the flight before boarding their flight. All travellers must also complete a passenger health form before travel and present a printed copy on arrival.

At this time, the government is not processing requests for obtaining, renewing, or extending residency cards until further notice.

Nigeria

International flights and the issuance of visas on arrival and electronic visas has resumed. Travellers entering Nigeria from any country must test negative for COVID-19 in their country of departure within 120 hours before departure. Children aged under 10 are exempt.

Travellers are strongly advised to use the Nigerian International Travel Portal to provide required health information, upload the pre-departure test result and Health Declaration/Self Reporting form, and pay in advance for the second COVID-19 test that must be completed within 7 days of arrival.

All new arrivals are expected to self-isolate at one location in the city of their arrival until the result of their second PCR test (which should be taken on day 7 of arrival) is known. If the second test is negative travellers can exit self-isolation from day 8 onwards.

Employers can submit temporary work permit applications via email.

The Netherlands

Effective 26 April 2021 at 6pm, all flights are suspended from India.

The flight and ferry ban from the United Kingdom has been lifted.

All flights are suspended from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, India, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Africa, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela.

The following are exempt from the flight ban:

Healthcare workers, people travelling for medical treatment and people carrying out vital work to help combat COVID-19.
Seafarers who possess a seaman’s record book if they are travelling in the exercise of their work or travelling to or from their work. The exemption does not apply to seafarers on commercial yachts and pleasure craft.
Staff travelling to and from drilling platforms in Dutch or UK territory.
People who work in the aviation industry who are travelling in the exercise of their work.
People returning to the Netherlands by aircraft or ferry, if they are Dutch nationals or residents of the Netherlands. This also applies to nationals and residents of other EU/Schengen countries, but only if they are transiting to another Schengen country and not if the Netherlands is their final destination. The Dutch government will not be arranging repatriation flights. It is likely that there will be no more passenger flights to the Netherlands, Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba after 23 January 2021 from the countries to which the flight ban applies. Dutch nationals who are abroad are advised to return before then or to prepare for an extended stay. The flight ban is due to remain in place until 1 April 2021 but may be ended sooner if there are grounds for doing so.

All travellers flying from or to the Netherlands must fill in a health declaration. All travellers, including Dutch, EU and Schengen citizens, and including air transit passengers, must present a printed negative COVID-19 PCR test result from a test taken within 72 hours before arrival.

Travellers from outside the EU/Schengen and who are not nationals of an EU or Schengen country must also present a completed and printed negative test declaration.

All travellers aged 13 and above travelling to the Netherlands by air, ship, train or coach from a high-risk country, including for transit purposes, must:

Present a negative result of a COVID-19 PCR test performed not more than 12 hours prior to boarding the aircraft or ship; OR
Present a negative test result for a PCR test performed no more than 72 hours before arrival AND a negative rapid test result based on a sample collected no more than 4 hours before boarding.

Travellers who start their journey in a safe country and change planes in a high-risk country without leaving the airport are not required to present a negative test result. If they leave the airport, however, the negative test result requirement does apply.

Travellers who start their journey in a high-risk country and change planes in another country – the negative test result requirement applies, even if the transit country is a safe country. The result remains valid during the layover. Travellers who start their journey in a high-risk country and change planes in the Netherlands – the negative test result requirement applies, regardless of whether they leave the airport

All travellers from high risk countries must self-quarantine for 10 days on arrival in the Netherlands.

After five days of self-quarantine, travellers can get tested. If the result of this PCR test is negative they may end their self-quarantine.
Certain travellers are exempt from self-quarantine unless showing symptoms:
- Cross-border commuters, students or schoolchildren;
- Goods transport or passenger transport workers crossing the border for work;
- Visiting spouse, partner, child or parent in Belgium or Germany.
- Travelling to the Netherlands to visit parent or child.
- Exemption from the entry ban is suspended for the following travellers from outside the EU:
Business travellers;
Students wishing to study in the Netherlands for less than 3 months;
Highly-skilled migrants wishing to work in the Netherlands for less than 3 months;
Professionals from the cultural and creative sectors;
People in long-distance romantic relationships wishing to travel to the Netherlands for a short period.

No negative test result or self-quarantine is required for travellers arriving from safe countries. Safe countries include Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Iceland, St Maarten, Saba and St Eustatius.

The exemptions from the entry ban for the following travellers from outside the EU, which had been suspended, are reinstated:

Business travellers;
Students wishing to study in the Netherlands for less than 3 months;
Highly-skilled migrants wishing to work in the Netherlands for less than 3 months;
Professionals from the cultural and creative sectors;
People in long-distance romantic relationships wishing to travel to the Netherlands for a short period.

Passengers who need to transfer in the Netherlands to a different flight for their onward journey will only need to show the results of an NAAT (PCR) test based on a sample collected no more than 72 hours before. The requirement to provide the results of an additional rapid test will be lifted.

Travellers aged 13 and over from high-risk countries must be able to show the results of a negative NAAT (PCR) test based on a sample collected no more than 24 hours before boarding. The permissible window had previously been 12 hours; OR upon their arrival in the Netherlands, they must be in possession of a negative rapid test result based on a sample collected no more than 24 hours prior to boarding and a negative NAAT (PCR) test result based on a sample collected no more than 72 hours earlier. This time frame had been 4 hours.

The entry ban continues for non-essential travel of people from other non-EEA countries. Entry is permitted from:

European Union member states and the rest of the Schengen countries (Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland);
Safe countries (Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand).
The Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius.

Entry is permitted for:

EU citizens and their family members;
Nationals of Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and their family members;
Holders of a residence card or permit for long-term residence, a valid residence permit for Netherlands, those who derive their residence from another EU directive or the law of a Schengen country and holders of a longstay visa (MVV) and their family members;
Transit passengers;
Cross-border workers;
Others working in essential functions.

Entry is permitted for cross-border commuters, key workers, seasonal workers, transport workers, energy workers, seafarers, diplomats, members of the armed forces, NGO workers, those with compelling reasons to visit their family, those travelling through the Netherlands to a non-EU country (with proof of a connecting flight within 48 hours) and knowledge migrants (highly-skilled migrants) and students with an IND approval letter (kennisgeving).

Entry is permitted for Highly-skilled migrants (knowledge migrants – including holders of Blue Cards, ICT Permits or researcher permits), and their family members.

They still require an MVV unless they are of a visa-exempt nationality (Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States);
If they are visa-exempt and travelling from an entry-ban country, then
- they must fly direct to Netherlands (no transit);
- they must present the IND approval letter (kennisgeving) stating that they will receive a residence permit;
- the must also present a written statement from their employer stating that they must be in the Netherlands for their work and why. It should also state why they cannot come to the Netherlands at a later time.
If they arrive from a high-risk area, they must submit a health declaration and undergo a 10-day self-quarantine.

If the Netherlands embassy is closed or not accepting MVV applications, the applicant’s sponsor can submit the application to the IND in the Netherlands.

However, the applicant will have to visit the embassy once the IND has made a positive decision.
MVV’s can be collected from the embassy within 9 months of the original date of approval (if the applicant can explain why they could not collect their MVV sooner because of the corona crisis).
If an MVV sticker has expired, the applicant can obtain a reissued MVV within 90 days after expiry of the original sticker approval (if the applicant can explain why they could not travel in time because of the corona crisis).

People outside Europe with a positive decision on a residence permit application but without an MVV, or with an expired residence permit, cannot enter the country.

