15 APRIL 2020 | 5:30 PM BST - COVID-19 TRAVEL AND IMMIGRATION UPDATES - Newland Chase Immigration News
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15 APRIL 2020 | 5:30 PM BST COVID-19 TRAVEL AND IMMIGRATION UPDATES
CONTENTS
DOCUMENT SUBTITLE
INTRODUCTION 8
Change Log: 9
European Union RECOMMENDATIONS 9
Albania 9
Algeria 10
Angola 10
Argentina 10
Armenia 10
Australia 11
Austria 11
Azerbaijan 12
Bahamas 12
Bahrain 12
Bangladesh 12
Belgium 13
Bolivia 13
Bosnia & Herzegovina 13
Botswana 13
Brazil 14
Brunei 14
Bulgaria 15
Burkina Faso 15
Burundi 15
Cambodia 16
Cameroon 16
COVID-19 Travel & Immigration Updates | 15 April 2020
2
© 2020 Newland Chase | A CIBT companyCanada 16
Cape Verde DOCUMENT SUBTITLE
17
Chad 17
Chile 17
China 18
Colombia 20
Costa Rica 21
Côte d’Ivoire 21
Croatia 21
Cuba 22
Cyprus 22
Czech Republic 22
Democratic Republic of Congo 23
Denmark 23
Djibouti 23
Dominican Republic 23
Ecuador 23
Egypt 24
El Salvador 24
Equatorial Guinea 24
Estonia 24
Finland 24
France 25
Gabon 25
Georgia 26
Germany 26
Ghana 27
COVID-19 Travel & Immigration Updates | 15 April 2020
3
© 2020 Newland Chase | A CIBT companyGreece 27
Guatemala DOCUMENT SUBTITLE
27
Guyana 28
Honduras 28
Hong Kong 28
Hungary 29
India 29
Indonesia 30
Iraq 31
Ireland 31
Israel 32
Italy 32
Japan 33
Jordan 34
Kazakhstan 34
Kenya 34
Kuwait 35
Laos 36
Latvia 36
Lebanon 36
Liberia 36
Lithuania 36
Luxembourg 37
Macao 37
Madagascar 37
Malawi 37
Malaysia 38
COVID-19 Travel & Immigration Updates | 15 April 2020
4
© 2020 Newland Chase | A CIBT companyMali 38
Malta DOCUMENT SUBTITLE
38
Mauritania 39
Mexico 39
Moldova 39
Montenegro 40
Morocco 40
Mozambique 40
Myanmar 40
Namibia 40
Netherlands 41
New Zealand 41
Niger 42
Nigeria 42
Norway 42
OmAn 43
Pakistan 43
Panama 43
Paraguay 44
Peru 44
Philippines 44
Poland 46
Portugal 47
Qatar 47
Romania 48
Russia 48
Rwanda 50
COVID-19 Travel & Immigration Updates | 15 April 2020
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© 2020 Newland Chase | A CIBT companySaudi Arabia 50
Senegal DOCUMENT SUBTITLE
50
Serbia 51
Sierra Leone 51
Singapore 51
Slovakia 53
Slovenia 54
Solomon Islands 54
South Africa 54
South Korea 55
Spain 57
Sri Lanka 57
Sudan 58
Sweden 58
Switzerland 59
Taiwan 60
Tajikistan 61
Thailand 61
Togo 62
Turkey 62
Uganda 62
Ukraine 62
United Arab Emirates 63
United Kingdom 64
United States 65
Uruguay 67
Uzbekistan 67
COVID-19 Travel & Immigration Updates | 15 April 2020
6
© 2020 Newland Chase | A CIBT companyVenezuela 67
Vietnam DOCUMENT SUBTITLE
67
Zimbabwe 68
How can we help? 68
COVID-19 Travel & Immigration Updates | 15 April 2020
7
© 2020 Newland Chase | A CIBT companyINTRODUCTION
DOCUMENT SUBTITLE
COVID-19: TRAVEL AND IMMIGRATION DISRUPTION
[UPDATED 15 APRIL 2020]
It is an unprecedented time. As a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic, many countries
have implemented restrictions on entry and exit, visa and work permit issuance, closed
borders, tightened quarantine rules and taken other measures in an attempt to slow the
spread of COVID-19. These restrictions may affect international business travel and
assignment plans.
Some countries have also introduced immigration concessions to facilitate applications; for
example, moving to online applications, accepting soft copies of documents, granting
automatic extension approval and more. However, these concessions must be reviewed
country by country as the requirement to make a notification or other applications is often
still in place.
Newland Chase is here to help you. This comprehensive guide gathers together the
knowledge and data we have on entry restrictions, immigration restrictions (office closures,
visa suspensions, etc.) and immigration concessions, worldwide.
We also invite you to attend or to download and listen to our webinars, which address
changes both globally, regionally and country by country. We are glad to offer you follow up
white papers, discussion guides and FAQ sheets to support you with the conversations you
need to have with your colleagues, employees and clients.
We can do more, too. Contact us today for a free 30-minute consultation on your specific
needs and requirements. We are glad to help.
Disclaimer
We are collecting here some information about some immigration-related restrictions imposed by some
countries in response to this situation. The information contained in this document has been abridged from
laws and administrative rulings and should not be construed or relied upon as legal advice.
COVID-19 Travel & Immigration Updates | 15 April 2020
8
© 2020 Newland Chase | A CIBT companyDOCUMENT SUBTITLE
CHANGE LOG:
• 15 April 2020: European Union, Greece, Laos, Malta, Panama, Philippines, Slovakia, South
Africa, UAE.
• 14 April 2020: Hong Kong, India, Italy, Kenya, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, United
Kingdom.
• 13 April 2020: Argentina, Malaysia, Peru, South Korea.
• 10 April 2020: Brunei, Cambodia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam.
• 9 April 2020: Kenya, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden.
