What’s with the WORLD

MDTI-WA-2021-0021
Date: 19 January 2021
NEW ZEALAND – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 19 JANUARY 2021
An entry ban for most foreign nationals remains in place. Officials allow partners and dependents of citizens with a visa based on the relationship or that usually reside in New Zealand and diplomatic staff to enter the country without prior government consent. Authorities also permit entry for partners, dependents, and legal guardians of citizens without visas. Australian citizens and permanent residents in New Zealand, Samoan and Tongan citizens on essential trips approved by their governments, and travelers for humanitarian reasons can also enter the country. Individuals from the Cook Islands can enter New Zealand without quarantine from Jan. 21.
The government allows some critical workers to travel to New Zealand. Companies must apply for a visa and demonstrate that the employee is working on infrastructure projects or possesses technical skills unobtainable within the country. Additionally, the government will allow some long-term essential workers to enter, provided they meet short-term entrance criteria and earn twice the median salary in the country or participate in a government-backed event. The government requires people from these groups to receive permission before traveling to the country and will review applications for travel on a case-by-case basis.
Travelers from the US and the UK must obtain a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of departure. The measure will not apply to children under two years old, people with medical conditions preventing testing, travelers that transit either country for less than 96 hours, or passengers transiting through New Zealand that do not leave the airport.
Authorities continue to quarantine inbound passengers at government-designated facilities for 14 days. Almost all arrivals must undergo a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of arrival and on day three and 12 of quarantine and receive a negative result before departing facilities. Vessel crews arriving in New Zealand must spend 14 days in quarantine unless they had been on the vessel for 28 days before docking at the port. Officials have instituted a quarantine fee structure for inbound travelers. Most travelers allowed into the country will have to pay NZD 3,100 (USD 2,211) for the first person, NZD 950 (USD 677) for each additional adult, and NZD 475 (USD 338) per additional child. Children under three years of age are exempt if staying with another person. New Zealand citizens, residence visa holders, and Australian citizens and permanent residents who typically reside in New Zealand are exempt from costs if they departed the country before Aug. 11 and intend to return home longer than 90 days. Temporary visa holders are also exempt from fees if they were residents in New Zealand as of March 19 and were outside the country before that date.
MDTI-WA-2021-0020
Date: 19 January 2021
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 19 JANUARY 2021
International tourists are permitted entry into Abu Dhabi Emirate. Under the measures, international travelers from “green” countries must present a negative (PCR) test result received within 96 hours of their departure for the UAE. The list of “green” countries can be found on the UAE Government website. Upon entering the emirate, travelers will undergo a PCR test. With two negative results, international travelers will not have to quarantine for 10 days. After arrival, travelers from green countries will need to take a third PCR test on day six for those staying for six days or more, and a fourth test on day 12 for those staying for 12 days or more. Country classifications will be subject to review every two weeks.
For visitors entering the emirate from all other countries, procedures include the following: depending on where a person is traveling from, a PCR test must be carried out between 48, 72, or 96 hours ahead of departure. Travelers will undergo a PCR test on arrival to the emirate. An additional PCR test will be required six days after arrival. Another PCR test will be required 12 days after arrival for travelers who are staying for 12 days or more. Travelers will have to wear an electronic wristband throughout their 10-day quarantine. If a traveler receives a negative result, 10 days after arrival in Abu Dhabi, the electronic wristband will be removed by authorities.
Dubai Emirate reduced the quarantine period for some coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients and individuals who came into contact with confirmed patients from 14 days to 10 days, Jan. 5. The shortened quarantine period applies to COVID-19 patients who are asymptomatic after testing positive and patients with mild cases who fully recover from their symptoms without the help of fever-reducing medications. Individuals who come into close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient but did not develop any symptoms also qualify for the shortened quarantine period. Patients with moderate, severe, or critical cases may only be discharged after testing negative for COVID-19 two consecutive times at least 24 hours apart; these individuals must have been fever-free for more than three days and are required to self-isolate for a period of seven days after discharge.
All travelers to the UAE must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result within 96 hours before their departure. Residents returning to Dubai still require approval before traveling. Those returning to other parts of the UAE no longer need approval.
If departing from Abu Dhabi to the EU or UK, travelers will need to have a negative PCR test result taken within 96 hours prior to their departure.
Arrivals in Abu Dhabi from countries that authorities consider high risk are likely to be required to quarantine for at least 14 days. These include but are not limited to Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Chile. Additional high-risk countries can be found on the UAE Government website.
MDTI-WA-2021-0019
Date: 19 January 2021
EUROPE – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 19 JANUARY 2021
Poland:
Citizens and residents of EEA member states, as well as those of
Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea,
Switzerland, Thailand, and Tunisia, are permitted to enter without
restriction. Persons entering Poland from elsewhere by public
transport, which includes by air, as well as individuals who have been
close to people infected with COVID-19 or who live with a person who is
self-isolating, must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival. Entry
restrictions for most foreign nationals remain in place, except for the
following:
United Kingdom:
As part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus disease
(COVID-19), health officials in the UK will tighten international entry
restrictions from 0400 Jan. 18 due to increasing rates of the newly
discovered variant strain. Travel corridors will be suspended and all
arrivals will have to self-isolate for up to 10 days upon entry;
travelers can reduce the required self-isolation period by taking a
COVID-19 test five days after arrival at their own expense. Such
individuals may be released from self-isolation upon receipt of a
negative result. Health officials may perform spot checks to ensure
compliance. Persons without suitable accommodations are required to
stay in facilities arranged by the government at their own expense. All
international travelers entering the UK must also fill out a passenger
locator form providing contact details and their travel history over
the previous 10 days. This measure will be in addition to the
previously implemented orders requiring all international travelers to
England, Scotland, and Wales to present proof of having tested negative
for COVID-19 before boarding starting 0400 Jan. 18.
Any persons arriving without such proof may be fined or denied entry.
All international arrivals from outside of the UK, Ireland, the Isle of
Man, and the Channel Islands must be tested no more than 72 hours
before departing their country of origin. Exemptions are in place for
children under the age of 11, international rail and maritime crew, and
certain other categories of travelers. Persons arriving from the
overseas territories of Saint Helena, Ascension Island, and the
Falkland Islands are exempt; the requirement will not enter into force
until 0400 Jan. 21 for those traveling from Antigua and Barbuda, St
Lucia, and Barbados. The government has issued online guidance on test
criteria as well as details of certain traveler categories that are
exempt. Northern Ireland will likely announce similar restrictions in
due course.
Greece:
International entry restrictions are in place at least until Jan. 21.
All passengers arriving in Greece must present a negative result from a
COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72
hours prior to arrival and self-isolate for seven days. Additionally,
all arrivals from the UK must take a rapid antigen test upon entry and
comply with the self-isolation requirement, even if the test is
negative; random checks of arrivals from other locations will also take
place. A second test, taken up to seven days after arrival, may be
applicable. Should a traveler receive a positive COVID-19 test result,
they must self-isolate for at least 14 days. All international
travelers must also complete Greece’s Passenger Locator Form.
Entry is currently prohibited for all non-EEA nationals with certain
exemptions, such as healthcare workers, permanent residents of an EU or
Schengen Area country, diplomats, student visa holders, seasonal
workers, passengers in transit, and transport workers. Citizens of
Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea,
Switzerland, Thailand, the UK, the UAE, and Uruguay are also exempt
from the travel ban.
Netherlands:
Authorities in the Netherlands have tightened entry requirements for
travelers arriving from Ireland, the UK, and South Africa effective
Jan. 15 due to new variants of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) active in
those countries. Permitted travelers arriving from these countries via
air must take a rapid COVID-19 antigen test returning a negative result
at the point of departure directly prior to travel. The same measure
will apply to arrivals by ferry from Jan. 19 and was previously
implemented for individuals traveling from the UK via Eurostar or
Eurotunnel services. This requirement also applies to individuals
working in the transport sector.
Travel to the Netherlands is generally only permitted for residents of
EU, European Economic Area (EEA), and Schengen Area countries, in
addition to residents of Dutch Caribbean Territories, Australia, Japan,
New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. Most travel
is prohibited from other countries except for transit and limited
essential purposes, including urgent health and family reasons.
Authorities require all permitted travelers arriving by air, sea,
train, or coach traveling more than 30 km (18 miles) from the border to
present a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result
prior to travel to the Netherlands. The test must have been taken
within 72 hours prior to departure. Arrivals from outside of the EU or
Schengen Area must also fill out a negative test declaration form prior
to travel.
Italy:
Travelers from the UK are barred from entry unless they are legal
residents of Italy or are traveling for an essential reason; such
essental reasons must be declared in writing. Travelers must present
proof of having tested negative for COVID-19; the test must have been
taken no more than 72 hours before departing for Italy. Travelers must
also take a COVID-19 test on arrival. Regardless of the test results,
travelers from the UK must report to their local health authorities in
Italy and self-isolate for at least 14 days.
Aside from the UK-specific measures, other international entry
restrictions remain in force. Travel from outside the EEA, Australia,
Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea is currently
prohibited except when conducted for study, proven work needs, or
urgent health or family reasons. All permitted arrivals, except those
from San Marino and Vatican City, must fill out a self-declaration form
prior to arrival. Arrivals from the EEA and Switzerland must have proof
of a negative COVID-19 test carried out in the previous 48 hours; all
other permitted arrivals must self-isolate for 14 days. Transport and
health workers, individuals in transit through Italy, and those staying
in Italy for less than 120 hours (five days) for work reasons are
exempt.
Norway:
All international arrivals must take a COVID-19 test either directly
upon arrival or up to 24 hours after entering the country. A second
test must be taken no sooner than seven days after arrival. All
arrivals into Norway must also register with authorities during the 72
hours prior to entry. All EU and Schengen Area countries remain
designated as high risk (red level), with the exception of Greenland
and parts of Finland, which are designated as moderate-risk (yellow
level) locations. Those arriving from red locations must present proof
of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a test taken no more than
72 hours before entry; persons without such tests may be refused entry.
Norwegian citizens and residents, as well as persons who come from
Finland and Sweden regularly for work, are exempt from this
requirement, though some exemptions do not apply to travelers arriving
from the UK.
Travelers from high-risk areas must also self-isolate for 10 days upon
arrival. Travelers who do not have permanent residence in the country
or a suitable place of residence upon arrival can stay in a hotel of
their choice, providing they can document their self-isolation in
accordance with official regulations; otherwise, they must stay in
government-designated quarantine hotels. Travelers from most non-EU and
Schengen Area countries are currently prohibited from entering Norway.
Individuals with close family in Norway or who have been granted
permits to work or study in the country are exempt from the travel ban
but must meet the same entry requirements as those traveling from a
high-risk location. Authorities continue to advise against nonessential
travel abroad.
Finland:
Entry restrictions not directly related to the new variants of COVID-19
are to remain in place until at least Feb. 9. There are no restrictions
on travel from Vatican City, Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore,
and Thailand. Travelers arriving from all EU and Schengen Area states,
plus Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino are only permitted to enter
Finland if they are returning residents, traveling for essential
purposes, or arriving for work-related or family reasons. Travel is
prohibited from all other countries except for returning residents and
persons arriving for critical work-related or essential family reasons.
Authorities recommend all individuals arriving from restricted
countries self-isolate for 10 days, though this can be shortened by
taking two voluntary COVID-19 tests. Travelers should take the first
test up to 72 hours before arrival, or at the airport upon arrival for
Finnish citizens and residents, and the second test no earlier than 72
hours after entry into the country. Such individuals should remain in
self-isolation until the result is known. If the test result is
negative, the self-isolation period ends; if the test result is
positive, the person will be placed in quarantine until they have
recovered.
– Spouses, children, or dependents of Polish or EEA citizens.
– Foreigners who hold a Polish identity card (Karta Polaka).
– Foreigners who are permanent or temporary residents of Poland.
– Students enrolled in Polish educational institutions.
– Scientists who are conducting research or developmental work in Poland.
– Foreigners with valid work visas.
MDTI-WA-2021-0018
Date: 19 January 2021
ASIA – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 19 JANUARY 2021
South Korea: Officials are suspending direct flights from the UK through at least Jan. 21. South Korea flights to the UK continue to operate, though disruptions are likely. Passengers from South Africa and the UK can still enter South Korea; however, officials have suspended visa issuance for these countries, except for diplomatic, official, and humanitarian purposes. Authorities have extended bans on the issuance of exceptions to quarantine for travelers from higher risk areas, such as the UK and US, through at least late January; the government had previously banned quarantine exceptions through Jan. 17, authorities may extend the suspensions for other countries in the coming days. Arrivals from South Africa and the UK must undergo a 14-day quarantine, usually in hotels or residences. Passengers traveling from or transiting South Africa or the UK, regardless of nationality, must also present confirmation of a negative PCR COVID-19 test result.
Visa-free and visa-waiver programs remain suspended with countries that have banned entry for South Korean citizens. Long-term visa holders in South Korea must obtain permits before departing the country and present medical screenings with proof of a negative COVID-19 test result before re-entry. Authorities have suspended visa-free entry for foreign sailors, who must obtain visas and provide a negative PCR COVID-19 test result issued within 48 hours before departure to enter the country. The government is limiting visas and flight capacity for passengers from Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Uzbekistan. Officials also require a medical certificate confirming that inbound travelers received a negative PCR COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of departure. Diplomats and people on urgent business travel from these high-risk countries are exempt from the restriction.
Authorities require all inbound foreigners to present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result taken within 72 hours of departure. Officials also require all foreign crew boarding vessels bound for South Korea to submit a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure. Mandatory screenings are ongoing for international arrivals at all ports of entry nationwide. Authorities in Seoul require all inbound passengers remaining in the city to undergo COVID-19 tests upon arrival. Officials will screen travelers with COVID-19 symptoms immediately and transport other passengers from Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Seoul’s designated testing facilities. A 14-day self-quarantine requirement remains in place for all international travelers, regardless of testing outcomes. Officials will quarantine foreigners who do not have a residence in South Korea at government facilities at the travelers expense.