Transit:

Those travelling from outside EU/Schengen to another country outside EU/Schengen via Schiphol airport:
- Must have a ticket for a confirmed flight to an airport outside EU/Schengen departing within 48 hours of landing at Schiphol;
- Travellers requiring a transit visa due to their nationality must have a valid airport transit visa (Type A).
Those travelling from outside EU/Schengen to another Schengen country via the Netherlands must be able to show you have permission to enter the Schengen country in question. You can do this with a note verbale from that country’s embassy, for example, or another type of document that proves you can travel there.

Dutch consular representations are gradually reopening abroad, and long-term entry visas (MVV) are being processed and approved at a growing number of locations.

Appointments at the IND desk continue as usual. Until further notice, the Dutch Immigration Services (IND) is only allowing appointments for collection of first regular residence document. The IND will contact the applicant to schedule an appointment. Applicants who have received a positive decision on a first residence permit and entered the Netherlands without a temporary residence permit (MVV) should call the IND to schedule an appointment to provide biometrics.

Norway

Effective 1 March, day commuters from Sweden and Finland are permitted to enter for work under a strict test and control regime.

Day commuting includes evening and night work, but commuters cannot spend the night in Norway between work sessions. They must travel in and out of Norway for each shift to be covered by the provision for day commuting.

Daily commuters from Sweden and Finland must document residence in Sweden or Finland at the border control and must have a certificate from their Norwegian employer confirming that they are a commuter.

The certificate must include information about the place of work, working hours and that the distance to the company their home does not prevent them from day commuting. They must also register in the entry registration system before each entry.

If they commute to work, they are exempt from the entry quarantine requirement during working hours if tested for Covid19 every seven days.

Effective 22 February, employers who make accommodation available to foreign employees must have this location pre-approved by the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority.

When applying to the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority for approval of accommodation, the employer must document that it is possible to reside in that location without coming into contact with other people. Employees must have their own bathroom and their own kitchen or dining facilities, as well as access to a private room offering television and internet facilities. A processing fee is due in order to have an application to the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority considered.

Norwegian employers/sponsors can apply for permission for an exemption from the current travel ban for foreign workers to travel to Norway who are strictly necessary to maintain the activity of the business.

The key criteria in relation to this exemption are:

Only for technical experts that will come to Norway to install, disassemble, inspect repair or perform maintenance on machinery or technical equipment.
The relevant work must be strictly necessary/critical for maintaining the business of the sponsor in Norway.
It is not possible to find other people with the required skill set in Norway to carry out the tasks.
The tasks have to be completed in Norway i.e. must demonstrate it is not possible to complete the work remotely from outside Norway.
The Norwegian employer/ sponsor must submit the application electronically through the Norwegian Maritime Authority and provide certain supporting information and documents.

The applicant must still hold any relevant visas or residence permits as required by immigration law (i.e. the exemption is only in relation to the current travel ban). The applicant must also still comply with the COVID entry restrictions including quarantine

Travellers from red countries/regions must present a certificate (in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, English, French or German) of negative result from a PCR or rapid antigen COVID-19 test taken less than 24 hours before entry (rather than 72 hours as previously).

Travellers arriving in Norway from Austria, Brazil, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa and the United Kingdom are subject to a PCR test on arrival at the border.

This requirement applies in addition to the requirement for a negative test before entry to Norway for specific groups and the requirements for quarantine hotels and quarantine after entry.
Children under 12, personnel with critical social functions, border commuters, HGV drivers and diplomats, people who have proof of having had COVID-19 in the last 6 months are exempted.

All travellers arriving in Norway are subject to COVID-19 testing on arrival at the border.

This requirement applies in addition to the requirement for a negative test before entry to Norway for specific groups and the requirements for quarantine hotels and quarantine after entry.
Children under 12, personnel with critical social functions, border commuters, HGV drivers and diplomats, people who have proof of having had COVID-19 in the last 6 months are exempted.
Any positive result from a rapid COVID test taken at the border must be followed by a PCR test in the case of all travellers. A PCR-test is necessary in order to do further analysis to establish if the sample contains one of the mutated and more contagious variations of the virus.

All travellers are required to register themselves at the time of entry to Norway with a new digital travel registration system.

The red list, from which travellers may enter Norway but are subject to a tenday quarantine, now includes the following:

Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark (except Faroe Islands and Greenland), Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Vatican and parts of Finland.

A 10-day quarantine is required for all arrivals from red countries or areas within the EEA/Schengen region, or countries outside the EEA/Schengen region.

Those under quarantine duty who are not resident in Norway and do not have a home or holiday home in Norway must stay at a quarantine hotel during the 10-day quarantine period.
- Persons who are able to document access to a permanent residence in Norway will be permitted to quarantine at that location, regardless of whether this residence is owned or rented.
- The requirement to stay in a quarantine hotel does not apply to people who are in Norway to work and who can present confirmation that their employer undertakes to provide suitable accommodation during the quarantine period, where it is possible to avoid close contact with others, with a private bedroom including TV and internet access, appropriate bathroom facilities, and a separate kitchen or eating facility.
- Other persons whose stay is for purposes other than work or an assignment and who can document that they have access to a suitable location do not need to stay in a quarantine hotel for their quarantine stay.
- A suitable location must be a private room with access to dedicated bathroom facilities, a separate kitchen or eating facility, and it must be possible to avoid close contact with others.
- The traveller must provide confirmation that this accommodation fulfils the stipulated requirements, issued by the individual placing the accommodation at the disposal of the traveller A standard confirmation form is available via regjeringen.no and helsenorge.no. This will not apply to those persons who quarantine in their own homes, regardless of whether their home is owned or rented.
- Persons who are married to or have children with a person who has a permanent residence in Norway, as well as their children under the age of 18, may undergo quarantine in the home of their spouse in Norway, or the home of their co-parent.
- Persons in the same household who enter Norway together who are not arriving for the purposes of work or an assignment may undergo quarantine within the same suitable accommodation without any additional requirements in terms of private bedrooms for each member of the household.
- Long-distance hauliers and allied military departments are also exempt.
- People staying at a quarantine hotel must pay a set charge of NOK 500 per night for private individuals and NOK 500 per night (reduced from NOK 1500) for employers. Children under the age of 10 years old staying in a room with their parent or guardian will not be required to pay an excess. Children aged 10 to 18 years old will be required to pay an excess of NOK 250 per day.
- People staying at a quarantine hotel will have the opportunity to be tested for Covid-19. However, even if the person tests negative for Covid-19 during the quarantine period, the duration of the quarantine period will not be reduced.
Time spent in transit through yellow countries or areas is counted as quarantine time.
Transiting through red countries or areas does not trigger quarantine duty, provided the traveller does not use public transport, does not stay overnight in the area and keeps a distance to others than those they normally live with.
Stopping in transit in a red country as part of a flight itinerary does trigger quarantine duty.
Anyone arriving in Norway from a red area/country need to complete their full quarantine period in mainland Norway prior to travelling on to Svalbard, including residents.
Foreign national workers from countries classified as ‘red’ by the EU are no longer exempt from the 10-day quarantine requirement.