• 8 April 2020: Australia, Finland, Japan, Hong Kong, Kenya, South Korea
EUROPEAN UNION RECOMMENDATIONS
• The European Commission has recommended extending the COVID-19 entry restrictions until 15
May. Implementation of the commission’s recommendations is at the discretion of the individual
member states.
• On 17 March, the Schengen Area member states agreed to close the external borders of the
Schengen Area to non-essential travel for all non-EU nationals, for an initial 30-day period (until 16
April).
• The non-Schengen EU member states (Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania) as well as the
UK are invited to also implement the restriction, although the EU has no power to enforce this.
• EU citizens, citizens of the Schengen states, nationals of San Marino, Andorra, Monaco and Vatican
and UK citizens, as well as third-country national long-term EU residents, if they are returning to their
homes, are also exempt.
• Family members of EU citizens, diplomats, cross-border workers and essential workers such as
healthcare workers, seasonal workers, transport personnel, and passengers in transit, are also
exempt.
• All persons (that is both EU/ Schengen Associated Countries and third-country nationals) who cross
the external borders to enter the Schengen Area are subject to systematic checks, which may include
health checks, at border crossing points.
• Member States should admit their own citizens and EU citizens or third country nationals legally
residing on their territory. Member States can, however, take appropriate measures such as requiring
non-nationals entering their territory to undergo self-isolation or similar measures upon return from an
area affected by COVID-19, provided they impose the same requirements on their own nationals.
• Schengen states should accept and process visa applications for exempt categories of travellers.
• Third-country nationals who are stranded in the EU and as a result overstay their short-stay or long-
stay visa, their residence permit, or their authorized visa-free maximum period of stay, can extend
their status.
• The EU hopes that by adopting this measure, the EU member states will be able to re-open any
“internal” borders with other EU member states which they have temporarily closed.
ALBANIA
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 22 March, all flights to and from Germany, Austria, Hungary and Switzerland are suspended.
Flights to and from Turkey are only allowed via Air Albania.
• Effective immediately, all flights to and from the United Kingdom and Greece are suspended.
• Effective immediately, all land borders with Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Greece are
closed to passengers.
• Effective 9 March 2020, all flights and maritime transport of people have been suspended to and from
all Italian airports.
COVID-19 Travel & Immigration Updates | 15 April 2020
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© 2020 Newland Chase | A CIBT company• All citizens with COVID-19 symptoms or who have travelled from Italy or other identified risk countries
must undergo self-quarantine at home for 14 days.
• DOCUMENT
All arrivals from identified risk areas are required to submit health and SUBTITLE
travel information at the border.
ALGERIA
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 19 March, all travel via air, sea and land to and from Europe is suspended. All flights will be
suspended to and from Senegal, Mali, Niger, Mauritania, Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso.
• Effective 17 March, all travel via air, sea and land to and from France is suspended.
• Air Algerie has suspended flights to and from Tunis, Cairo, Dubai, Doha and Amman.
ANGOLA
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 20 March, all international flights to and from Angola are suspended until further notice.
ARGENTINA
Entry Restrictions
• The mandatory quarantine period has been extended until 26 April. Consequently, suspension of
entry for all non-residents has also been extended until 26 April.
• Effective 3 April, certain land borders have been partially reopened for Argentinian citizens and
foreign national residents. Initially eight borders have been opened for the entry of up to 500 people
per day – the number of crossings and the daily quota of people entering the country will be gradually
increased. Those entering must comply with the 14-day self-quarantine on arrival.
• Re-entry to Argentina is suspended for most citizens and foreign residents of Argentina.
• All arrivals in Argentina must download an app developed by the Ministry of Health for a quick check
related to COVID-19 symptoms. Additionally, they will only be permitted to enter Argentina if they
commit to a 14-day self-quarantine at a private residence or a hotel. Consequences for
noncompliance are fine and/or imprisonment.
Immigration Restrictions
• All Government Agencies including the Immigration Office and the Registry Office will remain closed
until 12 April. Documents issued by the Immigration Office and the Registry Office expiring from 17
March onwards are automatically extended for 30 days. Existing interviews will be rescheduled.
ARMENIA
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 16 March, Armenia’s borders with Iran and Georgia will be closed.
• Foreign nationals who, in the previous 14 days, have visited countries with a high risk of infection
(China, Iran, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Austria,
Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, UK) will be isolated in specially designated places for
quarantine or may be subject to mandatory self-isolation.
COVID-19 Travel & Immigration Updates | 15 April 2020
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© 2020 Newland Chase | A CIBT company• Armenian citizens will only be able to leave the country by plane and will be subject to mandatory
quarantine on their return.
DOCUMENT SUBTITLE
AUSTRALIA
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 28 March, all arrivals are subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine at designated facilities
(for example, a hotel) at their port of arrival.
• Effective 21 March, entry is suspended for all nationalities, other than Australian citizens and
Australian Permanent Residents, and their close family members.
• Qantas airline will suspend all of its international flights from the end of March until at least 31 May.
• Where possible, Australian embassies, high commissions, and consulates are still operating in line
with local regulations and restrictions. Priority is on assisting Australians overseas.
• Most offshore applications appear to be on hold, particularly for permanent visas which would entitle
the person to travel to Australia under an exemption.
• Temporary visa holders who are ineligible for entry into Australia under these measures will have their
visa cancelled. Arrangements will be made to reinstate visas as appropriate following the lifting of
these enhanced border control measures.
Immigration Restrictions
• Immigration office are still operational. Applications can still be submitted online and via post, though
processing of applications has slowed considerably and some have been placed on hold for now.
Immigration Concessions
• Temporary Skill Shortage and subclass 457 visa holders who have been stood down, but not laid off,
will maintain a valid visa and businesses will have the opportunity to extend your visa as per normal
arrangements.
• Businesses will be able to reduce their employees’ hours without being in breach of their visa
conditions or the business being in breach of their employer obligations.
• Those who have been laid off should find another employer within 60 days or make arrangements to
leave Australia, where possible.
