During the COVID-19 outbreak, every country has implemented unique admission criteria. Entry into these countries may be challenging, as criteria can be based on place of birth, nationality, recent travel history, border closures and many other factors.

The Global Team at Envoy Global is closely monitoring these global travel advisories. Please do not make any international travel arrangements without checking relevant government websites and consulting your immigration legal team.

For breaking news updates, please click here.

For the latest on COVID-19’s impact on U.S. immigration, please click here.

Content in this publication is not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an Envoy-affiliated attorney or another qualified professional.

COVID-19 Country Specific Information

If you are seeking COVID-10 country specific information, the U.S. State Department has compiled a comprehensive list of how countries are handling the outbreak and what entry or exit requirements may be in place.

The countries and areas covered in this article include:

  • Canada
  • United Kingdom
  • European Union
  • India
  • Singapore

Canada

The U.S. and Canada mutually agreed to close their border to non-essential travel. This border closure started March 21 and will be reviewed after 30 days. Non-essential travel is considered recreational or tourism in nature.

Additionally, the Canadian government enacted a travel ban that went into effect March 18 and will expire June 30. As a result, all foreign nationals on flights to Canada are not eligible to enter, except U.S. citizens. An interim order has been put into place which will exempt certain foreign nationals from the travel ban. Those with valid Canadian work permits will be allowed to travel to Canada. It also includes an exemption for new foreign workers who are coming to Canada to be employed in critical industries, such as agriculture, food processing, health, transportation and emergency services to enter Canada

Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is still processing immigration and citizenship applications, however, there are likely to be delays.

United Kingdom

The U.K. has not closed its borders at this time. However, many UK Visa Application Centres (VACs) are closed or offering limited service.

Additionally, individuals who are in the UK and their leave expires between Jan. 24 and May 21 will see their visas extended to May 31.

The UK government is advising all British nationals against all but essential international travel.

European Union

The European Union has closed its borders for 30 days, starting March 17. This move will limit most non-essential travel into the EU and applies to 26 member countries. Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Iceland are also part of this agreement.

Additionally, UK citizens will still be able to travel into the EU, despite the UK exiting the union earlier this year.

Only the EU’s external borders are closed; individuals can still move freely between EU countries.

India

India is on total lockdown. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a nationwide lockdown for 21 days. All but essential services and activities have been shut down, as well as domestic travel.

India has also suspended all international flights arriving and departing from India, effective March 22 and lasting at least one week. The Indian government has also suspended all existing visas until April 15, 2020, with few exceptions.

Singapore

The Singapore government announced that starting March 23, all short-term visitors arriving from anywhere in the world will not be permitted entry into Singapore, nor international transit. Individuals and their dependents who are permitted will be placed in a 14-day “stay-home” notice.

Additionally, starting March 24, any traveler who is permitted entry into Singapore from the U.S. or UK must serve the 14-day stay-home order at a dedicated government facility.

These are only a few countries the Global Team at Envoy has highlighted. For more information on a country not listed, please refer to the State Department for detailed information.

Contact Your Legal Team

If you are a client with Envoy Global, your global immigration team and affiliated attorney from GIA are ready to help with any questions. Be sure to post to the Envoy platform’s Communication Center with your questions.

Subscribe to the Envoy blog to ensure you receive the latest updates.

Envoy is pleased to provide you this information, which was prepared in collaboration with the Global Team at Envoy Global.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.