Test Certificate: Travellers from red countries/regions must present a certificate (in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, English, French or German) of negative result from a PCR or rapid antigen COVID-19 test taken less than 24 hours before entry. This does not apply to the following:

Norwegian citizens, foreign residents of Norway or persons in transit.
People regularly entering Norway for work (except heath personnel who have been outside Norway for more than 7 days).
Foreign nationals with a family immigration permit.
Personnel in critical functions when necessary to avoid danger to life and health.
Diplomatic and consular personnel accredited to Norway.
Foreign nationals who have been invited by the Norwegian authorities to participate in international negotiations and similar, and foreign nationals who are part of delegations that are visiting Norway in accordance with Norway’s international obligations.
Military personnel arriving in Norway by non-commercial transport. o asylum seekers and quota refugees.

Travellers arriving from Denmark should get themselves tested again upon arrival in Norway, and inform the municipality they are visiting that they have been to Denmark.

EU/EEA citizens who need an appointment with the Police related to registration must complete the online registration form and book an appointment in the application portal.

It is not possible to issue residence permits, submit applications for residence permits or order residence cards. The police’s Immigration Office currently offers a limited service. Citizens of the EEA will not be able to register or have the registration certificate issued by the police. In-country biometrics recording is not possible; however, work permit applications will still be processed if immigration authorities keep working and no closure is implemented. Digital solutions are being implemented where possible. All paper applications (that cannot be delivered electronically) for temporary residence permit must be submitted by mail, rather than in person.

Poland

From 28 December 2020 until 17 January 2021, a mandatory 10-quarantine will be required for anyone arriving into Poland by organized transport (airplane, bus, train, or vessel).

A new flight ban is effective until 6 January. The ban applies to:

Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Jordan, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, the United Kingdom and the United States (except Illinois and New York states).

International flights are permitted from EU, EEA and EFTA countries and microstates not on the above list, as well as from Algeria, Australia, Canada, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay.

Entry is permitted from inside and outside the EU for the following:

Polish citizens and their spouses or children;
Citizens and legal residents of EU/EFTA/EEA states, Switzerland or the UK;
Nationals or residents of Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia;
Holders of a Pole’s Card;
People who have the right of permanent or temporary residence in Poland or a work permit;
Foreign nationals who run a means of transport designed for the transport of persons or goods, and whose transit takes place as part of their professional activities consisting in the transport of goods or persons.
Pupils and students receiving education in Poland.
Athletes, journalists and staff entering to attend sports competitions in Poland.
Persons who cross the border of Poland based on a national visa for the purpose of repatriation in order to arrive in Poland as the repatriated person’s closest family member.

All travellers who are permitted to enter Poland, except for the categories mentioned below, must undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine at their place of stay in Poland. The following travellers are exempt from the quarantine requirement:

Travellers arriving on flights originating from countries not subject to the international flight suspension (except for passengers on flights arriving from Belarus, Russia or Ukraine);
Citizens of Poland and their spouses and children;
Citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland and their spouses and children;
Residents of the EU, and their spouses and children, for the purpose of transit through Poland to their place of residence.
Pupils and students enrolled in Polish educational institutions (and their guardians);
Service members of the Polish Army or allied military service members, police officers, border guards, customs officers, fire brigade members, State Security Service members, Road Transport Inspection officers, or sea administration inspectors;
Crew members on airlines, trains, shipping vessels, or offshore drilling platforms;
Persons performing certain work in the oil and energy sectors;
Drivers of commercial vehicles transporting goods or passengers;
Diplomats and their family members assigned to Poland;
Maritime administration inspectors

Also exempt are holders of an employer’s declaration on entrusting work to a foreign national and EU citizens holding EU registration certificates, foreign spouses or children of Polish citizens, Pole’s Card holders, Polish diploma holders and diplomatic staff.

Employees in the EU or the EEA who travel to Poland from another EU country (i.e. without crossing the external EU border) in connection with work will be exempt from the obligatory quarantine post entry. To benefit from the exemption, the employee will have to prove professional activity in the EU/EEA country.

Some Poland visa application centres have resumed services. Immigration offices are now allowed to issue negative decisions to immigration applications. It is also possible to submit acceleration requests to a higher authority (ponaglenie).

Countdown to the deadline for completing immigration formalities, such as submitting missing documents for pending applications or to submit obligatory notifications have also resumed. Similarly, the countdown to the deadline to submit EU registration applications have also resumed. EU registration applications should be submitted by post before Immigration offices reopen. In person residence permit applications are currently suspended, but can still be submitted by post.

Portugal

Flights are permitted from and to the EU, the non-EU Schengen countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) and the UK, and the following nonEU/Schengen countries: Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Uruguay.

Passengers on these flights are not required to present a negative COVID-19 test result certificate.

Entry is permitted for travellers from the United Kingdom only if they are Portuguese citizens or legally resident in Portugal.

Passengers on flights from the UK must present a negative result certificate from a COVID-19 test carried out in the previous 72 hours.
Passengers who do not present a negative test result certificate will be tested on arrival and will have to self-isolate (and, in Madeira, be tested again after 5-7 days).

Flights are permitted from and to the EU, the non-EU Schengen countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) and the UK, and the following non EU/Schengen countries: Australia, Canada, China, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Tunisia and Uruguay. Passengers on these flights are not required to present a negative COVID-19 test result certificate.

Flights are also permitted from other countries for essential purposes only. Essential journeys are defined as those undertaken by citizens of EU member states and Schengen states and their family members, and non-EU nationals resident in EU member states, as well as non-EU nationals travelling for work, study, family reunion, health or humanitarian purposes.

Passengers on flights from other destinations for essential purposes must present a negative result certificate from a COVID-19 test carried out in the previous 72 hours.

Passengers flying to Madeira must present a negative result certificate from a COVID-19 test carried out in the previous 72 hours or take a test on arrival.

Passengers flying to the Azores must either provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken 72 hours prior to arrival or take a test and await the results in isolation. Arriving passengers may await the test results in a private residence or contracted lodging of their choice. The results are expected to take no more than 12 hours. Travellers who wish to remain in the Azores for more than 7 or 14 days, will be required to test again on the 6th and 13th days.

Land borders remain open.

The Immigration Service (SEF) are now rescheduling new appointments for those that were scheduled during the state of emergency, between 18 March and 2 May.

South Africa

Effective until 15 February 2021, all land borders are closed, with the following exceptions:

Those in need of emergency medical treatment; those involved in the transportation of fuel, cargo and goods, returning South African citizens, permanent residents and long-term visa holders, South African citizens and permanent residents departing for the purposes of employment, study or residence outside of the country, foreign nationals returning to their country of nationality or permanent residence, diplomats, daily commuters from neighbouring countries who attend school in South Africa and those attending the funeral of a family member within the first degree of kinship of the deceased person.

Borders are open for travellers from all but certain (as yet undefined) high-risk countries.

Travellers will only be able to use one of the land border posts that have remained operational during the lockdown or one of the three main airports: King Shaka, OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airport.
On arrival, all travellers (including transit passengers) must present negative PCR test results dated within 72 hours prior to boarding, from an accredited laboratory. Those without an adequate negative test result or showing symptoms will be subject to government quarantine for 14 days at their own cost.
All travellers must install the COVID Alert South Africa mobile app.

Entry is permitted for leisure and business from all African countries and from countries not deemed high-risk.