• If they cannot return to their home country, they need to maintain a valid visa and follow Australia’s
health advice where necessary.
• A special category of the Subclass 408 Temporary Work Visa has been created to cater for temporary
residents employed in critical sectors, like health, aged care or agriculture, who cannot return to their
home country and have no other visa options.
• Visitor visa holders should apply for a new visa before their current visa expires to maintain their
lawful status. If a visitor has a “No Further Stay” condition on their visa (including 8503, 8534 or 8535)
and less than two months’ validity remaining, they can request a waiver of this condition to allow them
to lodge a new visa application.
• Visa applicants abroad are being provided additional time to provide documents, health checks, and
police certificates due to closures and restrictions of service providers.
AUSTRIA
Entry Restrictions
• Effective immediately, all visa and residence services at Austrian consulates are suspended until
further notice. The immigration authority in Vienna has closed its offices until further notice.
Applications can still be submitted via email or post.
• Effective 13 March, all flights are cancelled to and from France, Spain and Switzerland, and border
checks implemented at the borders with Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
COVID-19 Travel & Immigration Updates | 15 April 2020
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© 2020 Newland Chase | A CIBT company• The border with Italy is closed.
DOCUMENT SUBTITLE
AZERBAIJAN
Entry Restrictions
• Effective immediately, applications for new or extended work permits or temporary or permanent
residence permits can be submitted electronically until 30 April. Supporting documents do not need to
be notarised for electronic applications. However, the notarised supporting documents may be
requested at a later date.
• Effective 19 March, road, rail and air traffic into Baku, Sumgait and the Absheron region is
suspended.
• Effective 18 March, Azerbaijan and Russia have mutually, temporarily suspended entry for each
other’s citizens (with the exception of truck drivers).
• Effective 14 March for ten days, the border with Georgia was closed.
• The visa registration service ASAN has temporarily stopped issuance of electronic visas.
• Nationals of affected countries, and others who have visited those countries in the previous 14 days,
will be required to provide a medical certificate proving they are not infected, when applying for a visa
at the consulate abroad.
• Citizens of Azerbaijan traveling from mainland China, South Korea, Iran, Japan, Italy, Spain, France
and Germany will be subject to quarantine for a period of 14 or, if needed, 21 days.
BAHAMAS
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 19 March, for at least 30 days, entry is suspended for foreign nationals who have visited the
UK, Ireland or Europe within the previous 20 days.
BAHRAIN
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 19 March, all arrivals will be tested and required to self-isolate for 14 days, including those
without symptoms. Those showing symptoms upon arrival or those that have visited Iran, Iraq, or
Lebanon within 14 days will be subject to further quarantine measures. Those showing symptoms
upon arrival or those that have visited Iran, Iraq, or Lebanon within 14 days will be subject to further
quarantine measures.
• Effective 18 March until further notice, visa on arrival is suspended at all ports of entry.
BANGLADESH
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 22 March until 30 April, most international passenger flights are suspended, with the
exception of routes to UK, China, Hong Kong and Thailand. The affected routes include Malaysia,
Oman, Singapore, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, India, and Bahrain.
COVID-19 Travel & Immigration Updates | 15 April 2020
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© 2020 Newland Chase | A CIBT company• Effective 16 March, entry is suspended for all foreign nationals arriving from Europe (excluding the
UK), India, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar for 16 days. Visa on arrival is suspended for the same
DOCUMENT
period. And train services to and from India are suspended until further notice. SUBTITLE
BELGIUM
Entry Restrictions
• Announced 17 March, Belgium will enforce the 30-day Schengen border closure for non-EU nationals.
• All outbound travel is suspended.
Immigration Restrictions
• Some communes are closed for all but urgent services.
• Government ministries are working from home, which is expected to lead to delays in application
processing
• Visa applications and issuance are suspended. Visa Application Centres are closing.
Immigration Concessions
• Effective immediately, the authorities will provisionally extend the residence rights of non-EU citizens
unable to travel back to their home countries if (1) their residence permit is expired and no renewal
was submitted due to scheduled move back to home country; or (2) their short-term C visa is expiring;
or (3) the 90-day maximum period allowed under Schengen rules is expiring. Employees in these
situations should visit their local town hall where they must present their travel insurance, passport
and proof that travel back to their home country is not possible. They will receive a declaration of
arrival valid for 2 months.
• In Flanders, it is possible to apply for the renewal of the short-term work permit (maximum 3 months)
while the employees are stuck in Belgium. The application processing will be expedited and the
validity of the new work permit will not exceed the extension of residence (declaration of arrival)
provided by the town hall.
BOLIVIA
Entry Restrictions
• The suspension of international flights into and out of Bolivia is extended until 18 April. Land borders
remain closed to non-residents until at least 15 April.
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA
Entry Restrictions
• Entry is suspended for foreign nationals who have been in Wuhan, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Iran,
France, Romania, Germany, Austria, Spain, Switzerland and Belgium.
BOTSWANA
Entry Restrictions
COVID-19 Travel & Immigration Updates | 15 April 2020
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© 2020 Newland Chase | A CIBT company• Effective 24 March, all borders are closed. Any citizen or resident returning from a neighbouring
country will be quarantined for 14 days.
• DOCUMENT
Travel to and from high-risk countries, including Austria, Australia, Belgium, SUBTITLE
Canada, China,
Chechnya, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, Iran, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the US is prohibited. All non-citizens or residents arriving from
these countries will be denied entry. Returning citizens and residents will be subject to a 14-day
quarantine.
BRAZIL
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 2 April 2020, foreign nationals are restricted from entering Brazil by boat, regardless of their
nationality. Exceptions exist for Brazilian citizens and their foreign national family members (spouse,
partner, child or parent); for temporary or permanent residents; for employees of international
organisations or the Brazilian government; for foreign national holders of RNM (Foreign ID card); and
for those authorised by the Brazilian government in the public interest. Also, in the case of cargo
vessels on an international route, the disembarkation of any crew member is prohibited, for 14 days
from the departure from the last foreign port, except for the disembarkation of a crew member
essential to the operation.