Singapore: Most short-term visa holders, including work pass holders who do not provide essential services, remain banned from entering Singapore. Long-term visit pass and student pass holders must apply for official approval before traveling to Singapore. Incoming passengers must submit online health declarations up to three days before arrival. Foreign nationals traveling from most locations must test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours before the trip.
Arrivals from most locations must serve their SHN for 14 days at designated sites. Travelers who spent the previous two weeks in mainland China, Macau, and Taiwan can serve a seven-day SHN in their residence. Arrivals from Fiji, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, and Thailand can serve SHN at their residence for two weeks if they fulfill specific requirements. The travelers must have spent the previous 14 days in the aforementioned locations and must serve their SHN at the accommodation alone or with other travelers with the same travel history.
Long-term pass holders and short-term travelers who have been in South Africa and the UK within the previous 14 days cannot enter Singapore. Singaporean citizens and PRs with recent travel history in the UK are subject to a two-week quarantine at dedicated SHN facilities and subsequently a one-week self-quarantine at their place of residence. Additionally, short-term travelers who have been in Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) within the previous two weeks cannot enter Singapore. Singaporean citizens, PRs, and long-term pass holders with recent travel history in NSW must isolate at their own residence for a week.
Macau: Officials continue to ban most foreign nationals from entering Macau. Exceptions are in place for some foreign nationals related to Macau residents, students, and essential workers. Arrivals from all areas, except Taiwan and mainland China, must quarantine for 21 days. Authorities allow residents of mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau to enter the territory if they have not been to any other locations in the previous 21 days. Individuals from low-risk areas of mainland China must submit a negative nucleic acid COVID-19 test taken within seven days upon their arrival. Travelers from Hong Kong must submit a negative COVID-19 test issued within 24 hours of arrival and undergo 21 days of quarantine under medical observation. Visitors from Taiwan need to submit a negative COVID-19 test administered within seven days of arrival and quarantine for 14 days. Travelers must pay quarantine fees of USD 700; locals are exempt from the quarantine fee for their first entry but must pay for subsequent quarantine periods unless traveling for select purposes.
MDTI-WA-2021-0017
Date: 14 January 2021
PORTUGAL – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 14 JANUARY 2021
Authorities in Portugal have announced a nationwide lockdown and state
of emergency 0001 Jan. 15 – 2359 Jan. 30 due to rising coronavirus
disease (COVID-19) activity.
Authorities in Portugal permit entry for travelers from the EU and
Schengen Area countries, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda,
South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Uruguay; these arrivals do not
require a COVID-19 test unless their final destination is the Azores or
Madeira. Travel from other countries remains prohibited, except for
limited essential reasons, including EU citizens and residents
returning home, reuniting with family, and commuting to essential work
or study. All such arrivals are required to submit a negative result
from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before boarding;
however, Portuguese nationals and residents may arrange to take the
test on arrival at their own expense.
MDTI-WA-2021-0016
Date: 14 January 2021
BELGIUM – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 14 JANUARY 2021
Travel is permitted with EU and Schengen Area countries, as well as
Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Singapore, and
Thailand, though in many cases travel is strongly discouraged.
Nonessential travel from all other locations is prohibited. All
arrivals staying in Belgium for more than 48 hours are required to fill
in a Passenger Locator Form within 48 hours before arrival.
In addition, the government has designated certain locations with high
COVID-19 activity as “red zones.” As of Jan. 13, all countries are
designated red zones except for Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda,
Singapore, and South Korea, Thailand, and limited areas within Denmark,
Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, and Spain. Travel
with red zone countries is either strongly discouraged or prohibited.
All individuals arriving in Belgium having spent 48 hours or more in a
red zone must self-isolate on arrival and may only leave self-isolation
following a negative result for a COVID-19 test taken no less than
seven days after arrival. Additionally, non-residents having spent 48
hours in a red zone must present proof of a negative COVID-19
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within 72 hours prior to
arrival before entering the country, while residents may instead take a
test on arrival; exceptions apply to crossborder commuters.
MDTI-WA-2021-0015
Date: 14 January 2021
ASIA – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 14 JANUARY 2021
Brunei:
Most foreign nationals, including long-term pass holders, remain banned
from entering or transiting Brunei. Existing travel, student, and
dependent visas remain suspended, with limited exceptions. People who
can enter Brunei must test for COVID-19 before departure and upon
arrival. Arrivals must quarantine between 2-14 days at
government-designated facilities, depending on the risk level of the
country of departure. Travelers can leave the isolation sites upon
testing negative for COVID-19. Authorities will consider appeals from
foreigners in special situations, such as those on scholarship studies
or undergoing medical treatment in Brunei, to enter the country.
Foreigners permitted entry in such cases must obtain a Bruneian citizen
or entity as a guarantor.
Brunei allows travel for business and official purposes with Singapore
in a so-called Reciprocal Green Lane scheme. For travelers from
Singapore, a Bruneian host company or government agency must apply for
the employee’s travel pass and controlled itinerary for the first 14
days in Brunei. The travelers must have remained in Singapore for 14
days before travel, obtain a visa if applicable, purchase a return
flight ticket, test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours before
departure, and download the BruHealth contact tracing application. Upon
arrival, the employees must test for COVID-19, remain in their
pre-approved accommodation place until the test returns negative, and
adhere to a controlled itinerary.
Local nationals, permanent residents, and foreigners holding Bruneian
identification cards remain barred from leaving the country. Only
people departing to seek medical treatment or resume studies overseas
can leave Brunei after obtaining approval from the Prime Minister’s
Office. Outbound local citizens and permanent residents who require
COVID-19 tests have to pay BND 100 (USD 76), while outbound foreign
nationals will have to pay BND 200 (USD 151); authorities have exempted
students, government employees on official duty, and people with
permission from the Ministry of Health.
Japan:
The government continues to ban most foreign nationals from entering
the country due to a new COVID-19 variant. Only Japanese citizens and
resident foreign nationals can enter the country; officials will permit
entry for other foreigners under special circumstances. Authorities
will also prohibit business travel from 11 locations, including
Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Taiwan, mainland
China, Singapore, Brunei, and South Korea, from Jan. 14. The government
is no longer honoring visas issued since Oct. 1. Officials require
returning citizens and residents to present a negative COVID-19 test
result obtained within 72 hours of departure. Inbound passengers with a
negative test result can self-quarantine for 14 days, while passengers
without test documentation must quarantine at designated locations.
Taiwan:
Government requires all arrivals with a travel history to South Africa
and eSwatini in the previous 14 days to quarantine at centralized
facilities for two weeks, as of Jan. 14, after confirming the presence
of a new strain of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The Central Epidemic
Command Center (CECC) also mandates passengers from these locations to
test negative for COVID-19 and follow self-health management procedures
for seven days after release from quarantine. The same requirements
remain in effect for inbound passengers with a 14-day travel history to
the UK. Officials will likely require airline crew and pilots traveling
from South Africa and eSwatini to self-quarantine for 14 days before
leaving their homes, in line with crewmembers arriving from the UK.
Airlines in Taiwan continue to suspend direct passenger and cargo
flights between the UK and Taiwan through at least the end of February.
The government has banned entry for most nonresident foreigners and
suspended transit flights due to COVID-19 concerns. Authorities will
tighten quarantine measures for all arrivals; from Jan. 15, entrants
must submit proof of a quarantine location before departure. Travelers
attempting to quarantine at home must sign an affidavit confirming they
meet the one person per residence requirements.
Officials require most inbound passengers, including Taiwan citizens
and residents, to present a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test obtained
within three business days before departure. Individuals with ARCs who
cannot obtain a test are exempt from the rule. The CECC also grants
exceptions for short-term travelers departing and returning to Taiwan
within three days, children under six years old, and passengers with
old test results due to flight cancellations or delays. Exceptions are
possible in emergency situations, but passengers receiving them must
pay for a COVID-19 test upon arrival. All travelers seeking exemptions
to pre-departure testing must provide supporting documents or face
penalties. Most arrivals, except those from low- and medium-risk
countries, must self-quarantine for 14 days. Authorities require some
inbound travelers from Southeast Asian countries to undergo a 14-day
quarantine at government-designated hotels; officials will direct
arriving passengers living with people with chronic illnesses, children
below six years old, or adults above 65 years old to the facilities.
All travelers must pay for a COVID-19 test before their release from
quarantine.
Macau:
Officials continue to ban most foreign nationals from entering Macau.
Exceptions are in place for some foreign nationals related to Macau
residents, students, and essential workers. Arrivals from all areas,
except Taiwan and mainland China, must quarantine for 21 days.
Authorities allow residents of mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and
Macau to enter the territory if they have not been to any other
locations in the previous 21 days. Individuals from low-risk areas of
mainland China must submit a negative nucleic acid COVID-19 test taken
within seven days upon their arrival. Travelers from Hong Kong must
submit a negative COVID-19 test issued within 24 hours of arrival and
undergo 21 days of quarantine under medical observation. Visitors from
Taiwan need to submit a negative COVID-19 test administered within
seven days of arrival and quarantine for 14 days. Travelers must pay
quarantine fees of USD 700; locals are exempt from the quarantine fee
for their first entry but must pay for subsequent quarantine periods
unless traveling for select purposes.
MDTI-WA-2021-0014
Date: 13 January 2021
USA – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 13 JANUARY 2021
US authorities have announced that effective Jan. 26, all persons traveling by air to the US must present a negative coronavirus disease (COVID-19) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antigen test taken no more than 72 hours before departure from their destination. The new order expands a previously implemented restriction applying to travelers from the UK to all international air passengers.
The measure is in addition to the existing pandemic-related entry ban for most nonresident foreign nationals who have been in the UK and Ireland, as well as Brazil, China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau), Iran, Ireland, and the European Schengen Area within the previous 14 days. US citizens and legal residents who have traveled to a country on the restricted list within 14 days before their return can enter the country; authorities urge such individuals to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for the affected country. Officials have added exceptions for nonresident foreign nationals arriving from the Schengen Area, the UK, or Ireland. Business travelers, students, investors, academics, and journalists, among others, may qualify for a national interest exception but must contact US diplomatic offices to apply.
US authorities are maintaining risk assessment levels for travelers entering the country from international destinations. Under the current guidelines, the CDC uses a four-level system to categorize the risk of COVID-19 in countries and territories worldwide based on the number of cases in the past 28 days.
Regardless of the level of the destination, authorities recommend the
following steps for individuals in the US who plan to travel abroad:
– Get a COVID-19 test between 1-3 days before traveling abroad, and do
not travel if they are still waiting for the test result, tested
positive, or are sick.
– Get a COVID-19 test between 1-3 days before returning to the US.
Additionally, officials advise individuals in the US to follow these
recommendations, depending on the risk levels in the country they intend to
travel to:
Level 4 – Very High: avoid all travel
Level 3 – High: avoid nonessential travel; those at higher risk of severe
illness, avoid all travel
Level 2 – Moderate: those at higher risk of severe illness should avoid
nonessential travel
Level 1 – Low: no limitations to travel
Recommendations for travelers entering the US also change depending on the risk level of the country they departed. Authorities advise those traveling from destinations categorized as Level 4, Level 3, and Level 2 risk of COVID-19 to get tested within 3-5 days upon arrival in the US and stay at home for seven days, or to stay at home for 10 days upon arrival if they do not get tested.
As of Jan. 12, most countries and territories around the world are at Level 4, including most of Europe, most of Latin America, and Canada, as well as the US territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Only Grenada, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Lucia, and Turks and Caicos Island are at Level 3. There are 11 countries and territories at Level 2: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Faroe Islands, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Mauritius, Mongolia, Rwanda, Seychelles, and South Korea.
For travelers entering from countries and territories categorized as Level 1 – Low risk of COVID-19, officials recommend mask-wearing and maintaining social distancing from others upon arrival in the US. If travelers recently participated in high-risk activities – such as attending a mass gathering, being in a large crowd at a restaurant or bar, or traveling on a cruise – at a country at Level 1, authorities urge them to get tested 3-5 days upon return and remain at home for seven days, or 10 days if they do not get tested. As of Jan. 12, there are 45 countries and territories at Level 1, including Australia, China, Cote d’Ivoire, New Zealand, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
MDTI-WA-2021-0013
Date: 13 January 2021
IRELAND – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 13 JANUARY 2021
Effective Jan. 16, all travelers arriving in Ireland will be required to produce proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within 72 hours prior to travel in order to be permitted entry.
Other international travel restrictions remain largely unchanged, however. Travelers from EU-designated areas of low COVID-19 activity (so-called “green” and “orange” regions) are not required to self-isolate upon entry. Travelers from areas of medium or high COVID-19 activity (grey and red regions, respectively) must self-isolate for 14 days; such persons, except for travelers from the UK and South Africa, may shorten their quarantine periods if they test negative after five days. Freight transport workers, maritime employees, and aircraft pilots are exempt from these measures. All arrivals must fill out a passenger locator form indicating the address where they will be staying.
MDTI-WA-2021-0012
Date: 13 January 2021
SPAIN – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 13 JANUARY 2021
Spanish authorities have extended their existing ban on air and sea passenger travel with the UK until at least 1800 Feb. 2 as part of efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19); the measure had originally been due to expire Jan. 19. Spanish nationals and residents are exempt from the ban, which was imposed Dec. 22 in reaction to the discovery of a new variant of COVID-19 in the UK.
With regard to other international travel, most arrivals from outside the EEA are prohibited, except for those from Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, and Uruguay. Exceptions are in place for EEA nationals or residents, health care workers, goods and transport workers, other essential work, students, and for urgent family reasons. All permitted travelers arriving via air are required to fill out the government’s Health Control Form within 48 hours prior to arrival. After filling out the form, travelers will receive a Quick Response Code (QR) that they must show at the port of entry. Travelers from countries designated as high risk by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) must possess a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. The document must be in Spanish or English and can be submitted in either electronic or paper format. Passengers who attempt to travel without this documentation may be prohibited from boarding by the travel provider. Individuals who arrive in Spain without the negative test result or while displaying COVID-19 symptoms will be required to take a test on arrival. The ECDC updates its country risk assessments on a weekly basis.