For travellers from certain high-risk countries, entry is not permitted for leisure or tourism purposes. Currently, high-risk countries include;

Argentina, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Spain, United Kingdom, United States.
Any person from a high-risk country wishing to enter South Africa for business purposes may apply to the Minister of Home Affairs by email and demonstrate the reasons for their request.
Seasonal visitors from high-risk countries in Europe who generally spend the summer months in South Africa during the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere may also apply for permission to enter the country.
Holders of long-term visas who are located in high-risk countries may travel to South Africa without any prior approval. Those who wish to apply for long-term visas may also proceed to do so without prior approval.

The visa waivers/exemptions for the undermentioned countries which were withdrawn have been re-instated. This implies that citizens of these countries, subject to meeting admission requirements, may be issued with a Visitor’s Visa upon arrival in the country for the stated period of the exemption; however, please note that citizens of these countries who are currently resident in the high-risk countries listed above are still prohibited from travelling to South Africa without prior approval from the DHA: France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, United States, United Kingdom.

South African citizens and permanent residence permit holders may exit the country without first applying for special permission.

Immigration

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has resumed normal operations, which implies the full resumption of the processing of all visa, permit, passport and identity document applications at the central permitting hub in Pretoria. It has also started adjudicating applications for all categories of Temporary Residence Visas including, but not limited to, visitor’s, work, study, crew, medical treatment, relative’s, retired persons’, business, corporate, exchange visas, waiver requests and appeal and review requests in respect of adverse decisions taken.

The South African Missions abroad and the provincial Visa Application Centres within South Africa have resumed accepting the above mentioned Temporary Residence Visa applications, waiver requests and appeal/review applications.

The DHA remains officially closed for the acceptance and adjudication of new Permanent Residence Permit applications; therefore, foreign nationals wishing to apply will have to continue to wait and those with applications under adjudication should anticipate further delays. It is unclear whether the Permitting Hub in Pretoria is currently adjudicating applications which were submitted prior to the hard lockdown commencing in March. Applications for Lesotho Exemption Permits and Zimbabwe and Exemptions Permits have also reopened.

Spain

Effective until 31 May 2021, entry is suspended for non-resident foreign nationals arriving from Botswana, Brazil, Colombia, Comoros, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Peru, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia or Zimbabwe.

Citizens and residents of Spain and Andorra are exempt but must remain in quarantine for 10 days after arrival, or for the duration of stay if less than 10 days. This period may end earlier if they obtain a negative COVID-19 test result on the 7th day.

Land border controls between Spain and Portugal are lifted.

The suspension of entry for non-essential travel from most non-EU countries is extended until 31 May 2021. Non-essential entry is permitted for travellers from:

European Union and Schengen associated countries;
Australia, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand.

Exceptions to the entry ban continue for Spanish citizens and residents; nationals and residents of an EU or Schengen member state, and their family members; holders of a long-term visa issued by an EU or Schengen member state in transit to their EU/Schengen residence; holders of a temporary residence and/or work permit which has expired during the state of emergency; highly-qualified workers whose work is necessary and cannot be postponed or performed remotely; cross-border workers; exclusively labour-related reasons, including seasonal work, healthcare or elderly care professionals in the performance of their duties; transport of goods personnel; diplomats, international organizations, military personnel and members of humanitarian organizations in the performance of their duties; those traveling for imperative family reasons duly accredited; and those who can prove reasons of force majeure or situation of need, or whose entry is permitted for humanitarian reasons.

Adequate documentary proof of purpose of stay is required.

Travellers originating in India are required to quarantine for 10 days after arrival, or for the duration of their stay if less than 10 days.

This period may end earlier if the individual obtains a negative result from a PCR test taken on the 7th day.

Travellers arriving by air from high-risk countries must submit a certificate of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.

The online health declaration form will include a question on whether the passenger obtained a negative PCR test result within 72 hours prior to entry and travellers may at any time be asked to present the original certificate of this test in English or Spanish, in paper or electronic format.
If the health declaration form has not been completed online it may be presented in paper format before boarding along with the original test certificate.
Travellers whose temperature or visual or documentary checks indicate they may be COVID-19 positive must undergo diagnostic testing at the airport on arrival.
Travellers who arrive without the requisite certification must take a diagnostic test for antigens, will have to pay a fine and, if from third countries, may be refused entry.
Effective 10 May until 23 May 2021:
- High-risk countries in the EU/EEA include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland (except the Pojois- ja Ita-Suomi region), France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway (except Nordland, Troms og Finnmark and Trondelag), Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden.
- High-risk countries outside the EU/EEA include all third countries except Australia, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand.
Effective 26 April until 9 May 2021:
- High-risk countries in the EU/EEA include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark (except Greenland), Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway (except Nordland and Troms og Finnmark), Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden.
- High-risk countries outside the EU/EEA include all third countries except Australia, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand.

The suspension of entry for non-essential travel from most non-EU countries is extended until 31 May 2021. Non-essential entry is permitted for travellers from:

European Union and Schengen associated countries;
Australia, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand.

All international arrivals are required to complete an online health declaration form no more than 48 hours in advance of travel and present the issued QR code to the authorities on entry. All travellers to the Canary Islands, aged 7 years and above, who are booked into regulated tourist accommodation are required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours earlier when checking into their accommodation, and to download and activate the Radar COVID notification app throughout their stay, and for 15 days after returning home. Consular services are suspended.

The state of emergency has been lifted. Government services and offices have reopened and some immigration services can be accessed online. The authorities will continue working behind doors on any new or renewal applications but the legal processing time of 20 working days will not apply and may be exceeded. Services for foreign nationals at police stations are suspended, except for emergency or urgent cases.

Sweden

The general entry ban has been extended until 31 May 2021. As previously, all foreign citizens over the age of 18-years-old will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test upon entry into Sweden. The test must be no older than 48 hours.

Swedish work and residence permit holders are exempt from this requirement.
The test requirement for people commuting regularly for work or study has been relaxed; commuters will be allowed to use PCR test results that are no older than 7 days.
Effective 31 March, the restriction of travel from Denmark, Norway and the UK will be lifted and travellers from Denmark and Norway will be subject to the same rules that apply to other EEA countries. The requirement of a negative COVID-19 test no later than 48 hours prior to arrival still applies, but the previous additional requirement of belonging to a category of people who are exempt has been lifted.
Separate regulations for travel from the UK will no longer apply; the general entry ban for countries outside of the EEA will apply to the UK. Entry is permitted for:
Swedish citizens;
People in the transport sector;
People with imperative family reasons;
People entering to receive certain kinds of care;
Parents travelling to be with their children who live in Sweden;
Children travelling to be with a parent who lives in Sweden, and the person accompanying the child on such trips;
Diplomats and Consular Officers who are employed in Sweden by foreign states and their families and employees;
People who work in international organisations or are invited by such organisations and whose presence is necessary for the organisations’ activities;
People in need of international protection or who have other humanitarian grounds;
People who are to undergo surgery or other types of care that cannot be delayed;
Military personnel and other personnel within the scope of international defence cooperation.
Those exempted from the entry ban for work must present a negative test result of a PCR test taken no more than 24 hours before travelling.
This test requirement does not apply to those transporting goods, nor to Swedish citizens, but is recommended for both categories.
The suspension of entry from outside the EU, the EEA, the microstates and Switzerland is extended until 31 March 2021.
Exemptions from the entry ban include:(Effective 1 January 2021) those entitled to residence status in Sweden following Brexit.
Swedish citizens and their family members;
Citizens of EEA member states, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or the Vatican, and their family members; o Individuals with a long-term residence status, a residence permit or a national visa (3+ months) from Sweden or from another EEA state, and their family members;
Residents of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand

Effective 20 January, residents of Uruguay are no longer exempted from the entry ban on the basis that they are residents of that country. However, other exemptions from the entry ban may continue to apply to residents of Uruguay.