• Effective 31 March, Brazil has announced that it will extend the closure of the border with Venezuela.
• Effective 30 March, entry is suspended by air for all foreign nationals. This restriction does NOT apply
to Brazilian citizens; permanent or temporary foreign residents of Brazil; foreign employees of the
Brazilian government or international organisations; foreign national spouse, partner, child, parent or
guardian of a Brazilian citizen; passengers in international transit (not leaving the airport transit zone)
to a destination country that will admit them; foreign nationals authorised to enter Brazil by the
Brazilian Government in the public interest; foreign national holders of RNM (Foreign ID card); and
crew and employees of airline companies for operational purposes.
• Exceptionally, foreigners who are in a border country and need to cross it to board a flight to their
country of residence may enter Brazil with authorization from the Federal Police, as long as they go
directly to the airport, holding an official demand from an embassy or consulate in the destination
country and the corresponding air tickets.
• Effective 27 March, entry for international air transit is prohibited for foreign nationals, regardless of
nationality, if the country of destination or nationality does not admit the ticket by air, land or water.
Immigration Restrictions
• Effective 20 March, the issuance of residence pre-authorisations for consular applications is
suspended in all but urgent national-interest cases. The Ministry of Justice and Public Security will
continue to accept and process applications for new residence permits or renewals but will not publish
approvals.
• Effective 16 March, the Federal Police has restricted services nationally. Immigration registration and
residence permits, CRNM, DRNM and passport delivery requests will only be accepted in urgent
cases. Passport issuance requests will only proceed for applicants with proof of travel in the next 30
days. Naturalization requests will not be processed.
Immigration Concessions
• The deadlines for visitors are suspended. Visitors whose status expires will not be penalized.
Counting will resume at the end of the public health emergency situation. Except in cases that have
already expired, the assessment will be made when the visitor leaves the country.
BRUNEI
Entry Restrictions
COVID-19 Travel & Immigration Updates | 15 April 2020
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© 2020 Newland Chase | A CIBT company• Effective 24 March, entry is suspended for all foreign nationals, including for transit.
• Foreign nationals who have previously been granted visas but are outside Brunei are to delay travel
to Brunei. DOCUMENT SUBTITLE
• All arrivals in Brunei are subject to 14-day quarantine at designated facilities.
Immigration Restrictions
• Exit is suspended for all foreign and Brunei nationals unless permission is granted by the Prime
Minister’s Office.
BULGARIA
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 20 March until 17 April, entry is suspended for all third-country nationals at all border
crossing points. This does not apply to essential workers, and holders of a long-term residence permit
issued by an EU member state passing through Bulgaria on their way to their country of residence.
• Effective 18 March, foreign nationals who, in the previous 14 days, have visited China, Iran,
Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Spain, Italy, South Korea, France, Germany, Netherlands,
Switzerland and UK will not be allowed to enter Bulgaria. People with residence permits and their
family members are excluded from this restriction (“permitted foreign nationals”).
• The permitted foreign nationals coming from the countries above will be placed in quarantine for 14
days. This may be through self-isolation or in a hospital and it will be decided by the health unit at
border control.
Immigration Concessions
• Effective 24 March, the terms of validity of most types of residence permits which expire between 1
January 2020 and 31 October 2020, are extended by 6 months.
• If a third-country national fails to submit a temporary residence permit renewal application within the
statutory 14 days prior to the permit’s expiry date, their residence will not be deemed interrupted for
the duration of the state of emergency if and when the third-country national applies for long-term or
permanent residence.
• Any absence of a long-term or permanent residence permit holder from the territory of the EU
member states for the duration of the state of emergency will not count towards the 12 months of
permitted absence (which, if exceeded could lead to permit annulment).
BURKINA FASO
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 21 March, commercial international flights are suspended and all land and rail border
crossing points are closed for two weeks.
BURUNDI
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 22 March, international commercial flights at Mechior Ndadaye International Airport are
suspended for 7 days.
COVID-19 Travel & Immigration Updates | 15 April 2020
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© 2020 Newland Chase | A CIBT company• Effective immediately, visa issuance is suspended, and anyone arriving from a country affected by the
virus will be placed in compulsory quarantine for 14 days.
DOCUMENT SUBTITLE
CAMBODIA
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 30 March until 30 April, visa exemption and the issuance of tourist visa, e-visa and visa on
arrival is suspended for all foreign nationals.
• Entry for foreign nationals is only be possible with a consular visa issued abroad.
• Visa applicants must provide a medical certificate issued by a competent health authority from their
country no more than 72 hours prior to the date of travel to certify that they have not tested positive
for COVID-19. Additionally, the individual will need to submit proof that their insurance policy has a
minimum medical coverage of no less than USD 50,000 throughout the duration of their intended stay
in Cambodia. This does not apply to holders of diplomatic or official visas
• All arrivals will be subject to a health screening and risk assessment upon arrival and will also be
subject to mandatory 14-day isolation or quarantine.
• Effective 20 March, all land, sea and air borders with Vietnam are closed to Vietnamese and
Cambodian nationals. The borders with Laos and Thailand are also closed.
• Entry by air, sea and land is suspended until 17 April for travellers who have, in the previous 14 days,
visited US, Germany, France, Spain or Italy, and until 18 April for travellers who have visited Iran.
• Any person returning from European countries, Iran or US is required to self-isolate for 14 days.
CAMEROON
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 18 March, all land, sea and air borders are closed and all international passenger flights
suspended.
CANADA
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 26 March, all travellers entering Canada (other than for some essential services) are subject
to a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine.
• The border with the United States is closed for non-essential travel, by mutual decision. Cross-border
trade and regular commuters will not be blocked. No foreign national may enter Canada from the
United States if they have been in a country other than the United States (or Canada) in the 14 days
prior to seeking entry.