MDTI-WA-2021-0011
Date: 13 January 2021
CANADA – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 13 JANUARY 2021
Authorities in Canada continue to enforce testing requirements for international air arrivals. All airline passengers aged 5 years or over who are traveling to Canada must provide the airline with proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using either a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departing for Canada. Travelers from Saint Pierre and Miquelon are exempt from this requirement until Jan. 14; travelers from Haiti are exempt until Jan. 21. Travelers from South America and the Caribbean are allowed to present results from tests taken within 96 hours of departure for Canada.
Additionally, a ban on entering Canada remains in force for most nonresident foreign nationals with those allowed to enter still being required to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. Canadian citizens and residents returning to the country can enter, as well as immediate family members of Canadian citizens or residents, provided they plan to stay for at least 15 days and are able to quarantine for the first 14 days of their stay.
Other nonresident foreign nationals allowed to enter must be traveling for essential reasons and must travel either from the US or be exempt from the entry restrictions by virtue of being temporary workers, international students, diplomats, aircrew members, or French citizens who live in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. People working in trade, those who cross the border regularly, government officials, and others working in critical manufacturing may be exempted from the 14-day self-quarantine requirement, provided they do not display any COVID-19 symptoms.
MDTI-WA-2021-0010
Date: 13 January 2021
SWITZERLAND – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 13 JANUARY 2021
Tighter restrictions on international travel, as well as domestic business and other activities, will likely remain in force in Switzerland through at least late January as part of the nation’s efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Under most circumstances, only citizens and residents of EEA countries, as well as those of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Uruguay, may enter Switzerland. However, as of Jan. 12 passengers entering from Andorra, Croatia, Denmark, Georgia, Ireland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands Panama, San Marino, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden, South Africa, UK, US, Czech Republic, as well as the state of Saxony in Germany and the Veneto region in Italy, must self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival. The quarantine requirement does not apply to essential individuals traveling for business, medical purposes, or to transit travelers who have spent fewer than 24 hours in a high-risk country or territory. Travelers will not be allowed to shorten their self-quarantine if they receive a negative COVID-19 test result during the 10-day period. Other permitted travelers may enter without restrictions.
More stringent entry restrictions remain in effect for travelers from the UK and South Africa as of Jan. 12 as part of Switzerland’s response to a new strain of COVID-19 that was initially discovered in the southeast of England, UK. Travelers from both countries who are not Swiss citizens or permanent residents have been barred from entry into Switzerland indefinitely since Dec. 20. All travelers arriving from UK and South Africa must self-isolate upon arrival for 10 days.
MDTI-WA-2021-0009
Date: 13 January 2021
NEW ZEALAND – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 13 JANUARY 2021
An entry ban for most foreign nationals remains in place. Officials allow partners and dependents of citizens to return to the country, provided they have a visa based on the relationship or usually reside in New Zealand. Such travelers and diplomats posted in New Zealand can enter the country without obtaining prior government consent. Authorities permit partners, dependents, and legal guardians of citizens without visas to enter the country. Entry is also possible for humanitarian reasons, Australian citizens and permanent residents who live in New Zealand, and Samoan and Tongan citizens on essential trips approved by their governments.
The government is also permitting some critical workers to travel to New Zealand. Companies must apply for a visa and demonstrate that the employee is working on infrastructure projects or possesses technical skills unobtainable within the country. Additionally, the government will allow some long-term essential workers to enter, provided they meet short-term entrance criteria and earn twice the median salary in the country or participate in a government-backed event. The government requires people from these groups to receive permission before traveling to the country and will review applications for travel on a case-by-case basis.
Authorities continue to quarantine inbound passengers at government-designated facilities for 14 days. All arrivals must undergo two COVID-19 tests on days three and 12 of quarantine and receive a negative result before departing facilities. Officials have also extended the ban on cruise ships entering New Zealand ports; cargo and fishing vessels will be allowed to load and unload and undertake repairs. Vessel crews arriving in New Zealand must spend 14 days in quarantine unless they had been on the vessel for 28 days before docking at the port. Officials have instituted a quarantine fee structure for inbound travelers. Most travelers allowed into the country will have to pay NZD 3,100 (USD 2,225) for the first person and NZD 950 (USD 682) for each additional adult and NZD 475 (USD 341) per additional child. Officials do not charge for children under three years of age if they are staying with another person. New Zealand citizens, residence visa holders, and Australian citizens and permanent residents who typically reside in New Zealand are exempt from costs if they departed before Aug. 11 and intend to stay in the country longer than 90 days upon their return. Temporary visa holders are also exempt from fees if they were residents in New Zealand as of March 19 and were outside the country before that date. Companies can cover the quarantine costs for inbound critical workers.
MDTI-WA-2021-0008
Date: 12 January 2021
NEW ZEALAND- UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 12 JANUARY 2021
An entry ban for most foreign nationals remains in place. Officials
allow partners and dependents of citizens to return to the country,
provided they have a visa based on the relationship or usually reside
in New Zealand. Such travelers and diplomats posted in New Zealand can
enter the country without obtaining prior government consent.
Authorities permit partners, dependents, and legal guardians of
citizens without visas to enter the country. Entry is also possible for
humanitarian reasons, Australian citizens and permanent residents who
live in New Zealand, and Samoan and Tongan citizens on essential trips
approved by their governments.
The government is also permitting some critical workers to travel to
New Zealand. Companies must apply for a visa and demonstrate that the
employee is working on infrastructure projects or possesses technical
skills unobtainable within the country. Additionally, the government
will allow some long-term essential workers to enter, provided they
meet short-term entrance criteria and earn twice the median salary in
the country or participate in a government-backed event. The government
requires people from these groups to receive permission before
traveling to the country and will review applications for travel on a
case-by-case basis.
Authorities continue to quarantine inbound passengers at
government-designated facilities for 14 days. All arrivals must undergo
two COVID-19 tests on days three and 12 of quarantine and receive a
negative result before departing facilities. Officials have also
extended the ban on cruise ships entering New Zealand ports; cargo and
fishing vessels will be allowed to load and unload and undertake
repairs. Vessel crews arriving in New Zealand must spend 14 days in
quarantine unless they had been on the vessel for 28 days before
docking at the port. Officials have instituted a quarantine fee
structure for inbound travelers. Most travelers allowed into the
country will have to pay NZD 3,100 (USD 2,225) for the first person and
NZD 950 (USD 682) for each additional adult and NZD 475 (USD 341) per
additional child. Officials do not charge for children under three
years of age if they are staying with another person. New Zealand
citizens, residence visa holders, and Australian citizens and permanent
residents who typically reside in New Zealand are exempt from costs if
they departed before Aug. 11 and intend to stay in the country longer
than 90 days upon their return. Temporary visa holders are also exempt
from fees if they were residents in New Zealand as of March 19 and were
outside the country before that date. Companies can cover the
quarantine costs for inbound critical workers.
MDTI-WA-2021-0007
Date: 12 January 2021
ASIA- UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 12 JANUARY 2021
Indonesia:
Government has extended the entry ban for most foreigners and the rules
for domestic travel through Jan. 25 to stem the spread of coronavirus
disease (COVID-19). All international or non-rail domestic travelers
must register on the Health Alert Card (eHAC) mobile application before
travel and are advised to download the PeduliLindungi contact-tracing
application. Exemptions from the foreigners’ entry ban are in place for
high-level state visits and holders of Limited Stay Permit Cards, among
others; the government’s level of enforcement is unclear. Returning
Indonesian citizens and foreigners who can still enter the country must
present evidence that they have tested negative for COVID-19 within 48
hours before departure, quarantine for five days at designated
facilities upon arrival, and obtain a negative result from another
COVID-19 test before leaving the isolation premises.
Vietnam:
Foreigners remain banned from entering Vietnam, except foreign experts,
investors, managers, skilled workers, and resident diplomats, among
others. While short-term trips to Vietnam for leisure purposes remain
banned, officials have started to reissue electronic visas to foreign
nationals from 80 locations, including Australia, mainland China,
India, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, the UK, and
the US.
Inbound commercial flights remain suspended until further notice.
Chartered flights may operate on a case-by-case basis to transport
Vietnamese citizens and foreign nationals who are allowed to enter the
country. However, authorities have banned flights from South Africa and
the UK, due to new COVID-19 variants from the two countries.
Additionally, the government is limiting inbound repatriation flights
through mid-February ahead of the Lunar New Year (known locally as Tet)
holidays. Officials require people who can still enter Vietnam to test
negative for COVID-19 within five days before the travel date, isolate
at designated facilities for at least five days, and test for COVID-19
twice at the quarantine sites, with limited exemptions.
Cambodia:
Health officials in Cambodia are maintaining international travel
controls aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus disease
(COVID-19) activity, while easing domestic businesses restrictions.
Most schools have reopened from Jan. 11. Authorities have also lifted
previous requirements closing several categories of nonessential
businesses and venues, including cinemas and museums. With regard to
international travel, Cambodia’s temporary cessation of issuing tourist
visas and e-visas, visa-on-arrival services, and visa-free travel
remains in effect. Foreign nationals intending to visit Cambodia must
obtain a visa from a diplomatic mission; officials require proof of
medical insurance coverage of at least USD 50,000 and a medical
certificate from local health authorities issued no more than 72 hours
before travel stating the individual is free from COVID-19. Travelers
must take a COVID-19 test upon arrival and quarantine for 14 days at a
government-designated facility. Inbound foreign nationals must pay a
USD 2,000 deposit to cover costs, including USD 100 for COVID-19
testing and USD 30 for a certificate stating that they are free from
the virus; only limited exceptions are allowed. Cambodia’s suspension
of flights from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines remains in
effect.
Malaysia:
Most foreigners remain banned from entering Malaysia; exemptions are in
place for resident diplomats, foreign spouses and dependents of
Malaysian citizens, long-term pass holders, and expatriate employees
working in essential industries and their dependents, among others.
Travelers must seek advance approval from authorities, undergo tests
for COVID-19 upon arrival, and download the MySejahtera contact tracing
application. Arrivals must quarantine at designated sites for 10 days.
Foreigners may transit at Malaysian airports as long as they do not
pass through immigration points. Malaysian nationals remain banned from
traveling abroad, with limited exceptions.
Sabah State bans entry for travelers, including long-term pass holders,
from 23 countries. Exceptions are in place for diplomats and their
dependents, workers in the oil and gas industry, and vessel crew. The
affected countries include Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile,
Colombia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Iran, Iraq, Mexico,
Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain,
Turkey, the UK, and the US. Sabah allows entry for visitors from Brunei
for any purposes, provided these travelers test negative for COVID-19
within 72 hours before travel and arrive by air or land.
MDTI-WA-2021-0006
Date: 11 January 2021
INDONESIA- UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 11 JANUARY 2021
Indonesia has extended the entry ban for most foreigners and the rules for domestic travel through Jan. 25 to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). All international or non-rail domestic travelers must register on the Health Alert Card (eHAC) mobile application before travel and are advised to download the PeduliLindungi contact-tracing application
Exemptions from the foreigners’ entry ban are in place for high-level state visits and holders of Limited Stay Permit Cards, among others; the government’s level of enforcement is unclear. Returning Indonesian citizens and foreigners who can still enter the country must present evidence that they have tested negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours before departure, quarantine for five days at designated facilities upon arrival, and obtain a negative result from another COVID-19 test before leaving the isolation premises.
MDTI-WA-2021-0005
Date: 11 January 2021
FRANCE- UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 11 JANUARY 2021
Authorities are maintaining tighter entry restrictions for travelers from the UK until further notice in efforts to control the spread of a new strain of COVID-19 active in England. Most travelers from the UK remain barred from entry. Officials are allowing entry for French citizens and citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA), as well as permanent residents of the EU and individuals who are engaging in essential travel. Such individuals must produce proof of a negative COVID-19 test result no older than 72 hours before departure.
Under most circumstances, travelers from EU and Schengen Area states, as well as those from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, Switzerland, South Korea, and Thailand, can enter France. Most travelers from other locations remain barred from entry; however, exceptions are made for French nationals and residents, as well as for persons traveling for what authorities deem to be essential reasons, such as certain necessary workers, diplomats, students, and those visiting for urgent family business. All such arrivals must complete a form declaring themselves to be COVID-19-free and present a certificate declaring their reason for travel.
Permitted travelers arriving from Algeria, Bahrain, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Morocco, Panama, South Africa, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, the US, and Zimbabwe must present proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours before boarding their flights. Permitted arrivals from other countries must meet the same condition, take a test on arrival, and self-isolate until the result is known or for 14 days.
MDTI-WA-2021-0004
Date: 11 January 2021
GREECE- UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 11 JANUARY 2021
International entry restrictions are also in place at least until Jan. 21. All passengers arriving in Greece must present a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival and self-isolate for 7 days. Additionally, all arrivals from the UK must take a rapid antigen test upon entry and comply with the self-isolation requirement, even if the test is negative; random checks of arrivals from other locations will also take place. A second test, taken up to seven days after arrival, may be applicable. In the event a traveler receives a positive COVID-19 test result, they must self-isolate for at least 14 days. All international travelers must also complete Greece’s Passenger Locator Form.
Entry is currently prohibited for all non-EEA nationals with certain exemptions, such as healthcare workers, permanent residents of an EU or Schengen Area country, diplomats, student visa holders, seasonal workers, passengers in transit, and transport workers. Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, Rwanda, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, the UK, the UAE, and Uruguay are also exempt from the travel ban.