Exemptions from the entry ban can also be made for foreign nationals with particularly urgent personal needs or who are to perform essential functions in Sweden, such as: o Healthcare professionals;

Frontier workers;
Seasonal workers in agriculture, horticulture and forestry;
Transport workers;
People travelling for urgent family reasons;
Transit passengers;
Seafarers;
People who work in international organisations or are invited by such organisations and whose presence is necessary for the organisations’ activities, military personnel, aid workers and civil defence staff;
People in need of international protection or for other humanitarian reasons;
People travelling for the purpose of studying;
Highly-skilled workers, if the job cannot be postponed or performed remotely.

Sweden has now lifted the advice against non-essential travel to the following countries: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway (effective 31/3/21), Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom (effective 31/3/21) and Vatican City. o The advice against non-essential travel to third countries (outside the EU, the EEA and the Schengen area) is extended until 31 May 2021

Immigration Requirements:

The Swedish Migration Agency will not accept work permit applications with start dates during the travel ban.

Work permit holders who require entry visas are required, and those whose nationality is visa-exempt are recommended, to submit biometrics in the home country so they can show the residence card at the border. It is currently very difficult to have biometrics done at Swedish missions abroad, as many of them are closed due to national lockdowns. For visa-exempt nationals, it is very difficult to get appointments to provide biometrics in Sweden. This can delay the possibility of registering residency locally and hence be part of the Swedish Public Welfare Insurance scheme, Försäkringskassan, which allows medical care.

Individuals (other than medical professionals and other essential workers) who recently received their work permit approval but have not yet moved to and registered as a resident in Sweden are not permitted to enter until the travel restrictions are lifted.

It is mandatory to start work within 4 months of a work permit start date. A start date later than 4 months is grounds for rejecting an application for permanent residence (PR), and later applications for a work permit extension may be affected by absence from work in Sweden due to coronavirus issues. If a person does not report to work within 4 months then the permit should be cancelled and the person should reapply for a permit that corresponds to the actual period.

Switzerland

India is added to the list of high-risk countries.

Travellers entering Switzerland by air must present:

Prior to boarding:
- Proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within the last 72 hours; OR
- Proof of a negative rapid antigen test taken within the last 24 hours.
At the Swiss border:
- Proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within the last 72 hours.
  - Those who are checked and are unable to present a negative PCR test at the border because they took a rapid antigen test for boarding must take a PCR or rapid antigen test in Switzerland as soon as possible after entry.

Travellers entering Switzerland by land who have in the previous 10 days spent time in ‘high risk’ countries or regions must present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within the last 72 hours.

Those who are checked and are unable to present a negative PCR test at the border must take a PCR or rapid antigen test in Switzerland as soon as possible after entry.

All travellers who have in the previous 10 days spent time in ‘high risk’ countries or regions must undergo a mandatory ten-day quarantine and must report their arrival to the cantonal authorities within two days.

Travellers can leave quarantine after 7 days if they again test negative (antigen rapid test or PCR test).
The following do not exempt travellers from the mandatory quarantine requirement or shorten the quarantine period:
- A negative test result. This is because a negative test result does not completely rule out an infection with the new coronavirus. You will find the biological explanation for this on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.
- A COVID-19 vaccination. This is because while the vaccination provides protection from the disease, it is not yet clear whether it also prevents infection of other people.

Effective 17 May 2021:

List of high-risk areas from neighbouring countries: Austria (Oberösterreich, Salzburg), France (Bretagne, Centre-Val de Loire, Hauts-deFrance, Île de France, Normandie, Nouvelle-Aquitane, Occitanie, Pays de la Loire, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur), Germany (Sachsen, Thüringen), Italy (Basilicata, Campania, Puglia).
List of high-risk countries and areas: Andorra, Argentina, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Iran, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Netherlands, Palestine, Paraguay, Poland, Qatar, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, Turkey, Uruguay.

Exemptions from testing and quarantine include:

People travelling on business for an important reason that cannot be postponed;
People travelling for an important medical reason that cannot be postponed;
Transit passengers who have spent less than 24 hours in a state or area with an increased risk of infection;
Transit passengers who enter Switzerland for the purpose of transiting the country;
People who in the course of their professional activities transport passengers or goods across borders.

The list of countries not considered high-risk, from where entry is permitted, is as follows:

All states in the Schengen area, Andorra, Australia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Monaco, New Zealand, Romania, Rwanda, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and the Vatican

Travellers from other countries can be permitted to enter Switzerland only if they meet at least one of the following requirements:

They also have Swiss citizenship.
They hold a travel document (e.g. a passport or identity card) and
- a residence permit, i.e. a Swiss residence permit (L / B / C / Ci permits);
- a cross-border permit (G permit; only for work-related purposes),
- an FDFA legitimation card;
- a D visa issued by Switzerland;
- a C visa issued by Switzerland after 16 March 2020 in a valid exceptional case or in order to work on a short-term contract;
- an assurance of a residence permit from a cantonal migration authority or an entry permit with a visa issued by Switzerland.
Service providers from the United Kingdom require confirmation of notification under the online notification procedure if they wish to work in Switzerland for up to 90 days in any calendar year.
They hold a refugee’s or stateless person’s travel document issued by Switzerland, a passport for foreign nationals issued by Switzerland, a valid residence or permanent residence permit or an F-Permit.
They have rights of free movement. If they require a visa, a valid Schengen Cvisa, a valid D-visa or a valid Schengen residence permit;
In certain cases: They are simply travelling directly through Switzerland with the intention and possibility of entering another country. See “Is it still possible to travel through Switzerland?” under ‘Questions on travelling through and leaving Switzerland’.
They are in a situation of special necessity (see below). The border control authority will assess the necessity of the situation.

In cases of special necessity, it is possible to enter Switzerland despite the entry ban. Persons who require a visa must apply for one at the Swiss foreign representation where they live, explaining why they are a case of special necessity. In certain cases, the foreign representation may be able to provide documents confirming the situation. For persons who do not require a visa, the border control officers at the Schengen external border (i.e. at the airport) decide whether the requirements of necessity have been met. They will allow entry in certain cases – for example:

Entry to continue essential medical treatment that began in Switzerland or abroad;
Entry on essential official visits in terms of Switzerland’s international commitments;
Entry with one accompanying person in order to exercise rights of access to your children; this also covers the entry of your child into Switzerland;
Entry to visit grandparents, parents, siblings, children, or grandchildren who live in Switzerland if there is an important family reason for doing so (birth, wedding, serious illness). This also includes the immediate family of the person entitled to enter (i.e. husband/wife, registered partner and minor children), provided the family all enter Switzerland together;
Entry for court appearances, business appointments that cannot be postponed or meetings that require personal presence; for example, to negotiate or sign a contract, business-related inspections or other essential assignments;
Entry by foreign nationals from third countries (including the United Kingdom rom 1 January 2021) who are providing a cross-border service, for up to eight days in any calendar year or who are working temporarily in Switzerland for a foreign employer from a third country, provided their personal presence is essential (e.g. practical education and training courses and/or training on the job;
Entry to visit a partner to whom one is not married or in a registered partnership with and with whom one does not have children is possible if:
- the person wishing to enter the country has an invitation from the partner living in Switzerland and the partner is a Swiss citizen or has a short-stay permit, temporary or permanent residence permit;
- confirmation of the existing partnership is submitted;
- proof can be given that at least one face-to-face visit or meeting took place in Switzerland or abroad before entry restrictions were imposed.
Entry is not permitted on the basis of a mere holiday acquaintance. Proof must be given that a relationship has already lasted for some time and is regularly cultivated. The persons concerned must provide credible evidence that they were in regular contact before and during the corona crisis;
There are also exceptions from the quarantine requirement for:
- Persons in transit;
- Professional transportation activity;
- Essential activities;
- Other professional compelling activities (five-day limit no longer applies);
- Medical reasons (five-day limit no longer applies);
- Return to Switzerland after sport, cultural or professional events where appropriate sanitary measures were in place.