• Effective 18 March, entry is suspended for foreign travellers. Canadian citizens and permanent
residents of Canada (and their immediate family members) are exempt. Also exempt are US citizens,
diplomats, transport crewmembers and other necessary essential service workers. Anyone showing
symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to board planes flying to Canada.
• All temporary foreign workers are exempt from travel restrictions and can travel to Canada by air or
land. However, it is not clear whether “temporary foreign worker” here applies only to the ‘temporary
foreign worker program” or also to applicants for the “international mobility program” and business
visitors, including non-visa nationals who would normally apply on arrival.
• Spouses with work permits and children with study permits should be allowed to accompany a foreign
worker. Those on visitor records only will require a letter from a consular officer to allow for travel.
COVID-19 Travel & Immigration Updates | 15 April 2020
16
© 2020 Newland Chase | A CIBT company• Only four Canadian airports – Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver will accept international
flights from 18 March. Domestic flights and flights from USA, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Saint Pierre
and Miquelon will not be impacted. DOCUMENT SUBTITLE
• Canadian embassies, high commissions and consulates are operating but with delays. However,
most Visa Application Centers (VACs) are closed, and the processing of biometrics therefore on hold.
The Canadian government may allow extra time for the submission of biometrics.
Immigration Restrictions
• Flagpoling (exiting Canada briefly for the purpose of making an immigration application upon re-entry)
is not advisable at this time.
Immigration Concessions
• Foreign workers already in Canada whose status has been expired more than 90 days can seek a
temporary resident permit, or a change of status, and will need to explain the need to remain.
• Canadian citizenship applicants of Chinese, Iranian or South Korean nationality, or who are in China,
Iran or South Korea, who are unable to travel to China can reschedule their knowledge tests, retests,
interviews, hearings or Oaths of Citizenship for a later date.
• Permanent resident visa holders of Chinese, Iranian or South Korean nationality, or who are in China,
Iran or South Korea, can request an extension of their Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
if their visa will expire within the next 90 days and they are unable to travel to Canada
• Applicants for visitor visas, work permits, study permits or permanent residence of Chinese, Iranian or
South Korean nationality, or who are in China, Iran or South Korea, who cannot complete the next
steps in their application will be given an automatic extension.
• Visitors, international students and foreign workers of Chinese, Iranian or South Korean nationality, or
who are in China, Iran or South Korea, whose legal status in Canada will soon end, can apply for an
extension, if eligible.
• People of Chinese, Iranian or South Korean nationality, or who are in China, Iran or South Korea,
whose legal status in Canada has expired may be able to restore their status or apply for a temporary
resident permit.
CAPE VERDE
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 18 March, all flights are suspended to and from Portugal, European countries with COVID-19
cases, the United States, Brazil, Senegal and Nigeria. All passengers on board cruise ships and
sailboats will not be allowed to disembark.
CHAD
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 20 March for at least 14 days, all international flights are suspended, and travellers from or
who have transited through an affected country are subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine.
CHILE
Entry Restrictions
• The closure of all land, sea and air borders is extended until 22 April.
• Effective immediately, all Chilean consulates have suspended visa stamping until further notice.
COVID-19 Travel & Immigration Updates | 15 April 2020
17
© 2020 Newland Chase | A CIBT company• The Chilean authorities continue to receive visa applications only online. It should be noted that the
applicant must be in Chile for this online process to be started.
• Additionally, the Chilean borders remain closed, so in the event thatDOCUMENT
a visa is stamped SUBTITLE
by the Chilean
consulates abroad the applicant may not enter Chile until said measures are lifted. Regarding this, it
is important to know that the visa has a printed deadline to enter the country once stamped.
• Effective 24 March, all arrivals from abroad, of any nationality, are subject to a mandatory quarantine.
• Effective 18 March, for 15 days, all land, sea and air borders are closed.
• Effective 16 March, all travellers arriving from countries considered at risk of the virus are required to
self-quarantine for 14 days. This now includes Spain, Italy, France, Germany, China, Iran, South
Korea and Japan.
Immigration Restrictions
• Effective 17 March, the Migration Department has suspended all in-person services. Online
payments, visa stamps and applications are available.
Immigration Concessions
• Effective 1 April, foreign nationals’ ID cards which expired in 2019 are automatically extended until 31
December 2020. Foreign nationals’ ID cards which have expired or will expire in 2020 are extended
for one year from the expiration date. Foreign nationals who have recently requested a change of
status or a visa extension must have their immigration status certified through the vouchers provided
by the Department of Immigration and Migration or by a Provincial Government.
CHINA
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 29 March, each Chinese airline is only allowed to maintain one route to any specific country
with no more than one international passenger flight per week; each foreign airline is only allowed to
maintain one route to China with no more than one weekly international passenger flight.
• Entry to China is suspended for all foreign nationals, including holders of valid visas, residence
permits and APEC Business Travel Cards. All visa waiver programs are suspended. Entry with
diplomatic, service, courtesy or C visas will not be affected. Foreign nationals coming to China for
necessary economic, trade, scientific or technological activities or out of emergency humanitarian
needs may apply for visas at Chinese embassies or consulates. Entry by foreign nationals with visas
issued after the announcement on 26 March will not be affected.
• Most Chinese consulates overseas have closed their China visa service/ offices or reduced their
working hours. Chinese visas can only be issued to emergencies or urgencies under a very limited
circumstances.
• All Chinese visa applications in Singapore must be supported by supplementary information
regarding the applicant’s travel history and a health declaration.
• The China Visa Service Centre in Hong Kong is still accepting visa applications but processing is
delayed. Additional health declaration and travel history are required. Applications for applicants
arriving from other countries/regions will be accepted after completion of a 14-day quarantine period.
• All inbound passengers to Shanghai will be required to undergo nucleic acid tests before being sent
to quarantine, or into a medical facility if the result is positive.