MDTI-WA-2021-0003
Date: 11 January 2021
FINLAND- UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 11 JANUARY 2021
Authorities in Finland plan to suspend commercial flights with Ireland and South Africa Jan. 11-18 as part of the nation’s response to the emergency of new strains of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Moreover, Finland’s existing suspension of flights with the UK, which entered into force Dec. 21 amid concerns over mutations in the virus, has been extended until at least Jan. 18. Authorities have also barred all travelers from the UK who are not Finnish citizens or residents from entry due to the same concerns.
Current COVID-19 international entry restrictions not directly related to the new disease strains will remain in place until at least Feb. 9. Travelers arriving from all Schengen Area countries, plus Andorra, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Monaco, Romania, San Marino, are only permitted to enter Finland if they are returning legal residents, traveling for essential purposes, or arriving for work-related or family reasons.
Authorities also advise that arrivals from the above locations self-isolate for 10 days upon entering the country. Travel remains permitted for local border communities along the borders with Sweden and Norway; people are able to travel for work to Finland from Sweden and Estonia without a 10-day self-isolation period. Leisure travel, with the exception of leisure boating, from all the aforementioned countries, is not allowed.
Authorities previously relaxed entry restrictions for travelers arriving from Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, Thailand, and Vatican City; legal residents of these countries may enter Finland without restrictions. Travel is prohibited from all other countries except for returning residents and persons arriving for critical work-related or essential family reasons; authorities recommend that these arrivals also self-isolate for 10 days. Authorities are reviewing all entry restrictions on a weekly basis.
Authorities advise that travelers can shorten the necessary self-isolation period by taking two voluntary COVID-19 tests. Travelers should take the first test up to 72 hours before arrival, or at the airport upon arrival for Finnish citizens and residents, and the second test no earlier than 72 hours after entry into the country. Such individuals should remain in self-isolation until the result is known. If the test result is negative, the self-isolation period ends; if the test result is positive, the person will be placed in quarantine until they have recovered.
MDTI-WA-2021-0002
Date: 11 January 2021
DENMARK- UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 11 JANUARY 2021
Authorities in Denmark are tightening international entry restrictions as part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of a new strain of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). From 1700 Jan. 9 through at least Jan.17, all arriving international air passengers above the age of 12 must present proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a test taken no more than 24 hours before boarding their flights. In addition, all passengers must have a justifiable purpose for their travel, such as work, study, or family reasons. Flights from Greenland and the Faroe Islands are exempt from the requirement. Furthermore, authorities are recommending against all travel abroad Jan. 8-17.
Tighter entry restrictions remain in effect for travelers from the UK and South Africa as of Jan. 8. Authorities have barred travelers from the UK, and South Africa who are not Danish citizens or permanent residents from entering Denmark until Jan. 17, except for urgent family purposes. The move is directly related to concerns over the new COVID-19 virus mutation.
MDTI-WA-2021-0001
Date: 11 January 2021
UNITED KINGDOM- UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 11 JANUARY 2021
Effective Jan. 8, all international travelers to England and Scotland must present proof of a negative coronavirus disease (COVID-19) test result before departing their host nation; tests must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure. UK nationals returning from overseas are also subject to this restriction. Furthermore, travelers arriving from countries not on the government’s travel corridor list will still be required to self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival in the UK, regardless of the test result. Authorities in Wales and Northern Ireland will likely implement similar restrictions in due course.
International passengers of any nationality arriving from or who, within the previous 10 days, have been in locations not on the travel corridor list must self-isolate for up to 10 days upon entry into the UK. The exact duration of self-isolation depends upon when the traveler last departed a nonexempted destination. Health officials could perform spot checks to ensure compliance. Persons without suitable accommodations are required to stay in facilities arranged by the government at their own expense. Freight drivers and healthcare workers are typically exempt from the requirement. All international travelers entering the UK must also fill out a passenger locator form providing contact details and their travel history over the previous 10 days.
Travelers arriving from or who have been in countries with elevated disease activity can reduce the required self-isolation period by taking a COVID-19 test at their own expense. Such individuals may be released from self-isolation upon receipt of a negative result. Nevertheless, travelers are not allowed to take the test until five full days have elapsed since the time they left a location not on the Travel Corridor List; test results may take up to 48 hours to return.
MDTI-WA-2020-1139
Date: 08 January 2021
EUROPEAN UNION – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 08 JANUARY 2021
The European Council is maintaining its advice for European Union (EU)
member states to restrict nonessential travel from outside the bloc as
part of measures to combat the spread of coronavirus disease
(COVID-19). However, the European Council also maintains a list of
countries with which it recommends member states relax entry
restrictions due to positive data regarding the COVID-19 situation in
those countries. As of Jan, 7, the following countries are on this
list: Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea,
Thailand and China (provided they implement a reciprocal travel
arrangement).
Countries participating in the measure comprise the so-called “EU+
Area,” which includes all EU Schengen Area member states; non-Schengen
EU members Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania; and the four non-EU
Schengen-associated states of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and
Switzerland. The European Council’s recommendation is advisory only;
individual member states retain the authority to unilaterally deny
travel from countries on the approved list or to permit travel with
countries not on the approved list.
Additionally, the European Council issued advice Dec. 22 for member
states to discourage all nonessential travel with the UK following the
outbreak of a new variant of COVID-19 in that country. As a result,
many countries have implemented tougher restrictions on travel with the
UK including flight bans or testing and quarantine requirements for
individuals arriving from the UK.
Moreover, following the end of the Brexit transition period Dec. 31
citizens of the UK are no longer being treated as EU citizens and are
therefore subject to measures restricting travel to the EU from outside
the bloc as per European Council recommendations. Persons exempted from
the recommendations include family members of EU nationals, diplomats,
foreigners with legal residency permits, cross-border and healthcare
workers, and truck drivers transporting freight.
MDTI-WA-2020-1138
Date: 08 January 2021
JAPAN – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 08 JANUARY 2021
The government continues to ban most foreign nationals from entering the country through Jan. 31 due to a new COVID-19 variant. Only Japanese citizens and resident foreign nationals can enter the country. The government is no longer honoring visas issued since Oct. 1. Officials require returning citizens and residents to present a negative COVID-19 test result obtained within 72 hours of departure. Inbound passengers with a negative test result can self-quarantine for 14 days, while passengers without test documentation must quarantine at designated locations.
MDTI-WA-2020-1137
Date: 08 January 2021
THAILAND – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 08 JANUARY 2021
Limited inbound tourist flights are operating. Cargo, emergency, and repatriation flights and government aircraft can continue operating. Thai authorities are allowing travelers from 56 locations to enter the country without visas. Passengers must still obtain a Certificate of Entry from a Thai embassy if they are foreigners, test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours before the trip, provide evidence of a quarantine facility booking, and isolate for two weeks at the designated facilities upon arrival. Officials have increased the length of visas from 30 to 45 days. The 56 locations are Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bahrain, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE, the UK, the US, and Vietnam. People from all other locations must still obtain a special tourist visa to enter Thailand; these travelers must also quarantine at designated facilities for two weeks upon arrival.
MDTI-WA-2020-1137
Date: 07 January 2021
CANADA – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 07 JANUARY 2021
The land border between the US and Canada will remain closed through at
least Jan. 21. The measure, which has been in place since March 21,
does not affect trade or essential business travel. An earlier ban on
entry for most nonresident foreign nationals to Canada also continues
to be in place until at least Jan. 21. Under these measures, Canadian
citizens and residents returning to the country can enter but must
self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. Immediate family members of
Canadian citizens or residents can also enter, provided they plan to
stay for at least 15 days and are able to quarantine for the first 14
days of their stay.
Other nonresident foreign nationals allowed to enter must be traveling
for essential reasons and must travel either from the US or be exempt
from the restrictions by virtue of being temporary workers,
international students, diplomats, aircrew members, or French citizens
who live in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. People working in trade, those
who cross the border regularly, government officials, and others
working in critical manufacturing may be exempted from the 14-day
self-quarantine requirement, as long as they do not display any
COVID-19 symptoms.
All international flights to Canada – except for trade and business
flights or flights from the US, Mexico, the Caribbean, and St. Pierre
and Miquelon – are landing only at Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
in Toronto, Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Montreal Trudeau
Airport (YUL), and Calgary International Airport (YYC). All air
passengers must wear protective face coverings, and all maritime and
land passengers are encouraged to do the same.
Starting Jan. 7, authorities in Canada will enforce new testing
requirements for international air arrivals. All airline passengers
from abroad aged 5 years and over must present a negative polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours before departure
to Canada. Persons with a negative PCR test result and who are
authorized to enter Canada must still complete the mandatory 14-day
self-quarantine.
Persons exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms are not allowed to board planes to
Canada, including Canadian citizens. Canadian authorities have also
banned individuals displaying symptoms associated with COVID-19 from
domestic air and train travel until further notice. Travelers who are
denied boarding are also barred from air or train travel for at least
14 days unless they can produce a medical certificate confirming that
any symptoms are unrelated to COVID-19.
MDTI-WA-2020-1136
Date: 07 January 2021
CHINA – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 07 JANUARY 2021
Authorities are maintaining a ban on foreign nationals traveling from
specific countries, including Belgium, France, Russia, the Philippines,
India, Italy, Bangladesh, the UK, Ukraine, and Ethiopia. The
restrictions do not apply to Chinese nationals, foreign diplomatic
passport holders, and individuals with C visas. Foreign nationals from
other countries with valid residence permits for work, visiting family,
and personal matters currently can re-enter China. Specially designated
foreign workers with invitation letters issued by provincial or
municipal government officials can also enter the country. Some
immediate family members of foreign employees may obtain visas to enter
for emergency humanitarian purposes. Diplomatic personnel and C visa
holders – generally flight and shipping crew members – are exempt from
entry bans. Officials have also banned flights to and from the UK until
further notice.
Authorities require most arriving passengers from abroad to take a
nucleic acid COVID-19 test at designated facilities in the country of
origin within three days of departure for China. Officials require all
authorized inbound passengers from specified countries to provide
evidence of both nucleic acid COVID-19 and IgM antibody tests from
designated facilities in the departure country within 48 hours of
boarding flights and undergo additional COVID-19 tests in each country
they transit. As of Dec. 4, the measure applies to travelers from
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Brazil, Bulgaria,
Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cote d’Ivoire, Denmark, Egypt,
Eswatini, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guinea,
Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Laos, Malaysia,
Myanmar, Nepal, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, the
Philippines, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore,
South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania,
Thailand, Turkey, the UAE, the UK, the US, and Vietnam. Authorities
will likely further expand the testing requirements to other countries
in the coming days and weeks, possibly at short notice. Most travelers,
regardless of nationality or residency, are barred from using land
border crossings. Exceptions are in place for cargo transport, though
backlogs remain possible at border checkpoints.
All authorized passengers must apply for a health certificate via the
local Chinese diplomatic mission before travel. Chinese citizens must
update their information through WeChat to obtain a health code before
boarding flights. The government continues to conduct health
screenings, including body temperature scans and nucleic acid testing,
at ports of entry nationwide. Most international travelers must
quarantine for 14 days, and officials generally allow nonresident
passengers to stay in government-designated hotels at their own cost.
However, some governments require inbound travelers to self-quarantine
and undergo medical observation for three or four weeks. All arrivals
must receive a negative COVID-19 test result in quarantine before
release from designated facilities.
MDTI-WA-2020-1135
Date: 07 January 2021
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 07 JANUARY 2021
As of Dec. 24, international tourists are permitted entry into Abu Dhabi Emirate as part of ongoing COVID-19 controls. Under the new measures, international travelers from “green” countries must present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result received within 96 hours of their departure for the UAE. The list of “green” countries can be found on the UAE Government website. Upon entering the emirate, travelers will undergo a PCR test. With two negative results, international travelers will not have to quarantine for 10 days. After arrival, travelers from green countries will need to take a third PCR test on day six for those staying for six days or more, and a fourth test on day 12 for those staying for 12 days or more. Country classifications will be subject to review every two weeks.For visitors entering the emirate from all other countries, procedures include the following: depending on where a person is traveling from, a PCR test must be carried out between 48, 72, or 96 hours ahead of departure. Travelers will undergo a PCR test on arrival to the emirate. An additional PCR test will be required six days after arrival. Another PCR test will be required 12 days after arrival for travelers who are staying for 12 days or more. Travelers will have to wear an electronic wristband throughout their 10-day quarantine. If a traveler receives a negative result, 10 days after arrival in Abu Dhabi, the electronic wristband will be removed by authorities.
Other measures in effect in the UAE include:
– Upon arrival at all airports in the UAE, stringent entry restrictions are enforced and may include a PCR test on arrival, a health declaration form, obtaining health insurance with COVID-19 coverage, a mandatory quarantine period for at least 14 days, and follow-up testing before the completion of quarantine.
– All travelers to the UAE must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result within 96 hours before their departure. Residents returning to Dubai still require approval before traveling. Those returning to other parts of the UAE no longer need approval.
– All travelers entering Abu Dhabi by road must have a negative PCR test result issued within 48 hours. Travelers may have to quarantine depending on how long they have been in the UAE. If a traveler has just arrived in another emirate and travels straight to Abu Dhabi, they must have a negative COVID 19 PCR test result issued within 48 hours and take a diffractive phase interferometry (DPI) test at the border. Additional PCR tests will be required depending on the length of an individual’s stay in Abu Dhabi.
– If departing from Abu Dhabi to the EU or UK, travelers will need to have a negative PCR test result taken within 96 hours prior to their departure.
– Stringent precautionary measures will continue to be enforced in public areas and facilities across the UAE based on guidelines issued by local and federal authorities.
– Arrivals in Abu Dhabi from countries that authorities consider high risk are likely to be required to quarantine for at least 14 days. These include but are not limited to Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Chile. Additional high-risk countries can be found on the UAE Government website.
MDTI-WA-2020-1134
Date: 07 January 2021
EUROPE – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 07 JANUARY 2021
Spain:
Most arrivals from outside of the EEA, Switzerland, Australia,
China, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea,
Thailand, and Uruguay are prohibited. Exceptions are in place for
EU nationals or residents, health care workers, goods and transport
workers, other essential work, students, and for urgent family
reasons. Authorities have suspended air and sea transport with the
UK except for Spanish nationals and residents until at least Jan.