Almost everyone entering Switzerland must complete an electronic entry form before entry. Exceptions as follows:

Those entering from regions on the border with Switzerland with which close economic, social and cultural exchanges take place;
Those transporting passengers or goods across borders in the course of their professional duties;
Those entering solely for transit purposes and travelling on directly to another country;
Those entering in their own means of transport, who have not stayed in a country or area with an increased risk of infection within the last 10 days.

United Arab Emirates

The suspension of flights from India is extended until further notice.

Entry is suspended for all travellers who have been in India in the previous 14 days.
Exempted entry is permitted for nationals of the UAE, diplomatic missions, official delegations, golden residence visa holders and approved chartered business flights.

All passengers travelling from India to Dubai must hold a valid negative result of a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to departure, take a PCR test on arrival, undergo a 10-day quarantine and take further PCR tests on days 4 and 8 of quarantine.

Passengers from Sao Paulo in Brazil with confirmed onward connections through Dubai are permitted to travel on flight EK262 with a certificate from a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before departure.

The suspension of entry for foreign nationals who have been in or transited through Nigeria or South Africa in the last 14 days, including resident visa holders, continues.

Passengers with final destinations in South Africa will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin.

Entry is suspended from Indonesia.

Entry permit applications for individuals outside the UAE, including applications for new employment visas and visit visas (long-term, short-term and tourist) are suspended until further notice for nationals of the following countries:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey and Yemen.
Applicants of these nationalities who are already in UAE are not affected. Their employer or visa sponsor can continue to apply for permits in-country, subject to GDRFA approval.

TECOM free zone authorities have announced that the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has temporarily stopped accepting new work and residence permit applications for applicants below the age of 50 who are currently outside the UAE.

It is expected that the same will be implemented soon in other free zones.
An alternative solution is to travel to the UAE on a visit visa and apply for the new work and residence permit application in country.

The UAE has resumed issuance of employment visas and entry permits for vital sectors. Employers must receive arrivals and quarantine them for 14 days.

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship has resumed the issuance of entry permits (tourist/business/visitor visas) for all emirates.

All inbound travellers must hold negative COVID-19 PCR test results, issued at most 96 hours before departure. Inbound travellers may also be required to undergo a COVID-19 test on arrival and undergo a 14-day self-quarantine, depending on the emirate/airport/airline.

UAE residents no longer require an ICA travel permit to return to the UAE. Emirati citizens returning to Dubai from overseas no longer require a pre-travel PCR test result – instead they are only required to take a PCR test on arrival in Dubai. Dubai residents and visitors entering Dubai must first obtain a re-entry permit from the Dubai GDRFA by submitting a form online. Holders of valid Dubai residence visas and GDRFA approval may re-enter Dubai after more than 6 months abroad.

For travellers to Dubai:

UAE residents, GCC citizens, and visitors are required to present a negative result of a PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel.
Arrivals from certain countries are also subject to a PCR test on arrival. These passengers must self-isolate until obtaining a negative test result.
Emirati citizens entering Dubai from overseas no longer require a pre-travel PCR test result – instead they are only required to take a PCR test on arrival in Dubai.

Effective 12 February, Dubai residents no longer need to obtain GDFRA approval to return to Dubai as previously required. The only requirement for Dubai residents returning to the city from abroad is a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure.

Tourists entering Dubai may need a visa on arrival or a prearranged visit visa.

Visitors flying into Dubai from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan must hold a valid round-trip ticket and a minimum of AED 2000.

All travellers entering Dubai must fill in a health declaration form and a quarantine declaration form. Both forms need to be printed, completed and handed over to the Dubai Health Authority staff at arrival. All arrivals must also register their details on the COVID-19 DXB app.

The following entry rules apply to passengers entering Dubai from Algeria, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malaysia, Maldives Islands, Mauritius, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States (New York, Washington DC, Boston, Chicago, Seattle):

UAE residents have the option to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate that is valid for 96 hours from the date of the test before departure or take the COVID-19 PCR test on arrival in Dubai.
Tourists must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate that is valid for 96 hours from the date of the test before departure.
Transit passengers from these countries are not required to present a COVID-19 PCR test certificate unless it is mandated by their final destination.

The following entry rules apply to passengers entering Dubai from Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Chile, Cote d’lvoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Slovakia, Somaliland, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United States (California, Florida, Texas), Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe:

UAE residents must take two COVID-19 PCR tests: one before departure with a validity of 96 hours from the date of the test, and a second test upon arrival in Dubai.
Tourists must take two COVID-19 PCR tests: one before departure with a validity of 96 hours from the date of the test, and a second test upon arrival in Dubai.
Transit passengers from these countries must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate that is valid for 96 hours from the date of test, as well as any requirements for their final destination. o Arrivals will be obliged to abide by the 14-day quarantine in case they test positive for COVID-19.

Visit and tourist visa holders from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan must hold a valid round trip ticket for the entry in Dubai. Proof of a hotel booking and sufficient funds is also recommended.

Quarantine-free entry to Abu Dhabi is permitted for travellers from ‘green-list’ countries and regions (updated 22 February 2021): Australia, Brunei, China, Greenland, Hong Kong, Mauritius, New Zealand, Singapore.

Travellers from green countries must present a valid negative result from a PCR test taken within 96 hours prior to departure.
On entry, they will need to take a second test and self-isolate until the results of this test are received. With two negative results, international travellers will not need to quarantine for 10 days.
All travellers are required to take a PCR test on day 6 (for those staying 6 days or more) and on day 12 (for those staying 12 days or more).

Travellers to Abu Dhabi from non-‘green-list’ countries are required to present a negative result from a PCR test carried out within 48, 72 or 96 hours before departure, depending on the country of departure.

They must take a second test on arrival and register under the quarantine system for a 10-day quarantine. The will be provided with an electronic wristband which must be worn throughout the 10-day quarantine period.
All travellers are required to take a PCR test on day 6 (for those staying 6 days or more) and on day 12 (for those staying 12 days or more).

The UAE has relaxed its foreign travel guidelines, allowing citizens and residents to travel to all accessible destinations for ‘general’ reasons provided they adhere to all mandatory precautions and safety measures imposed to counter the spread of COVID-19.

Returning travellers must complete a health declaration form before landing, download and activate the Al Hosn app, and follow UAE quarantine guidelines and test procedures, depending on the country from which they are returning.

The UAE has reopened its land border with Oman.