• All travellers returning to China via Shanghai, other than those transferring to Jiangsu, Zhejiang and
Anhui provinces, must undergo 14-day quarantine for medical observation at designated spots in
Shanghai. Only seniors, juveniles, pregnant women, people with physical disabilities, those who need
to take care of the elderly or children, or those who have underlying diseases are allowed to apply for
quarantine at home. Those already under home quarantine can continue as normal until their 14-day
quarantine period ends.
• Those transferring via Shanghai to Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui will be met at the airport in Shanghai
by authorities from the respective provinces, and sent directly to their destinations.
COVID-19 Travel & Immigration Updates | 15 April 2020
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© 2020 Newland Chase | A CIBT company• All incoming international flights to Beijing will first land at one of 12 airports (Tianjin, Taiyuan,
Hohhot, Shijiazhuang, Jinan, Qingdao, Nanjing, Shenyang, Dalian, Zhengzhou, Xi'an or Shanghai)
where passengers will be screened. Those with fever or other respiratory DOCUMENT
symptoms will SUBTITLE
be sent to
local hospitals for medical treatment. Those categorized as close contacts or with infection risks after
epidemiological investigation will be taken to local sites for a 14-day quarantine. Passengers who are
cleared will then be permitted to re-board the plane, which will take them on to Beijing.
• On arrival in Beijing, passengers will have their health checked again. and then be sent to the New
China International Exhibition Centre for processing. Those who live in Beijing will be handed over to
working groups from their home district stationed at the centre and then be sent to designated sites
for a 14-day quarantine. Those who do not live in Beijing will be handed over to working groups from
their home provinces, autonomous regions or municipalities. The working groups will arrange group
trips for them to go home on planes or trains. After arriving at their home destination, they will also be
quarantined for 14 days.
• Given that the process may take a long time, immigration authorities remind travellers of the possible
need to make changes in their flights transferring at Beijing. Transfer passengers are advised to take
into consideration the time needed for completing the entry procedures and health check-ups. In light
of the pandemic situation overseas, immigration authorities also require all inbound travellers to
truthfully report information including contact persons, destination addresses and personal contact
information. Entry will be denied to those who do not meet the requirements or fail to truthfully fill in
their health declaration forms or honestly answer inquiries from the border inspection authorities.
• Effective immediately, all travellers arriving in Guangdong from abroad, regardless of nationality
(including Chinese citizens), are subject to a 14-day quarantine at home or at a designated place. All
travellers arriving in Guangdong from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan or another mainland Chinese city,
who have lived or travelled abroad in the previous 14 days, are also subject to a 14-day quarantine at
home or at a designated place.
Immigration Restrictions
• Foreign nationals going to China to work are highly encouraged to enter with a Z (work) visa after
having obtained the notification letter of work permit, rather than trying to obtain the notification letter
of work permit while in China on a business (M) or tourist (L) visa. Those who fail to enter China within
the validity of their Z visa due to COVID-19 are allowed to enter China with another type of visa. The
Chinese employer should provide an explanation statement in support of the use of an alternative
visa.
• Labour authorities have suspended the submission of physical documents for work permit
applications (including initial, renewal, transfer, and cancellation). Instead, all applications will be
processed online only during this period, with a commitment letter provided by the Chinese employer.
The commitment letter should affirm the authenticity and validity of their online submission and
original documents should be kept for further check.
• Medical authorities have the discretionary power to permit or refuse foreign nationals to undergo a
medical examination based on their entry, residence, travel and other documents.
Immigration Concessions
• Chinese immigration authorities will exempt foreign nationals whose temporary visas or residence
permits expire during this period of disruption from penalties, or impose lighter penalties, depending
on the circumstances. Newland Chase’s team in China is available to provide guidance and
assistance with renewals and de-registration. Holders of valid endorsements to Hong Kong, Macao or
Taiwan who are affected by the epidemic and fail to enter the above places within the validity period
can re-apply for certificates of the same type and validity period for free when the outbreak is over.
• In Shanghai, high-level foreign talents over the age of 65 are exempted from submitting the insurance
policy, commitment on insurance and commitment letter from tri-parties while applying for the work
permit in Shanghai;
• The processing times for work permit cancellation in Shanghai will be reduced from 10 working days
to 3 working days.
• In Shanghai, E-signature on employment termination letter or emails as well as WeChat messages
can be accepted as evidence in support of the termination of employment relationship between the
Chinese employer and foreign employee during the epidemic control period.
• While renewing the work permit in Shanghai, the authority accepts the tax payment evidence
uploaded online by the Chinese employer. The foreign employee (who made the commitment on
COVID-19 Travel & Immigration Updates | 15 April 2020
19
© 2020 Newland Chase | A CIBT companysalary/ IIT before) does not need to go to the tax authority to get a printout of their tax payment
record, which was previously required by the SAFEA authority.
• In Shanghai, the requirements on the salary/ IIT commitment will be DOCUMENT SUBTITLE
relaxed to a reasonable extent
while foreign employees (who made the above commitment earlier) renew their work permit during the
epidemic control period (provisionally from February to April).
• Foreign employees in Shanghai are allowed to submit their online application for work permit renewal
before its expiry date during this epidemic control period. Previously, such a renewal application shall
be submitted online 30 days before the expiry date.
• Foreign nationals in Shanghai whose visas or residence permits have expired and who are not able
to exit China during the epidemic control period, can have their visas or residence permits extended
automatically for another two months (by NIA). They are allowed to apply for a work permit during the
above extended period.
• In Beijing, the immigration authorities are asking all foreign nationals and Chinese citizens to hold off
submitting their visa/stay/residence permit applications in person if it is not urgent. Those who require
urgent assistance with applications are encouraged to make appointment reservations in advance.
Beijing has adopted an online submission and commitment letter process for work permit renewals
and cancelations.
• In Shenzhen, the immigration authorities have opened green channels for expedited applications for
emergencies and urgent requests. The authorities have also implemented other convenient measures
to facilitate visa applications for those remaining in Shenzhen during this outbreak period.