19 following the outbreak of a new strain of COVID-19 in the
country. All permitted travelers arriving via air are required to
fill out the Health Control Form within the 48 hours prior to
arrival. After filling out the form, travelers will receive a Quick
Response Code (QR) that they must show at the port of entry.
Travelers from countries designated as high risk by the European
Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) must possess a
negative COVID-19 test taken within the 72 hours prior to arrival.
The document must be in Spanish or English and can be submitted in
either electronic or paper format. Passengers who attempt to travel
without this requirement may be prohibited from boarding by the
travel provider. Individuals who arrive in Spain without this
requirement or displaying COVID-19 symptoms will be required to
take a test on arrival. The ECDC updates its country risk
assessments on a weekly basis.
Luxembourg:
There are currently no entry restrictions on travelers from
countries within the European Union or Schengen Area, Andorra,
Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City. Moreover, residents of
Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South
Korea, Thailand, and Uruguay are also permitted to enter the
country. Most travelers from other countries, including the UK,
remain prohibited from entry. Exceptions are in place for essential
work, study, and family reasons; all such individuals arriving via
air require evidence of a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
COVID-19 test result taken within 48 hours prior to departing for
Luxembourg; those in possession of a negative test result taken
within the previous 48-72 hours must take a further test on arrival
and self-isolate until the result has been confirmed.
Italy:
Authorities maintain extensive international travel restrictions.
As of Dec. 23, travelers from the UK will be barred from entry
unless they are official residents of Italy or are traveling for an
essential reason, which must be declared in writing. Travelers must
present proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than
72 hours before departure. Travelers must also take a COVID-19 test
on arrival in Italy. Regardless of the test results, travelers from
the UK are also required to present themselves to their local
health authorities in Italy and self-isolate for at least 14 days.
Aside from the UK-specific measures, other international entry
restrictions remain in force. All arrivals must self-isolate for 14
days upon arrival; this requirement also applies to travelers from
EU countries who had previously been exempt. All international
arrivals, except those from San Marino and Vatican City, must also
fill out a self-declaration form prior to arrival, which must be
presented to authorities upon request. Travel from outside the EEA,
Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand,
Singapore, Switzerland, or Uruguay is currently prohibited except
when conducted for study, proven work needs, or urgent reasons such
as health; all such travelers must register and self-isolate for 14
days on arrival. Transport and health workers, individuals in
transit through Italy, and those staying in Italy for less than 120
hours (five days) for work reasons are not required to
self-isolate.
Portugal:
Authorities in Portugal permit entry for travelers from the EU and
Schengen Area countries, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand,
Rwanda, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Uruguay; these
arrivals do not require a COVID-19 test unless their final
destination is the Azores or Madeira. Travel from other countries
remains prohibited, except for limited essential reasons, including
EU citizens and residents returning home, reuniting with family,
and commuting to essential work or study. All such arrivals are
required to submit a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no
more than 72 hours before boarding; however, Portuguese nationals
and residents may arrange to take the test on arrival at their own
expense.
MDTI-WA-2020-1133
Date: 06 January 2021
GERMANY – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 06 JANUARY 2021
Authorities will amending certain international entry restrictions from
Jan. 10. From this date travelers arriving in the country who have
visited risk areas within the previous 10 days will have provide a
negative COVID-19 test no older than 48 hours upon arrival, or take a
test as soon as they arrive in the country. In addition, these
travelers will need to self-isolate for 10-days; the self-isolation can
be ended on day five with a second negative test. As of Jan. 5,
Germany’s federal disease control and prevention agency, the Robert
Koch Institute (RKI), has designated numerous locations, including the
UK, Spain, and Portugal as risk areas.
Most travelers from outside of the EEA, with the exception of those
from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, the UK,
and Uruguay, remain prohibited from entry. Limited exceptions are made
for EEA citizens and residents, diplomats, essential workers, students,
freight and transport workers, individuals in transit, and for urgent
reasons decided on a case-by-case basis. All such arrivals are subject
to a mandatory self-isolation period as detailed above; this measure
does not apply to transport and freight workers.
MDTI-WA-2020-1132
Date: 06 January 2021
DENMARK – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 06 JANUARY 2021
As part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus disease
(COVID-19), authorities in Denmark are tightening domestic restrictions
beginning Jan. 6. Public gatherings will be limited to five people, a
decrease from the previously allotted 10 people. In addition,
authorities strongly advise against all private gatherings of more than
five people.
International travel restrictions on most foreign nationals remain in
effect. Authorities categorize countries as “open,” “quarantine,” or
“high-risk” based on infection rates and other health indicators in
those countries. Travelers from open countries are permitted entry to
Denmark for any reason and are not required to present a negative
COVID-19 test result. Travelers from quarantine countries or regions
may travel into Denmark if they have a recognizable purpose for the
trip. Travelers from banned countries and regions are only permitted
entry for specifically defined purposes, such as work, study, or family
reasons, and must present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than
72 hours before arrival.
MDTI-WA-2020-1131
Date: 06 January 2021
CANADA – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 06 JANUARY 2021
The land border between the US and Canada will remain closed through at
least Jan. 21. The measure, which has been in place since March 21,
does not affect trade or essential business travel. An earlier ban on
entry for most nonresident foreign nationals to Canada also continues
to be in place until at least Jan. 21. Under these measures, Canadian
citizens and residents returning to the country can enter but must
self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. Immediate family members of
Canadian citizens or residents can also enter, provided they plan to
stay for at least 15 days and are able to quarantine for the first 14
days of their stay.
Other nonresident foreign nationals allowed to enter must be traveling
for essential reasons and must travel either from the US or be exempt
from the restrictions by virtue of being temporary workers,
international students, diplomats, aircrew members, or French citizens
who live in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. People working in trade, those
who cross the border regularly, government officials, and others
working in critical manufacturing may be exempted from the 14-day
self-quarantine requirement, as long as they do not display any
COVID-19 symptoms.
All international flights to Canada – except for trade and business
flights or flights from the US, Mexico, the Caribbean, and St. Pierre
and Miquelon – are landing only at Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
in Toronto, Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Montreal Trudeau
Airport (YUL), and Calgary International Airport (YYC). All air
passengers are required to wear protective face coverings, and all
maritime and land passengers are encouraged to do the same. Officials
in Canada have extended a ban on all commercial and private passenger
flights from the UK until at least Jan. 6, due to the detection of a
variant strain of COVID-19 found in that country.
Persons exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms are not allowed to board planes to
Canada, including Canadian citizens. Canadian authorities have also
banned individuals displaying symptoms associated with COVID-19 from
domestic air and train travel until further notice. Travelers who are
denied boarding are also barred from air or train travel for at least
14 days unless they can produce a medical certificate confirming that
any symptoms are unrelated to COVID-19.
Canada maintains tightened border restrictions for persons transiting
the country on essential travel to reach Alaska from the 48 contiguous
US states (“Lower 48”). Foreign nationals traveling by land to Alaska
from the US Lower 48 may only enter Canada through one of five border
crossings: Abbotsford-Huntington, Kingsgate, or Osoyoos in British
Columbia; North Portal, Saskatchewan; or Coutts, Alberta. Travelers who
attempt to enter Canada through any other border crossing will be
denied entry and rerouted to an approved crossing. Persons entering
Canada from Alaska may use any border crossing. The regulations specify
that travelers must take the most direct route through Canada and avoid
stopping at leisure sites or national parks. Violators could face
fines.
MDTI-WA-2020-1130
Date: 06 January 2021
BELGIUM – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF 06 JANUARY 2021
Authorities in Belgium are maintaining measures introduced to combat
the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as of Jan. 5. Travel is
permitted with EU and Schengen Area countries, as well as Australia,
Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand,
though in many cases travel is strongly discouraged. Nonessential
travel from all other locations is prohibited. All arrivals staying in
Belgium for more than 48 hours are required to fill in a Passenger
Locator Form within 48 hours before arrival.
In addition, the government has designated certain locations with high
COVID-19 activity as “red zones.” As of Jan. 2, all countries are
designated red zones except for Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda,
Singapore, and South Korea, and limited areas within Denmark, Finland,
France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, and Spain. Travel with red
zone countries is either strongly discouraged or prohibited. All
individuals arriving in Belgium having spent 48 hours or more in a red
zone must self-isolate on arrival and may only leave self-isolation
following a negative result for a COVID-19 test taken no less than
seven days after arrival. Additionally, non-residents having spent 48
hours in a red zone must present proof of a negative COVID-19
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within 72 hours prior to
arrival before entering the country, while residents may instead take a
test on arrival; exceptions apply to crossborder commuters.
MDTI-WA-2020-1122
Date: 04 January 2021
EUROPE – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF JANUARY 4, 2021
France:
Under most circumstances, travelers from EU and Schengen Area states,
as well as those from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore,
Switzerland, South Korea, and Thailand, can enter France. Most
travelers from other locations remain barred from entry, though
exceptions are made for French nationals and residents, as well as for
persons traveling for what authorities deem to be essential reasons,
such as certain necessary workers, diplomats, students, and those
visiting for urgent family business. All such arrivals must complete a
form declaring themselves to be COVID-19 free and present a certificate
declaring their reason for travel. Permitted travelers arriving from
Algeria, Bahrain, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Iraq,
Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Morocco, Panama, South Africa, Russia, Turkey,
Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, the US, and Zimbabwe must present proof
of having tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to
boarding their flights. Permitted arrivals from other countries must
meet the same condition, take a test on arrival, and self-isolate until
the result is known or for 14 days.
Tighter entry restrictions remain in effect for travelers from the UK
through at least Jan. 6, as part of France’s response to a new strain
of COVID-19 discovered primarily in the southeast of England, including
London. Most travelers from the UK remain barred from entry. Entry will
be permitted for French citizens and citizens of the European Economic
Area (EEA), as well as permanent residents of the EU and individuals
who are engaging in essential travel. Such individuals must produce
proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a test taken no more
than 72 hours before departure.
Norway:
As part of ongoing efforts to reopen the economy amid the coronavirus
disease (COVID-19) pandemic, health officials in Norway will lift the
country’s travel ban on flights with the UK beginning 1600 Jan. 2. The
government, however, continues to advise against all international
travel that is not essential. Norway was among several European
nations, which suspended travel with the UK after a more contagious
variant of COVID-19 was discovered in England. In addition to lifting
the travel ban with the UK, health officials are mandating COVID-19
tests for all people arriving in Norway, regardless of a traveler’s
point of origin, either directly upon arrival or up to 24 hours after
entering the country.
Previously imposed health measures and regulations will remain in
effect until at least Jan. 10:
– Travelers from the UK must self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival.
– Travelers must take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for
COVID-19 within 24 hours of arrival in Norway. A second test must
be taken no sooner than day seven after arrival.
– All travelers who arrived in Norway in the 14 days prior to Dec. 21
must take a PCR test for COVID-19 as soon as possible.
– Quarantine exemptions in place for incoming travelers of certain
nationalities will not apply when those travelers are arriving from
the UK.
Travelers from most other countries are currently prohibited from
entering Norway. Individuals with close family in Norway or who have
been granted permits to work or study in the country are exempt from
the travel ban but must meet the same entry requirements as those
traveling from a high-risk location. Authorities continue to advise
against nonessential travel abroad.
Greece:
Government has temporarily reduced its mandatory quarantine period for
arriving travelers from 10 days to three days; the reduced requirement
will be in effect through Jan. 7. All passengers arriving in Greece
must present a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain
reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival.
Additionally, travelers must also take a rapid antigen test upon entry
and comply with the self-isolation requirement, even if the test is
negative. In the event a traveler receives a positive COVID-19 test
result, the individual will need to self-isolate until authorities
advise otherwise. All international travelers must also complete
Greece’s Passenger Locator Form. Authorities prohibit entry for all
non-EEA nationals with certain exemptions, such as healthcare workers,
permanent residents of an EU or Schengen Area country, diplomats,
student visa holders, seasonal workers, passengers in transit, and
transport workers. Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand,
Russia, Singapore, Rwanda, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, the UK,
the UAE, and Uruguay are also exempt from the travel ban.
MDTI-WA-2020-1121
Date: 04 January 2021
ASIA – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF JANUARY 4, 2021
Brunei:
Most foreign nationals, including long-term pass holders, remain banned
from entering or transiting Brunei. Exemptions include foreigners whose
work relates to matters of national interest, such as the oil and gas
sector and the transport of essential goods. Existing travel, student,
and dependent visas remain suspended, with limited exceptions. People
who can enter Brunei must test for COVID-19 before departure and upon
arrival. Arrivals must quarantine between 2-14 days at
government-designated facilities, depending on the risk level of the
country of departure. Travelers can leave the isolation sites upon
testing negative for COVID-19. Authorities will consider appeals from
foreigners in special situations, such as those on scholarship studies
or undergoing medical treatment in Brunei, to enter the country.
Foreigners permitted entry in such cases must obtain a Bruneian citizen
or entity as a guarantor.
Foreigners with essential or business needs can transit through Brunei
by land, with protocols in place. Measures include limiting the travel
duration, such as one hour for those going from Labu to Ujong Jalan in
eastern Brunei or three hours for travelers from Kuala Lurah to Sungai
Tujoh in western Brunei. Foreigners, including transit passengers and
commercial vehicle operators, must provide results of a negative
COVID-19 swab test taken within seven days before arrival in Brunei.
Registered persons must pay entry/exit fees of BND 3 (USD 2.3) for each
one-way trip across land borders; exempted travelers include children
below the age of two years, diplomats and families, and those with
emergency passes or on official duty. Regular travelers – with proof of
at least 15 monthly round trips to Brunei – may apply online for the
Frequent Commuters Pass. Foreign-registered vehicles must also register
with the Land Department and obtain a paid vehicle pass sticker.
Singapore:
Most short-term visa holders, including work pass holders who do not
provide essential services, remain banned from entering Singapore.