Residence visa applicants who require an in-country medical check and biometrics submission must first obtain the medical results (1-5 days) and then submit their biometric details. Previously, it was possible to submit biometrics on the same day as undergoing the medical check.

UAE authorities have resumed the endorsement of visas in original passports. An applicant who has previously secured a soft copy of a renewed residence permit must submit their original passport to the immigration or free zone authorities to have the visa endorsed on the passport. Transfer of visa sponsorship between certain free zones has been reinstated, depending on the operational procedures of the releasing free zone. If the applicant and employer are in the same free zone then intra company transfer within the same free zone is being processed as per standard process and procedures.

Employers who have obtained a new entry permit for an employee already in UAE should proceed with the change of status step within the grace period to avoid fines. Individuals with expired visas who are eligible for renewal (within 6 months of the current visa’s expiry) and need to exit and re-enter the UAE are strongly advised to renew the visa before exiting the country. Any salary reduction with mutual consent from employee and employer should be notified to authorities by submitting a Contract Amendment application. The sponsor’s original Emirates ID is required for all dependent visa applications.

The United Kingdom

Effective 17 May 2021, travellers entering from countries on the green list are not required to quarantine.

Testing is required before and after travel.
The green list includes Australia, Brunei, the Faroe Islands, the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Iceland, Israel, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, St Helena, Tristan de Cunha, Ascension Island.

Effective 12 May 2021, the Maldives, Nepal and Turkey are added to the red list.

Entry is suspended for people who have visited these countries in the last 10 days;
This does not apply to British or Irish nationals, longer-term visa holders and permanent residents, who can enter but are required to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival.
All arrivals from India are required to quarantine in a government-approved facility for at least 10 days.
Travellers will be required to book and pay in advance for their hotel room and for two COVID-19 tests to take during the stay.
The Test to Release scheme cannot be used for arrivals from these countries.

Effective 6 April 2021, a limited number of professions will be exempt from quarantine on arrival to enable them to carry out their roles.

Arrivals who are in the country for 2 days or fewer are not required to take the tests.
Arrivals who are in the country for more than 2 days will be required to take a test before the end of day 2.
Those remaining in the UK for any longer than 2 days will then be required to take a further test every 3 days – typically on days 5 and 8.
People will be able to access these tests through several routes, including home tests and community testing sites. International arrivals travelling outside the Common Travel Area daily must complete and submit a lateral flow test at least once every 3 days.
People may be required to complete a pre-departure test, even if they have an exemption from quarantine.
The professions exempt from quarantining and able to access bespoke testing are:
- hauliers
- border security duties (UK officials and contractors)
- international prison escorts
- aircraft crew and pilots
- aerospace engineers
- Channel Tunnel system workers
- international rail crew, passenger and freight operations (Eurostar, Eurotunnel, Network Rail and high-speed rail workers)
- seafarers and masters
- essential defence activity (in scope are defence personnel, both military and civilian; visiting forces; and defence contractors
- persons transporting human blood, blood components, organs, tissues or cells
- seasonal agricultural workers.
If an individual tests positive with a lateral flow test, they will be required to take a confirmatory PCR test. A subsequent positive PCR test will be sent for genomic sequencing, to detect variants of concern. The individual will be required to self-isolate for 10 days from the day after the test was taken.
Some exempt professions are required to still do day 2 and day 8 PCR tests if their travel is intermittent but will not have to quarantine:
- border security duties (non-UK officials and contractors)
- regular work abroad
- civil aviation inspectors
- bus and coach drivers
- Crown servants and government contractors that meet the required criteria as persons undertaking or facilitating essential government work and essential state business
- elite sportspeople – international and domestic
- representatives of a foreign country or territory or British Overseas Territories
- oil and gas workers
- Nuclear personnel
- specialist technical workers, postal workers and telecoms workers
- sponsors of clinical trials.
All international arrivals not employed in these professions, fishers or diplomats will be required to quarantine for 10 days – either at home or in a managed quarantine hotel – and follow the mandatory testing regime of taking a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 and on or after day 8 of quarantining.
Anyone coming into the UK and found to not be complying with the new testing requirements could face fines of up to £2,000.

All individuals travelling to the UK from a country on the travel ban list (“red list”) are required to quarantine in a government-approved facility for at least 10 days.

Travellers will be required to book and pay in advance for their hotel room and for two COVID-19 tests to take during the stay.

Entry is suspended for passengers who have visited, in the previous 10 days, countries on the travel ban list (“red list”):

Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Burundi, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, DR Congo, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Eswatini, French Guiana, Guyana, India, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, the Maldives (from 12/5/21), Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal (from 12/5/21), Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, Suriname, Tanzania, Turkey (from 12/5/21), United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
This does not apply to British or Irish nationals, longer-term visa holders and permanent residents, who can enter but are required to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival.
The Test to Release scheme cannot be used for arrivals from these countries.
Hauliers who have been in or transited through Portugal (only) in the last 10 days will be exempt to allow transport of essential goods
Direct flights to the UK are suspended from Argentina, Brazil, Cape Verde and Portugal.

A Travel Declaration Form must be submitted prior to departing the UK. This must be printed and carried or downloaded onto a mobile device before travel. Carriers will check that the forms have been completed before boarding, either at check-in or the departure gate. Those who have not completed the form may not be permitted to travel.

Effective 18 January 2021:

All travel corridors are suspended.
All arrivals aged 11 years and above, including UK nationals, are required to present, prior to boarding, a negative COVID-19 test taken up to 72 hours prior to departure.
- Passengers are subject to an immediate fine of £500 if they fail to comply.
- An individual can choose to take a test:
  - in the place where they start their journey
  - or in another country on their way to England but note that some countries have entry restrictions in place, which mean they may not be able to get tested there
- All arrivals are required to self-isolate for ten days.
- All arrivals are required to take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 and on or after day 8 of quarantine.
  - The day of arrival in England will be treated as day zero.
  - The first test may be taken in the traveller’s own accommodation or inclinic with an organisation on the list of providers of day 2 and day 8 coronavirus testing for international arrivals.
  - A positive result from the day 2 test requires quarantine for 10 days beginning the day after the test was taken (this means until day 13). The traveller’s household will also need to quarantine until day 13.
  - A positive result from the day 2 test means the day 8 test is not required.
  - A positive result from the day 8 test requires quarantine until day 19. The traveller’s household will also need to quarantine until day 19.
- Travellers who have quarantined for 10 days and got a negative result to both day 2 and day 8 tests may leave the quarantine location.
- Children under 5 do not need to take the day 2 or day 8 test
- Passengers are still required to fill in a passenger locator form and be subject to national lockdown restrictions.
- The Test to Release scheme remains in place, giving passengers the option to shorten the mandatory self-isolation period to as little as 5 days.
- A breach of self-isolation is punishable with a £1000 fixed penalty notice in England, or potential prosecution and unlimited fine. The devolved administrations will set out their own enforcement approaches.
- Some jobs qualify for travel exemptions. However, the following jobs no longer qualify:
  - advertising productions
  - business directors bringing jobs and investment to the UK
  - journalists
  - National Lottery
  - performing arts professionals
  - television production
  - high-end television production and film
  - ornamental horticulture workers.

Many UK visa application centres abroad have resumed operations.

Exit Restrictions

Effective from 29 March 2021, subject to parliamentary approval, exit from the UK will remain unlawful without a reasonable excuse.