COLOMBIA
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 25 March until 13 April, submission of all visa applications at consulates is suspended. The
Ministry of Foreign Affairs will accept visa applications for processing and electronic approval, but will
not make visa stamps in the passport. The Ministry of Foreign Relations will not process visa
applications from foreigners who are outside Colombian territory.
• Effective 23 March, for at least 30 days, entry is suspended for all travellers from abroad, including
Colombian citizens and permanent residents.
• Effective 16 March, entry is suspended for all foreign national travellers. All Colombian citizens and
permanent residents are subject to 14 days of self-quarantine.
• Effective 14 March, the border with Venezuela is closed.
• All arrivals of any nationality, including Colombian nationals, must provide health and travel
information.
Immigration Restrictions
• Effective 1 April until 30 May, Migración Colombia has suspended the registration of foreign nationals
and the issuance or extension of foreign national ID cards, temporary stay permits, certificates of
migratory movement and nationality and safe-stay permits.
Immigration Concessions
• Entry and stay permits that expire during this period (1 April to 30 May) will be automatically extended
until one month after the end of this period.
• Migración Colombia will not impose penalties on foreign nationals who cannot carry out visa
registration or ID card application because of self-isolation.
• Migración Colombia will suspend the deadlines for cancelling special stay permits (PEP), and
suspend expiry of the authorized stay for holders of entry and stay permits for “other activities” (POA),
other than for Shore Pass and maritime or river crew.
COVID-19 Travel & Immigration Updates | 15 April 2020
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© 2020 Newland Chase | A CIBT companyCOSTA RICA
DOCUMENT SUBTITLE
Entry Restrictions
• The suspension of entry for foreign nationals other than residents of Costa Rica is extended until 30
April at 23:59 hours.
• Effective 18 March until 12 April, entry is suspended for all foreign nationals other than residents of
Costa Rica. Costa Rican citizens and residents must undergo self-isolation for 14 days upon entry.
Immigration Restrictions
• Effective 24 March until 12 April, foreign nationals who are resident in Costa Rica and who leave the
country will automatically lose their status as legal residents and will therefore be unable to re-enter.
This applies to permanent and temporary residence, non-resident stay permits and some special
categories. It also applies to foreign applicants with approved immigration applications who are
waiting for their final documentation and for all foreign nationals who are waiting for the approval of
their immigration applications. It does not apply to drivers of international air, land, river or sea
transport.
• Effective 17 March, the Costa Rican Immigration Office is closed until 17 May. New applications will
not be accepted.
• Applicants with pending in-country immigration applications are advised not to leave Costa Rica
before 13 April as they would risk not being permitted to re-enter during this period.
• People who entered Costa Rica before 17 December 2019, and do not have legal status in Costa
Rica, are advised to leave the country before 21 April, otherwise, they will be subject to the payment
of fines and penalties established by Immigration and Nationality when they do leave the country.
• Appointments for initial or renewal immigration identification documentation (DMEX) can only be
booked through the Banco de Costa Rica or Correos de Costa Rica.
Immigration Concessions
• Tourist visas that expire before 17 May will be extended to 17 May. Documents such as criminal
record and birth certificates that expire before 17 May will be valid until 17 July.
• The period for renewal of temporary residence due to a relationship with a Costa Rican spouse is
extended to 17 July.
CÔTE D’IVOIRE
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 22 March, all borders are closed until further notice.
CROATIA
Entry Restrictions
• All foreign nationals travelling from the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Italy, Spain,
Austria, Netherlands, part of Slovenia, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore,
Bahrain, and Iran will be required to undergo a mandatory 14-day self-isolation or quarantine upon
arrival in Croatia. Croatian nationals travelling from these countries are required to undergo a 14-day
self-isolation or self-quarantine at home.
COVID-19 Travel & Immigration Updates | 15 April 2020
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© 2020 Newland Chase | A CIBT companyCUBA
DOCUMENT SUBTITLE
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 24 March, entry is suspended for all foreign nationals and Cuban citizens resident abroad.
Returning Cuban citizens will be subject to government quarantine for 14 days.
CYPRUS
Entry Restrictions
• From 4 April, the existing suspension of certain international flights is extended for a further 14 days.
• Effective 21 March until 4 April, flights are suspended between Larnaca and Paphos international
airports and Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Egypt, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Jordan,
Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Serbia,
Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, UK, and Greece.
• Effective 15 March, entry is suspended for all travellers except citizens of Cyprus and foreign
residents. Individuals who are permitted to enter will have to present a medical certificate from a
doctor in their country of origin proving they are free from coronavirus, and undergo 14-day
government quarantine.
CZECH REPUBLIC
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 16 March, entry is suspended (during the 30-day State of Emergency declared on 12 March)
for all foreign nationals other than those with residency or short-term permits of over 90 days.
• Effective 14 March, Czech consulates will no longer accept applications for short-term or long-term
visas or residence permits. All pending application processing is also suspended.
• All travellers, including Czech citizens and foreign residents, returning from high-risk countries
(including Italy, China, South Korea, Iran, Spain, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, the
Netherlands, Belgium, the UK, Norway, Denmark, and France, must undergo a 14-day quarantine.
Travellers returning from other countries will be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine if they show
symptoms.
• All international passenger transport has been suspended.
• Effective 12 March, entry is suspended for citizens of China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, USA, Italy,
Spain, Greece, Austria, Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, United Kingdom,
Denmark, Norway or Sweden. Cross-border commuters who work within 50 km from the national
border are exempt.
• Visa issuance is suspended for Chinese passport holders from 30 January.
Immigration Restrictions
• Effective 14 April, individuals are able to exit the country if they have received government permission
based on “reasonable grounds”. Anyone who leaves the country for more than 24 hours for
employment, business or family trips will be quarantined for two weeks upon their return. For up to 24
hours, individuals can travel out of the country in urgent and emergency situations.