Long-term visit pass and student pass holders must apply for official
approval before traveling to Singapore. Incoming passengers must submit
online health declarations up to three days before arrival. Foreign
nationals traveling from most locations must test negative for COVID-19
within 72 hours before the trip. While foreigners traveling from
locations that officials consider to be lower-risk do not need to take
pre-trip tests, these passengers must undergo tests upon arrival.
Arrivals from most locations must serve their SHN for 14 days at
designated sites. Travelers who spent the previous two weeks in
mainland China, Macau, and Taiwan can serve a seven-day SHN in their
residence. Arrivals from Fiji, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, and Thailand can
serve SHN at their residence for two weeks if they fulfill specific
requirements. The travelers must have spent the previous 14 days in the
aforementioned locations and must serve their SHN at the accommodation
alone or with other travelers with the same travel history.
Long-term pass holders and short-term travelers who have been in the UK
within the previous 14 days cannot enter Singapore. Singaporean
citizens and PRs with recent travel history in the UK are subject to a
two-week quarantine at dedicated SHN facilities. Additionally,
short-term travelers who have been in Australia’s New South Wales (NSW)
within the previous two weeks cannot enter Singapore. Singaporean
citizens, PRs, and long-term pass holders with recent travel history in
NSW must isolate at their own residence for a week. Authorities are
allowing entry for all travelers from Taiwan, Brunei, mainland China,
New Zealand, Vietnam, and areas in Australia outside of NSW. The
passengers must have remained in the mentioned locations for the last
14 days before entry, register online within one week before entry, and
self-isolate until on-arrival test results are ready. Travelers who
test negative are exempt from the typical compulsory SHN requirement
for arrivals.
Malaysia:
Most foreigners remain banned from entering the country; exemptions are
in place for resident diplomats, foreign spouses and dependents of
Malaysian citizens, long-term pass holders, and expatriate employees
working in essential industries and their dependents, among others.
Travelers must seek advance approval from authorities, undergo tests
for COVID-19 upon arrival, and download the MySejahtera contact tracing
application. Arrivals must quarantine at designated sites for 10 days.
Foreigners may transit at Malaysian airports as long as they do not
pass through immigration points. Malaysian nationals remain banned from
traveling abroad, with limited exceptions. Sabah State bans entry for
travelers, including long-term pass holders, from 23 countries.
Exceptions are in place for diplomats and their dependents, workers in
the oil and gas industry, and vessel crew. The affected countries
include Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, France,
Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Iran, Iraq, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru,
Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, the UK,
and the US. Sabah allows entry for visitors from Brunei for any
purposes, provided these travelers test negative for COVID-19 within 72
hours before travel and arrive by air or land.
Macau:
Officials continue to ban most foreign nationals from entering Macau.
Exceptions are in place for some foreign nationals related to Macau
residents, students, and essential workers. Authorities require a
21-day quarantine for all arrivals outside of Taiwan and mainland
China. Authorities allow residents of mainland China, Hong Kong,
Taiwan, and Macau to enter the territory if they have not been to any
other locations in the previous 21 days. Individuals from low-risk
areas of mainland China must submit a negative nucleic acid COVID-19
test taken within seven days upon arrival. Travelers from Hong Kong
must submit a negative COVID-19 test issued within 24 hours of arrival
and undergo 21 days of quarantine under medical observation. Visitors
from Taiwan need to submit a negative COVID-19 test administered within
seven days of arrival and quarantine for 14 days. Travelers must pay
quarantine fees of USD 700; locals are exempt from the quarantine fee
for their first entry but must pay for subsequent quarantine periods
unless traveling for select purposes.
Indonesia:
Indonesia continues to adjust restrictions to stem the spread of
coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as of Jan. 4. Authorities have suspended
the entry of foreign citizens through Jan. 14 due to concerns over a
new COVID-19 strain. Exemptions are in place for high-level state
visits and holders of Limited Stay Permit Cards, among others; the
government’s level of enforcement is unclear. Returning Indonesian
citizens and foreigners who can still enter the country must present
evidence that they have tested negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours
before departure, quarantine for five days at designated facilities
upon arrival, and obtain a negative result from another COVID-19 test
before leaving the isolation premises. A nationwide public health
emergency remains in effect until further notice. Enhanced testing
requirements for domestic travel remain in effect through Jan. 8. All
air, rail, and sea passengers aged above 12 years must produce negative
results of a rapid antigen or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for
COVID-19 within a specified duration when undertaking select domestic
trips. Other passengers may continue traveling with a rapid antigen
test result taken no longer than 14 days before travel. All
international or non-rail domestic travelers must register on the
Health Alert Card (eHAC) mobile application before travel and are
advised to download the PeduliLindungi contact-tracing application.
Saudi Arabia:
The Saudi government has lifted a ban on all international flights and
the closure of its land and sea borders to travelers effective 1100
Jan. 3. Some restrictions remain in place over concerns of a new
coronavirus disease (COVID-19) variant. Non-Saudis arriving from the
United Kingdom, South Africa, and other countries where a new variant
of the virus has been detected must remain outside of these countries
for 14 days before entering the Kingdom. Saudi nationals are permitted
entry into the Kingdom from countries where the new variant has been
found but will have to quarantine for 14 days and be subject to two PCR
exams. The move follows a number of more targeted travel bans by
several other countries in reaction to the new disease variant, which
was initially discovered in the southeast of England. Arrivals from
non-restricted areas will be subject to a maximum of seven days
quarantine; however, the quarantine period will be reduced to three
days upon the completion of a PCR test.
MDTI-WA-2020-1120
Date: 29 December 2020
INDIA- UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 29, 2020
Officials have banned flights to and from the UK through 2359 Dec. 31 due to concerns over a new COVID-19 strain. Those who have entered India with a travel history to the UK are likely to be contacted by local health officials for mandatory testing and enhanced quarantine. Authorities are advising Indian citizens to delay all nonessential international travel. Officials allow persons of all nationalities to enter the country through air or seaports on any visa type other than tourism. Indian consulates will issue new visas upon approval; authorities will also consider existing visas – except electronic, medical, and tourist categories – as valid. Foreign nationals already in the country can apply online to avail of a free visa extension valid for 30 days after regular international commercial flights resume.
Inbound international passenger flights remain limited to charter, repatriation, and approved flights under bilateral “air bubble” agreements. Air bubbles are operational or planned between India and countries including Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Canada, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Kenya, Maldives, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Rwanda, Tanzania, UAE, Ukraine, and the US. Similar arrangements with other countries, as well as modifications at short notice, are possible. International passengers must register via the Air Suvidha online portal within 72 hours before departure; arrivals must undergo a paid institutional quarantine of seven days, followed by a week-long home quarantine. Exemptions from institutional quarantine are possible for some categories of asymptomatic passengers, including those with a negative swab test for COVID-19 obtained within 72 hours before entry or upon arrival at an airport with testing facilities, requiring special care such as elderly or pregnant women and parents accompanied by children aged below 10 years. Passengers availing on-arrival paid testing facilities – currently available at the Cochin, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai airports – must pre-book tests via the Air Suvidha portal and wait eight hours for negative test results before boarding a connecting flight or exiting the airport. Different states may impose variable quarantine and testing requirements; those seeking exemptions and waivers must do so from authorities in all intended destinations and transit states before arrival.
Officials allow some foreign citizens, residents, and long-term visa holders stranded in India to buy seats on flights leaving India. The flights operate primarily to repatriate stranded Indian nationals. These flights serve airports in several countries, including the US, Bangladesh, Malaysia, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and multiple Central Asian nations.
MDTI-WA-2020-1119
Date: 29 December 2020
SOUTH AFRICA- UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 29, 2020
As of Dec. 28, South African authorities are maintaining various international travel restrictions to curb COVID-19 transmission.
Three international airports are open for the entry and departure of foreign travelers, namely O.R. Tambo (JNB), Cape Town International (CPT), and King Shaka International Airport (DUR).
Currently, 18 land ports of entry are fully operational; however, 35 border posts remain closed due to insufficient screening, testing, and quarantine capacity. Small passenger craft maritime travel is allowed to resume; however, the government continues to ban all cruise ships from docking.
Those entering South Africa will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test taken no longer than 72 hours before arrival in the country.
All travelers will undergo screening upon arrival. Those showing symptoms of COVID-19 will be required to take a test. Travelers who test positive will be subject to mandatory quarantine for up to 10 days at a designated facility. Authorities also require travelers to show proof of accommodation should they need to self-quarantine when they arrive in the country.
Travelers departing South Africa will be subject to screening. Those found to have had COVID-19 may be subject to further testing. The outcome of the test will determine whether or not the person may depart the country, as determined by the Director-General of Health or a delegated person. Travelers testing positive will need to self-isolate; this may take place at one’s private residence.
MDTI-WA-2020-1118
Date: 29 December 2020
RUSSIA- UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 29, 2020
Authorities in Russia have extended the existing suspension of all commercial flights with the UK which they implemented in response to a new strain of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that had been discovered primarily in the southeast of England, including London. The measure was initially slated to expire on Dec. 29 but will no remain in effect until at least 2359 Jan. 12. Moreover, all persons arriving from UK must self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Russia.
Aside from the UK flight suspension, international flights are operating between Russia and more than 30 countries, including Armenia, Belarus, Cuba, France, Greece, Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Netherlands, Serbia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey, and the US. However, the availability of flights is still dependent on COVID-19 restrictions in destination countries. Additionally, flights with low demand could be canceled or merged with other scheduled departures. Foreign air passengers must present proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a test performed no more than 72 hours prior to their departure for Russia; Russian citizens must produce a negative COVID-19 test within three days upon arrival or self-isolate for 14 days. Foreigners are not allowed entry for tourism purposes.
MDTI-WA-2020-1117
Date: 29 December 2020
KUWAIT- UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 29, 2020
Authorities in Kuwait plan to resume international commercial flights beginning Jan. 1 and reopen the nation’s land and sea borders between the hours of 0900-1500 beginning Jan. 2. Kuwait had previously suspended all commercial flights and closed the country’s land and sea borders from Dec. 21 amid concerns regarding the spread of a newly discovered coronavirus disease (COVID-19) strain. The closure does not apply to cargo operations.
Prior to the flight suspension, authorities were permitting Kuwaiti nationals and residents to fly into and out of the country. Special entry directives implemented to control the spread of COVID-19 require arrivals to produce proof of having tested negative for the virus using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test performed no more than 96 hours before their departure for Kuwait. Travelers will not be permitted entry to Kuwait if, in the preceding 14 days, they have been in a country Kuwait considers high risk for COVID-19. Upon arrival, all travelers are subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine and must provide proof of insurance with COVID-19 coverage. Travelers must also download and register with the “Shlonik” application before traveling.
MDTI-WA-2020-1116
Date: 29 December 2020
MYANMAR- UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 29, 2020
International commercial passenger flights remain suspended through at least Dec. 31, though relief and cargo flights can continue operating. Additionally, authorities may also allow special flights to transport citizens to and from Myanmar on a case-by-case basis. Visa-on-arrival and e-visa services remain suspended. Exemptions to entry bans include resident diplomats and UN officials. Returning Myanmar nationals must undergo a 21-day quarantine at government-designated sites, followed by one week of self-isolation. Resident diplomats and UN officials may undergo quarantine at their residence for two weeks. Additionally, authorities also permit business trips for those working in important sectors, such as oil, gas, and power, from mainland China and Japan in a so-called “fast-lane” arrangement, with protocols in place. Safeguards for the fast-lane arrangements include requiring travelers to present a medical document attesting that they are COVID-19-negative no more than 36 hours prior to boarding flights, taking a COVID-19 test upon arrival in Myanmar, and isolating at designated facilities. The land border remains closed to passenger transit, though goods transport can continue.
MDTI-WA-2020-1115
Date: 28 December 2020
USA – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 28, 2020
US authorities have announced that effective Dec. 28, all persons
traveling by air from the UK to the US will be required to present a
negative coronavirus disease (COVID-19) polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
or antigen test taken no more than 72 hours before departing the UK.
The new order is in response to a new strain of COVID-19 in the UK.
Some international commercial airlines may require proof of a negative
COVID-19 test for travel from the UK to the US ahead of Dec. 28.
The measure is in addition to the existing pandemic-related entry ban
for most nonresident foreign nationals who have been in the UK and
Ireland, as well as Brazil, China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau),
Iran, Ireland, and the European Schengen Area within the previous 14
days. US citizens and legal residents who have traveled to a country on
the restricted list within 14 days prior to their return are allowed to
enter the country but are urged to follow the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines in place specific to the
destination they are traveling from. Officials have added exceptions
for nonresident foreign nationals entering from the Schengen Area, UK,
or Ireland to enter the US. Business travelers, students, investors,
academics, and journalists, among others, may qualify for a national
interest exception but must contact US diplomatic offices in order to
apply.
Officials will also continue to enforce the closure of the nation’s
land borders with Canada and Mexico to all nonessential travel through
at least Jan. 21, 2021 due to COVID-19. The closures, initially
implemented March 21, do not affect trade, movement of essential goods
and workers, transport of food or medicine, or transit by cargo trucks.
US citizens and legal residents returning to the country, as well as
individuals traveling to attend educational institutions, are also
exempt.
MDTI-WA-2020-1114
Date: 28 December 2020
ASIA – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 28, 2020
Indonesia:
Most foreign nationals remain banned from entering and transiting the
country. Exemptions are in place for permanent residents, diplomats,
and transport workers, among others. Arrivals must produce documents
stating they are free from COVID-19; travelers without the certificates
will undergo tests upon arrival and isolate at government-designated
sites until test results are released. Authorities advise arrivals to
self-quarantine for up to 14 days.
Cross-border travel arrangements for business and official purposes are
in place with mainland China, Singapore, South Korea, and the United
Arab Emirates. People entering Indonesia under the scheme must have a
sponsoring Indonesian entity, test negative for COVID-19 within 72
hours before departure, and receive another test upon arrival.