It is a legal requirement to carry a completed travel declaration form when beginning a journey with the intention to leave the UK.
Some people do not need to complete the form because of the job they do.
Anyone who tries to leave the UK without a reasonable excuse may be fined up to £5000 for breaching stay in the UK restrictions.
There will be changes to the reasonable excuses:
- Weddings or civil partnerships
  - From 29 March, people can travel out of the UK to attend their wedding or civil partnership, or a family member’s wedding or civil partnership if one or both people getting married or entering into a civil partnership do not live in the UK.
- Funerals
  - It is still a reasonable excuse to travel abroad for a funeral, but it will not be a reasonable excuse to travel for commemorative events, or to visit a burial ground.
- Education
  - From 29 March, those who are enrolled in a course of study at an educational institution outside the UK can leave the UK if it is necessary in order to attend that course.
  - Those who study in the UK but are required to travel outside the UK to satisfy one or more requirements of their course of study are permitted to do so.
  - Those who study in the UK but live abroad are permitted to travel outside the UK to return home for the purposes of a university vacation on one occasion before 29 April 2021.
- Non-UK resident who has been in the UK temporarily:
  - From 29 March, those who do not permanently reside in the UK and are in England temporarily have a permitted reason to leave the UK.

Immigration

For applications for a visitor visa, visit in transit or direct airside transit (DAT) visa from a country where travel to the UK is suspended decisions may be delayed. If your visa application is successful, you will receive your visa when suspension of travel is lifted. Those who applied for a visitor visa, visit in transit or direct airside transit (DAT) visa from a location where travel to the UK is suspended, but need to travel urgently for compassionate reasons, can contact the Coronavirus Immigration Help Centre (CIH) for guidance: CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk, using the heading ‘Visitor Visa – Urgent Travel Request’ in your email. Your email must be in English and you should provide your name, date of birth and full details of your circumstances.

Applications for visas for work, study or residence in the UK continue to be accepted from all locations but applicants must comply with UK border measures. Most Visa Application Centres (VACs) have resumed services where local restrictions allow.

Priority and Super Priority services are only available in some locations. If available, applicants can purchase these services when booking an appointment. Applications for a visit visa can be submitted from any UK VAC. Applications for all other UK visas must be submitted from the applicant’s country of residence.

Until 31 March 2021, if the VAC is closed due to coronavirus restrictions, applications can be submitted online and a VAC in another country worldwide selected to submit the application and biometrics.

English language tests are available in most countries but may be temporarily suspended in some countries due to coronavirus restrictions. Most UK Visa and Citizenship Application Centres (UKVCAS) have reopened for existing customers (check here). Applicants will receive an invitation email after submitting their application. Service and Support Centres (SSCs) are offering a reduced number of appointments because of coronavirus. As more appointments are made available UKVI will invite applicants to arrange an appointment by email or post.

Until further notice, Biometric Residence Permits (BRP) for Tier 2 migrants and their dependents are being produced but the National Insurance Number (NINO) field is blank. There will be no future requirement to amend this, and BRPs will continue to be valid for use until their individual expiry dates.

Life in the UK test centres are currently closed so any Indefinite Leave applications submitted without evidence of a completed test will be held until this can be taken and the results published. Applicants who have paid for courier return will receive their passport if courier routes remain open. TLScontact or VFS Global can be contacted directly to request courier return of passports.

British nationals abroad who cannot apply for a passport can apply for an emergency travel document. UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre) is still operating services by email or internet. Temporary PDF statements will be issued by email, instead of printed paper statements. It is taking longer than usual to process citizenship applications because of coronavirus. This will not affect the decision. Extra time will be allowed to enrol biometrics and provide additional information. Applicants have 6 months (rather than the usual 3 months) to book their citizenship ceremony after receiving an invitation from the Home Office. Applicants should not apply by post if they’ll need their documents back by a specific date.

The concessions permitting applicants to apply for a visit visa from any UK VAC has been extended to 31 March 2021. All other visa applications should be submitted in the country of residence.

Right to rent checks can be carried out over video calls; tenants can send scanned documents or a photo of documents for checks using email or a mobile app, rather than sending originals; and landlords should use the Landlord’s Checking Service if a prospective or existing tenant cannot provide any of the accepted documents. The check should be marked as “adjusted check undertaken on [insert date] due to COVID-19”. It remains an offence to knowingly lease premises to a person who is not lawfully in the UK. Within 8 weeks of these measures ending, landlords must carry out retrospective checks on existing tenants who started their tenancy or required a follow-up check during these measures. This check should be marked as “the individual’s tenancy agreement commenced on [insert date]. The prescribed right to rent check was undertaken on [insert date] due to COVID-19.” If the check you have undertaken during this period was done with original documentation, you do not need to undertake a retrospective check.

Mobility Suppliers

Suppliers globally have put additional hygiene measures in place such as refraining from shaking hands, sharing of materials (pens, notebooks etc.) and any physical contact where possible. They are also assisting remotely and via online platforms as much as possible. In some cases, assignees may be required to submit documentation, such as a letter from their HR department confirming that, if they’ve been to any affected locations, they have completed the required quarantine period.

Destination Services:

As an alternative to physical programmes, DSP’s are offering virtual programmes as all client facing services are not operating.

They are also ensuring that all assignees are given critical advice on the symptoms, seeking help and adopting good personal hygiene practices. Additional documentation stating an assignees health and travel history will be required in some instances.

Where service is able to go ahead, our providers have advised the following:

Landlords are delaying the arrangement of viewings until further notice.
Other service providers such as schools and businesses are closed and delaying integration for anyone who has recently travelled from affected countries.
Orientations in crowded areas and hospitals are no longer taking place.
Pre-relocation/Look-see trips and school visits have been suspended for the time being.
Only urgent services are being arranged.

With the closures of schools in many countries, school search assistance is currently on hold with further delays expected.

Temporary Accommodation:

Many of our providers have implemented a pre-arrival process regarding COVID-19 globally. Providers are requesting from Advocates and relocating employees any relevant information regarding incoming or in-house guests who have travelled from high-risk countries, such as doctors notes. Guests may also be asked to complete a risk assessment in line with Public Health Guidelines.

Due to travel bans in certain areas globally, many of our providers are unable to access their offices. However, they are working remotely and reachable by email or phone. This also means that any other suppliers that provide services to the corporate housing industry will also be delayed.

Providers are advising that flexible accommodations, such as hotel stays, may be a better alternative to serviced apartments as some of these hold leases that will still carry commitments. Where possible, our providers will be flexible. However, many hotels and serviced apartments globally have advised that anyone with a travel history to high risk affected countries, may face challenges checking-in as providers are not willing to allow anyone to self-isolate in their properties.

Shipping:

There are currently delays being experienced for most shipping services.

All Shipping services are operating on a case by case basis, as businesses are operating at a low capacity with the continued quarantine period. Flight cancellations and restrictions are also contributing to the delays.

Customs offices in many countries are either closed, or working at a very low capacity.

As the number of countries prohibiting flights in and out of all heavily affected countries continues to grow, there will be significant delays to all shipments, including pet relocations.

COVID-19 Global Mobility Advisories

Disclaimer

Immigration, Travel & Border Closures:

The Americas:

Asia-Pacific (APAC):

Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA):

Mobility Suppliers

Subscribe to Topia's Blog

Platform

Services

Get Started

Products

Solutions