• Czech citizens and foreign nationals with temporary, long term or permanent residency in the Czech
Republic are not allowed to travel to the above-mentioned countries.
• Foreign national residents (including EU citizens) who have returned from Italy since 7 March are
ordered to report this to their general practitioner (doctor) immediately after their return to the Czech
Republic, by phone or otherwise without personal contact.
COVID-19 Travel & Immigration Updates | 15 April 2020
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© 2020 Newland Chase | A CIBT companyDEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
DOCUMENT SUBTITLE
Entry Restrictions
• Effective immediately until at least 3 April, all international commercial flights are suspended.
DENMARK
Entry Restrictions
• Effective immediately until 13 April, entry is suspended for foreign nationals on business, tourism or
regular family visits.
• Entry is allowed for Danish passport holders; EU passport holders with a Danish health card (yellow
card); non-EU citizens with a valid Danish Residence Card or work permit; and passengers in transit.
Immigration Restrictions
• The lockdown, closure of public offices and suspension of entry for foreign nationals are extended
until 10 May.
• Local registration services for EU nationals must be re-scheduled, unless the EU residence permit
has already been issued. A backlog can be expected.
Immigration Concessions
• Effective immediately, until 13 April, all public offices including SIRI and CPR offices and the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs are closed to the public. International House in Copenhagen will issue CPR
numbers for Copenhagen-based assignees on the basis of an application form and the applicant’s
power of attorney, and will send health cards directly to assignees’ homes. In-country biometrics
recording not will not be possible, but work permit applications will still be processed.
DJIBOUTI
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 18 March, all international commercial flights are suspended.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 19 March, for an initial 15 days, all air and sea borders are closed, and all inbound flights are
suspended.
• Effective 16 March, the land border with Haiti is closed.
ECUADOR
Entry Restrictions
COVID-19 Travel & Immigration Updates | 15 April 2020
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© 2020 Newland Chase | A CIBT company• Effective 23:59 (local time) on 15 March, all international arrivals to Ecuador by air are suspended,
and all foreign nationals are temporarily banned from entering the country by any port or border
crossing. DOCUMENT SUBTITLE
• Effective 23:59 (local time) on 16 March, all Ecuadorean nationals are banned from entering the
country.
• Effective 15 March, anyone arriving from China, South Korea, Iran, France, Italy, Spain, Germany,
US, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Netherlands must undergo a 14-day self-
isolation.
EGYPT
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 25 March for 15 days, the Immigration Authority, Work Permits Authority, Civil Authority and
Notary Public are closed.
• Effective 19 March, all flights are suspended until 15 April.
EL SALVADOR
Entry Restrictions
• Effective immediately, all Salvadoran citizens and resident foreign nationals who enter the country, by
any means, are subject to a 30-day government quarantine.
• Entry is suspended for all non-resident foreign nationals.
EQUATORIAL GUINEA
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 13 March, land borders with Cameroon and Gabon are closed, all commercial international
flights are suspended and arrivals from affected countries are subject to a mandatory 14-day
quarantine.
ESTONIA
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 17 March, entry is suspended for all foreign nationals. Those transiting Estonia and not
showing symptoms are exempted. Estonian citizens and residents and their close family members
can enter but will face a 14-day isolation.
• Effective 12 March, travellers from Italy, China, Iran, South Korea, Japan, Singapore and parts of
France, Germany, Austria and Spain will be subject to a 14-day quarantine upon arrival in Estonia.
FINLAND
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 7 April, restrictions on border traffic and quarantine have been extended until 13 May.
COVID-19 Travel & Immigration Updates | 15 April 2020
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© 2020 Newland Chase | A CIBT company• Effective 18 March, non-essential traffic is suspended at Finland’s borders until 13 April. Third-country
nationals who have been granted a residence permit and are entering Finland for the first time may
DOCUMENT
enter Finland until 31 March 2020 if they are already travelling to Finland SUBTITLE
or starting their travel to
Finland and have agreed on housing arrangements in Finland before travelling. After 31 March,
persons entering Finland for the first time may not enter Finland unless the travel is considered
necessary – this may be at the discretion of the border authorities.
• Finns and residents in Finland returning from abroad are permitted to enter, but are subject to home
quarantine for 14 days. The employer and the employee must negotiate work arrangements.
Immigration Restrictions
• New residence permit applications can be prepared, but not fully submitted if the applicant is still
abroad.
FRANCE
Entry Restrictions
• Effective 23 March, until at least 15 April, flights are suspended between mainland France and French
overseas territories, including Guadeloupe, La Réunion, Martinique, Mayotte, Saint-Martin and Saint-
Barthelemy, as well as between those islands.
• Effective 17 March, in line with the EU’s proposed closure of the Schengen border, the French
government has confirmed that entry is suspended for all foreign nationals in the Schengen area.
French, EU and UK citizens and their families, some cross-border workers, and permanent residents
of France, are exempt. Exit is not suspended for anyone.
Immigration Restrictions
• Effective 17 March, labour offices are closed to the public.
• Effective 17 March until further notice, the issuance of all visas is suspended, including applications
for which an appointment has already been made.
• Effective 17 March, prefectural offices are being closed until further notice, and all appointments
postponed.
Immigration Concessions
• Effective 26 March, the period of validity of the following permits that expire between 16 March and 15
May is extended by 90 days from their expiry date: long-stay visas, residence permits, provisional
residence permits (authorisation provisoire de séjour) and receipts for applications for residence
permits (récépissé).
• The validity of long-stay visas, residence permits, provisional residence permits and residence permit
application receipts is automatically extended by three months. Foreign nationals benefitting from this
extension are advised not to leave France.
GABON
Entry Restrictions
• Effective immediately, all tourist visas from the most affected countries are suspended. International
flight arrivals are restricted. Entry is suspended for travellers from the most affected countries,
including the EU, China, South Korea and the United States.
COVID-19 Travel & Immigration Updates | 15 April 2020
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