Indonesia has set up a similar scheme with Japan, though the start date
is unclear. Officials also require people leaving Indonesia to produce
certificates stating they do not carry COVID-19.
Japan:
Government of Japan will ban the entry of foreign nationals into the
country Dec. 28-Jan 31, 2021 due to a new coronavirus disease
(COVID-19) variant. Only Japanese nationals and resident foreign
nationals will be permitted to return during this period. Furthermore,
visas issued since Oct. 1 will not be honored. Officials will require
returning citizens and residents to undergo self-quarantine for 14 days
upon arrival in the country. In addition, since Dec. 27, they must
present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of
departure to be permitted to self-quarantine; those without
documentation may have to stay at designated quarantine facilities.
China:
Authorities in mainland China have banned all flights to and from the
UK as of Dec. 24. Officials stated that the measure is due to the
spread of a variant strain of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) detected
in the UK. It is unclear how long the ban will be in place. Separately,
authorities are maintaining border restrictions, including testing
requirements, and domestic restrictions in specific areas amid ongoing
efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19. Officials have lifted most
internal commercial and transport restrictions nationwide, though
controls are highly likely in areas where COVID-19 outbreaks occur.
Authorities are maintaining a ban on foreign nationals traveling from
specific countries, including Belgium, France, Russia, the Philippines,
India, Italy, Bangladesh, the UK, Ukraine, and Ethiopia. The
restrictions do not apply to Chinese nationals, foreign diplomatic
passport holders, and individuals with C visas. Foreign nationals from
other countries with valid residence permits for work, visiting family,
and personal matters currently can re-enter China. Specially designated
foreign workers with invitation letters issued by provincial or
municipal government officials can also enter the country. Some
immediate family members of foreign employees may obtain visas to enter
for emergency humanitarian purposes. Diplomatic personnel and C visa
holders – generally flight and shipping crew members – are exempt from
entry bans. Authorities require most arriving passengers from abroad to
take a nucleic acid COVID-19 test at designated facilities in the
country of origin within three days of departure for China. Officials
require all authorized inbound passengers from specified countries to
provide evidence of both nucleic acid COVID-19 and IgM antibody tests
from designated facilities in the departure country within 48 hours of
boarding flights and undergo additional COVID-19 tests in each country
they transit. As of Dec. 4, the measure applies to travelers from
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Brazil, Bulgaria,
Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cote d’Ivoire, Denmark, Egypt,
Eswatini, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guinea,
Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Laos, Malaysia,
Myanmar, Nepal, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, the
Philippines, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore,
South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania,
Thailand, Turkey, the UAE, the UK, the US, and Vietnam.
Saudi Arabia:
The Saudi government has extended its ban on all international flights
and the closure of its land and sea borders to travelers through at
least Jan. 3, 2021, due to concerns over the new coronavirus disease
(COVID-19) variant. Non-Saudi citizens currently in the country,
however, will be allowed to leave. The closure also does not apply to
freight and goods shipments from countries where the virus mutation has
not manifested. The move follows a number of more targeted travel bans
by several other countries in reaction to the new disease variant,
which was initially discovered in the southeast of England. Saudi
authorities could extend the closure depending on disease activity in
the coming weeks.
Qatar:
Qatari authorities have extended the mandatory quarantine requirements
for all arrivals into the country through Feb. 15, 2021, to curb the
spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The quarantine period of one
week remains in place for arrivals, regardless of the destination.
Individuals, including nationals, residents, and visa holders, arriving
from “high-risk” countries must quarantine at hotels, whereas
individuals from “low-risk” countries can quarantine at home. The
measures do not apply to those who use shared quarantine facilities;
they must continue to quarantine for two weeks. Individuals who have
not obtained a COVID-19 test 48 hours before arrival have to take the
test upon arriving at Doha International Airport (DOH). Authorities
will conduct a second COVID-19 test six days after arrival.
Additionally, following the discovery of a new strain of COVID-19,
individuals arriving from Denmark, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and
the UK must enter a seven-night quarantine at a government-designated
hotel. Individuals are required to provide proof of hotel reservation
before boarding their flights to Qatar
MDTI-WA-2020-1110
Date: 18 December 2020
MALDIVES – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 18, 2020
Maldives could exempt asymptomatic entrants with proof of recovery from
COVID-19 within the previous 90 days before entry from testing and
quarantine upon prior application and review. All other tourists and
short-term visitors arriving in the country must present a negative
COVID-19 test result upon arrival; the test must be no more than 96
hours before arrival. Inbound foreign travelers must reserve
accommodations at approved accommodations; split stay between
facilities must be approved by the Ministry of Tourism at least two
days before departure. Transit passengers are free to move in public.
While there is no mandatory quarantine for asymptomatic travelers, all
persons entering the country must submit an online health declaration
via the “Imuga” portal within 24 hours before travel. Authorities
require non-tourist international arrivals and some domestic travelers
to undergo a 10-day home quarantine. Officials may modify regulations
based on a passenger’s nationality and travel history, and authorities
could suspend international travel at short notice. Resorts and
approved guesthouses are open; however, officials may enforce temporary
movement restrictions at such sites in the event of confirmed or
suspected COVID-19 cases. Authorities have advised Maldivian citizens
to refrain from all nonessential international travel.
All entrants must register online before arrival and produce negative
RT-PCR test results for COVID-19 taken within 96 hours prior to departure.
Tourists are exempt from quarantine. Asymptomatic entrants with history of
recovery from COVID-19 infection may avail testing and quarantine
exemptions. Effective Dec. 20, returning Maldivians and work visa holders
arriving at Male city are also not required to quarantine if holding
negative COVID-19 test results; however, they will be advised to
self-isolate at home for 10 days after arrival. Other categories, such as
non-tourist foreign arrivals and those arriving at areas outside Male, must
undergo a 10-day home quarantine. Any person staying for over 48 hours in
the Greater Male region requires a pre-departure COVID-19 test within 72
hours before leaving the Maldives.
MDTI-WA-2020-1110
Date: 18 December 2020
UNITED KINGDOM – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 18, 2020
Authorities in the UK are maintaining international entry
restrictions as of Dec. 17 as part of efforts to limit the spread
of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Effective 0400 Dec. 19,
travelers from Namibia, Uruguay, and the US Virgin Islands will
need to self-isolate for 10 days after their arrival in the UK.
More than 70 countries and overseas territories – including
Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, and South Korea – are
currently on the UK’s Travel Corridor List. Travelers arriving from
listed locations are exempt from the self-isolation requirement
upon arrival provided they have not traveled to an unlisted country
within the previous 10 days.
International passengers of any nationality arriving from or who,
within the previous 10 days, have been in locations not on the
Travel Corridor List must self-isolate for up to 10 days upon entry
into the UK. The exact duration of self-isolation depends upon when
the traveler last departed a non-exempted destination. Health
officials could perform spot checks to ensure compliance. Persons
without suitable accommodations are required to stay in facilities
arranged by the government at their own expense. Freight drivers
and healthcare workers are typically exempt from the requirement.
All international travelers entering the UK must also fill out a
passenger locator form providing contact details and their travel
history over the previous 10 days.
Travelers arriving from or who have been in countries with elevated
disease activity can, however, reduce the required self-isolation
period by taking a COVID-19 test at their own expense. Such
individuals may be released from self-isolation upon receipt of a
negative result. Nevertheless, travelers are not allowed to take
the test until five full days have elapsed since the time they last
left a location not on the Travel Corridor List; test results may
take up to 48 hours to return.
Senior executives, or individuals with senior managerial
responsibility in a business organization, are exempt from
quarantine requirements. The executives, whether visiting or
returning, must be engaged in specific business activities that
deliver a significant benefit to the UK economy, including those
that create or preserve 50 or more jobs in the UK, or purchase
goods or services for at least 100 million GBP (134 million USD)
from a UK-based business with at least 50 employees. Senior
executives, as well as aerospace engineers, data infrastructure
maintenance personnel, elite athletes, journalists, IT workers, and
seasonal agricultural workers, will no longer need to self-isolate
upon entering the country.
MDTI-WA-2020-1109
Date: 18 December 2020
POLAND – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 18, 2020
Authorities are maintaining international entry restrictions as of
Dec. 17. Citizens and residents of EEA member states, as well as
those of Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, South
Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, and Tunisia, are permitted to enter
without restriction. Persons entering Poland from elsewhere, as
well as individuals who have been close to people infected with
COVID-19 or who live with a person who is self-isolating, must
self-isolate for 10 days on arrival. Entry restrictions for most
foreign nationals remain in place, except for the following:
– Spouses, children, or dependents of Polish or EEA citizens
– Foreigners who hold a Polish identity card (Karta Polaka)
– Foreigners who are permanent or temporary residents of Poland
– Students enrolled in Polish educational institutions
– Scientists who are conducting research or developmental work in Poland
– Foreigners with valid work visas
Poland has banned international flights connecting with several
countries experiencing high COVID-19 activity. The list of such
locations includes Armenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Georgia, Jordan,
Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and the US (other than
connections to airports in the states of Illinois and New York).
Entry restrictions remain in force on the land borders with
Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine; however, some border crossings remain
open.
MDTI-WA-2020-1108
Date: 18 December 2020
IRELAND – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 18, 2020
Authorities are maintaining international entry restrictions. Travelers from EU-designated areas of low COVID-19 activity (Green regions) will not need to self isolate; travelers from areas of medium COVID-19 activity (Amber regions) or areas of high COVID-19 activity (Red regions) will need to self-isolate for 14 days, which can be curtailed if they can produce a negative COVID-19 test result after five days. This requirement to self-isolate can be avoided for travelers from Amber regions if they are able to produce a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within the three days prior to travel. Freight transport workers, maritime employees, aircraft pilots, and individuals traveling for an imperative business or family reason are exempt from these measures. All arrivals must fill out a passenger locator form indicating the address where they will be staying.
MDTI-WA-2020-1107
Date: 18 December 2020
BELGIUM – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 18, 2020
Authorities in Belgium previously updated the country’s
international entry restrictions related to COVID-19. The
government has designated certain locations with high COVID-19
activity as “red zones.” Travel with red zone countries is either
strongly discouraged or prohibited. Most travelers entering from
red zones must take a COVID-19 test on arrival and self-quarantine
for up to seven days after which a second test may be taken. If
this test returns positive, the self-quarantine period is extended
by another seven days. Individuals who stay in a red zone location
for less than 48 hours are exempt from this measure. As of Dec. 16,
the red zone includes most nations worldwide except Ireland,
Iceland, areas of Norway outside Oslo and Innlandet County, Rwanda,
and South Korea.
Authorities have permitted travel to resume with EU and Schengen
Area countries, as well as the UK, Australia, Japan, New Zealand,
Rwanda, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand Tunisia, and Uruguay,
though in many cases travel is strongly discouraged. Most
nonessential travel from other countries remains prohibited, with
some exceptions such as diplomats, health workers, and cargo
transport staff; all such arrivals will require testing and seven
days of self-isolation. National authorities require all
international arrivals to fill out a Passenger Locator Form 48
hours before arrival. Individuals staying in Belgium for less than
48 hours and Belgian residents traveling abroad for less than 48
hours are not required to fill out the form.
MDTI-WA-2020-1106
Date: 17 December 2020
CHILE – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 17, 2020
As of Dec. 16, officials in Chile have amended national and local
restrictions put in place to limit the spread of coronavirus disease
(COVID-19). Specific measures vary by location and intensity based on
local disease activity. A multiphase quarantine system remains in
effect. In areas under Phase-1 quarantines, all individuals must remain
in their homes every day unless they possess a safe-conduct pass. For
those under Phase-2 quarantines, individuals must stay in their homes
during weekends and holidays unless they have a safe-conduct pass. Some
locations have advanced to Phase 3 or 4 with no quarantine mandates; in
these areas, authorities continue to enforce nationwide restrictions
and nonquarantine orders, such as capacity limits in businesses and
school closures. Persons in areas under Phase-1 and Phase-2 quarantine
orders cannot travel to other regions in the country. Those in areas
not under quarantine orders may not enter areas that are subject to
quarantines.
Those traveling to the country must fill out a health questionnaire
before departure. Nonresident foreigners must present negative results
from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than
72 hours before departure and purchase a health insurance policy that
will cover at least USD 30,000 of COVID-19-related medical costs in
Chile.
Chilean citizens and residents may enter without taking a PCR test but
must quarantine for 14 days if they do so. All persons must fill out a
form reporting on their health daily for their first 14 days in Chile.
Until further notice, Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL)
in Santiago will be the only airport accepting foreign nationals
arriving from abroad.
MDTI-WA-2020-1105
Date: 17 December 2020
COSTA RICA – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 17, 2020
Foreign travelers are no longer required to provide a negative COVID-19
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test prior to entering the country. All
travelers must still complete the required health affidavit and have
sufficient insurance to cover lodging and health expenses. All
nonresident foreign nationals, regardless of their origin country, are
allowed to enter Costa Rica.
Facemasks are required at all times while traveling. Ground and
maritime borders remain closed for nonresident foreign nationals until
further notice. This measure does not affect cargo transport.
Nationwide, all persons must wear protective facemasks that cover the
nose and mouth while in indoor public areas or using public
transportation.
MDTI-WA-2020-1104
Date: 17 December 2020
NORWAY – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 17, 2020
All EU and Schengen Area countries, along with the UK, remain
designated as high-risk (red level), excluding Greenland, the Faroe
Islands, and Ostrobothnia region and Ita-Savo Hospital District in
Finland, which are designated as moderate-risk (yellow level)
locations. Those arriving from red locations must present proof of
having tested negative for COVID-19 using a test taken no more than 72
hours before entry; persons without such tests may be refused entry.
Norwegian citizens and residents, as well as persons who come from
Finland and Sweden regularly for work, are exempt from this
requirement. Travelers from high-risk areas must also self-isolate for
10 days upon arrival. Travelers who do not have permanent residence in
the country or a suitable place of residence upon arrival can stay in a
hotel of their choice, providing they can document their self-isolation
in accordance with official regulations; otherwise, they must stay in
government-designated quarantine hotels. This also applies to persons
traveling to visit relatives in Norway. Travelers arriving from
moderate-risk locations are not required to self-isolate.
Travelers from most other countries are currently prohibited from
entering Norway. Individuals with close family in Norway or who have
been granted permits to work or study in the country are exempt from
the travel ban but must meet the same entry requirements as those
traveling from a high-risk location. Authorities continue to advise
against nonessential travel abroad.
MDTI-WA-2020-1103
Date: 17 December 2020
USA – UPDATED COVID 19 RESTRICTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 17, 2020
New York:
Authorities in New York State have tightened certain restrictions in
New York City effective Dec. 14, while updating the state’s
micro-cluster zone metrics as part of their efforts to curb the spread
of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Under the current measures, incoming
travelers who have spent over 24 hours in another state or in a country
categorized at Level 2, 3, or 4 by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) must self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
However, travelers who have tested negative for COVID-19 within 72
hours prior to their arrival in New York may enter three days of
quarantine and take a second test on day four. If the second test is
negative, the individual may exit quarantine.
Travelers who were out of New York State for less than 24 hours are
exempt from the quarantine requirement; however, such individuals must
take a test 96 hours after returning to the state. All arriving
travelers are required to fill out a Traveler Health Form. Persons who
do not fill out the form are subject to a fine and possible quarantine.
All travelers, except those traveling by air, fill out an online form.
Air passengers fill out a form at the airport. Travelers from the
neighboring states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut,
Massachusetts, and Vermont, as well as essential workers, are exempt
from all these requirements.
Travelers from countries categorized at Level 1 by the CDC are not
subject to the quarantine or testing requirements. As of Dec. 14, there
are 49 countries and territories at Level 1, including Australia,
China, Ivory Coast, New Zealand, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Singapore,
Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Nevada:
Authorities in Nevada have extended their current statewide
restrictions on gatherings and certain business operations through at
least Jan. 15 to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Under the new directives, private gatherings are limited to 10 people
from a maximum of two households, while public gatherings are capped at
25-percent of the venue’s capacity or a maximum of 50 people.
Individuals over the age of nine must wear protective facemasks in all
indoor or outdoor settings, whenever individuals from other households
are around. All businesses must comply with social distancing standards
and enhanced hygienic procedures. Businesses are responsible for
ensuring all customers adhere to the requirements. Employers are also
required to ensure that workers who directly interact with customers
wear protective face coverings at all times. Moreover, companies are
encouraged to allow employees to work from home whenever possible,
resume operations in stages, and close common areas.
Idaho:
As of Dec. 15, authorities in Idaho plan to keep the state’s current
slate of coronavirus (COVID-19)-related restrictions in place until
further notice. Idaho remains under a modified Stage 2 of its economic
recovery plan due to increased disease activity. Moreover, Governor
Brad Little has activated an additional 150 National Guard troops to
assist in the state’s response, primarily by providing mobile testing
support, decontaminating medical facilities, and participating in
planning and logistics tasks. The move brings the number of guardsmen
deployed in support roles to 250.
Under the current directives, gatherings of more than 10 people are
prohibited, except for religious ceremonies and political activities.
In all cases, participants must adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Residents with higher health risks should isolate at home, and all
workers are encouraged to work from home whenever possible.
Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs can continue operating provided all
patrons are seated and tables are set at least 1.8 meters (six feet)
away from each other. Facemasks are only required at long-term care
facilities, although authorities urge all residents to wear them while
in public.
Connecticut:
As of Dec. 15, the slate of coronavirus (COVID-19)-related travel and
business restrictions in effect in Connecticut remain unchanged as
compared with mid-November. The list of states and territories from
which travelers are subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon
arrival continues to include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas,
California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Idaho,
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland,
Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana,
Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North
Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South
Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, US Virgin Islands, Utah,
Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Authorities have also issued a statewide advisory, recommending
individuals to limit all nonessential trips outside of their homes
2200-0500. Additionally, officials in Connecticut maintain a three-tier
COVID-19 Alert Map to recommend specific actions for municipalities
with higher rates of COVID-19 infections. The map goes from yellow, the
lowest risk level, to red, the highest risk level.
MDTI-WA-2020-1102
Date: 16 December 2020
MEXICO- UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 16, 2020
Authorities in Mexico City have increased coronavirus disease
(COVID-19)-related restrictions effective Dec. 14. Under the new
directives, non-essential businesses, including restaurants and retail
stores, must close at 1700. Restaurants may operate on a carryout basis
only and sales of street food are prohibited. In addition, vehicular
traffic through the Historic District of the city will be heavily
restricted, with a number of roads being closed. Residents are also
urged to stay at home and wear facemasks in public.
Mexico’s land border with the US will remain closed to all nonessential
travel through at least Dec. 21. The ban on recreational boat travel
will also remain in effect. These measures have been in place since
March under a mutual agreement between the two countries. Cargo
transport between Mexico and the US is exempt. Officials in Mexico
continue to advise residents to avoid all international travel.
MDTI-WA-2020-1101
Date: 16 December 2020
SOUTH AFRICA- UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 16, 2020
No new restrictions have been imposed on international travel. Three
international airports are open for the entry and departure of foreign
travelers, namely O.R. Tambo (JNB), Cape Town International (CPT), and
King Shaka International Airport (DUR). Effective Nov. 12, 18 land
ports of entry are fully operational; however, 35 border posts remain
closed due to insufficient capacity for screening, testing, and
quarantine. Small-craft passenger maritime travel is allowed to resume;
however, the government continues to ban all cruise ships from docking.
Those entering South Africa will be required to provide a negative
COVID-19 test taken no longer than 72 hours before arrival in the
country.
All travelers will be screened upon arrival. Those showing symptoms of
COVID-19 will be required to take a test. Travelers who test positive
will be subject to mandatory quarantine for up to 10 days at a
designated facility. Authorities also require proof of accommodation,
should they need to self-quarantine at the time of arrival in the
country. Travelers departing South Africa will be subject to screening.
Those found to have had COVID-19 may be subject to further testing. The
outcome of the test will determine whether or not the person may depart
the country, as determined by the Director-General of Health or a
delegated person. Travelers testing positive will need to self-isolate;
this may be done at one’s private residence.
MDTI-WA-2020-1100
Date: 16 December 2020
LUXEMBOURG- UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 16, 2020
Authorities in Luxembourg are maintaining measures introduced to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as of Dec. 15. There are no entry restrictions on travelers from countries within the European Union or Schengen Area, the UK, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City. Moreover, residents of Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Uruguay are also permitted to enter the country. Most travelers from other countries remain prohibited from entry. Exceptions are in place for essential work, study, and family reasons; all such individuals arriving via air require evidence of having tested negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours prior to departing for Luxembourg.
MDTI-WA-2020-1099
Date: 16 December 2020
TURKEY – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 16, 2020
Authorities have lifted many travel restrictions, including the nation’s intercity travel ban. Intercity rail travel has resumed on most major routes. International travel is allowed; Turkey’s air, land, and sea borders have reopened for most travelers. However, nonessential travel with Iran and Iraq remains suspended. All travelers are required to undergo a health screening on arrival. Individuals displaying symptoms must submit to a COVID-19 test and undergo quarantine if positive; the traveler must pay all costs related to testing and quarantine. Most businesses and facilities are permitted to reopen, provided certain hygiene measures are implemented.
MDTI-WA-2020-1098
Date: 16 December 2020
FRANCE – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 16, 2020
International travel restrictions on most foreign nationals remain in
effect. International arrivals from the European Economic Area (EEA),
as well as Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South
Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, and the UK, are permitted to enter
without restriction. Most travelers from other locations remain barred
from entry, though exceptions are made for French nationals and
residents, as well as for persons traveling on what authorities deem to
be essential reasons, including certain necessary workers, diplomats,
students, and those visiting for urgent family reasons. All such
arrivals are required to complete a form declaring themselves to be
COVID-19 free and present a certificate declaring their reason for
travel.
Permitted travelers arriving from Algeria, Bahrain, China, Democratic
Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Morocco,
Panama, South Africa, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates,
the US, and Zimbabwe must present proof of having tested negative for
COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to boarding. Permitted arrivals from
other countries must meet the same condition, take a test on arrival
and self-isolate until the result is known, or self-isolate for 14
days.
MDTI-WA-2020-1097
Date: 16 December 2020
SINGAPORE – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 16, 2020
Officials continue to ban the entry of short-term visa holders,
including work pass holders who do not provide essential services, with
exceptions. Long-term visit pass and student pass holders must apply
for official approval before traveling to Singapore. Incoming
passengers must submit online health declarations up to three days
before arrival. Foreign nationals traveling from most locations must
test negative for COVID-19 not more than 72 hours before the trip.
While foreigners traveling from locations that officials consider to be
lower-risk do not need to take tests in advance, officials require
these passengers to undergo tests upon arrival in Singapore.
Arrivals from most locations must serve their SHN for 14 days at
government-designated premises. Travelers who spent the previous two
weeks in mainland China, Macau, and Taiwan can serve a seven-day SHN in
their residences. Arrivals from Fiji, Finland, Hong Kong, South Korea,
Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Turkey can serve SHN at their residence for
two weeks if they fulfill specific requirements. The travelers must
have spent the previous 14 days in the aforementioned locations and
must serve their SHN at the accommodation alone or with other travelers
with the same travel history.
Authorities will allow entry for all travelers from Taiwan from Dec.
18. The same policy is in place for arrivals from Australia, Brunei,
mainland China, New Zealand, and Vietnam. The passengers must have
remained in the mentioned locations for the last 14 days before entry,
register online on the Safe Travel portal at least one week before
entry, and self-isolate until results of an on-arrival test are ready.
Travelers who test negative are exempt from the typical compulsory SHN
requirement for arrivals, though they must still use the TraceTogether
application for contact tracing purposes.
Arrangements for cross-border business and official travels are in
place with Brunei, Germany, Indonesia, and South Korea, as well as
Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces and Chongqing, Shanghai, and
Tianjin municipalities in mainland China. Travelers entering Singapore
under the programs must have a sponsoring Singaporean government agency
or company, seek prior approval from Singaporean authorities, and test
negative for COVID-19 within 48-72 hours before departure. Travelers
must test for COVID-19 again upon arrival, remain at their
accommodation until the test returns negative, and adhere to controlled
itineraries for the first 14 days of their visit.
MDTI-WA-2020-1096
Date: 16 December 2020
CHILE – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 16, 2020
As of Dec. 14, officials in Chile have amended national and local
restrictions put in place to limit the spread of coronavirus disease
(COVID-19). Specific measures imposed vary by location and intensity
based on local disease activity. A multiphase quarantine system remains
in effect. In areas under Phase-1 quarantines, all individuals must
remain in their homes every day unless they possess a safe-conduct
pass. For those under Phase-2 quarantines, individuals must stay in
their homes during weekends and holidays unless they possess a
safe-conduct pass. Some locations have advanced to Phase 3 or Phase 4,
under which there are no quarantine mandates; in these areas,
nationwide restrictions remain in effect and nonquarantine orders, such
as capacity limits in businesses and school closures, continue to be
enforced. Persons in areas under Phase-1 and Phase-2 quarantine orders
are not permitted to travel to other regions in the country, and those
in areas not under quarantine orders may not enter regions that are
subject to quarantines.
Those traveling to the country must fill out a health questionnaire
before departure. Nonresident foreigners must present negative results
from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than
72 hours before departure and purchase a health insurance policy that
will cover at least USD 30,000 of COVID-19-related medical costs in
Chile.
Chilean citizens and residents may enter without taking a PCR test but
must quarantine for 14 days if they do so. All persons must fill out a
form reporting on their health daily for their first 14 days in Chile.
Until further notice, Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL)
in Santiago will be the only airport accepting foreign nationals
arriving from abroad.
MDTI-WA-2020-1095
Date: 16 December 2020
BRAZIL – UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 16, 2020
Authorities in Brazil will likely maintain most of the government’s
existing restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus
disease (COVID-19) through at least Dec. 31. Nonresident foreign
nationals remain prohibited from entering the country by land and
water, except as specified otherwise. Brazilian citizens, permanent
residents, and their immediate family members, as well as foreign
residents working for international organizations or foreign
governments, or who are traveling for trade or humanitarian purposes,
are exempt from the ban. The ban is currently slated to expire Dec. 16;
however, authorities have typically extended it for 30 days upon each
expiration date.
Apart from the overarching land border closures and as part of a joint
agreement, the land border crossings with Paraguay – specifically at
Foz do Iguacu, Ponta Pora, and Mundo Novo – are open. Foreign citizens
are allowed to enter Brazil by air for visits of no longer than 90
days; travelers no longer need to provide proof of health insurance to
enter the country.
MDTI-WA-2020-1094
Date: 16 December 2020
ISRAEL– UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 16, 2020
Health officials in Israel reduced the nation’s mandatory coronavirus
(COVID-19) quarantine period to 10 days effective 0800 Dec. 15 for
persons in isolation who test negative for the virus twice. The first
COVID-19 test must be taken at the start of the isolation period with
the second being performed on the ninth day from the date of exposure
to the virus; the two tests must be administered no less than 24 hours
apart. The original quarantine period for travelers entering Israel and
for Israelis exposed to confirmed COVID-19 carriers was 14 days.
However, in November, health officials shortened the quarantine period
from 14 to 12 days, contingent upon two negative COVID-19 tests.
The tourist areas of Eilat along the Red Sea and Ein Bokek along the
Dead Sea have reopened to domestic travelers. Hotels, restaurants,
strip malls, zoos, and other attractions in these areas have resumed
operations. All visitors to these areas must present a negative
COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival; local residents
and workers must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within a week
of entry or undergo a free, rapid test at one of the city’s entrances.
Other tourist sites throughout the country will remain closed until
further notice.