Please note: while we address some country-specific updates related to the COVID-19 outbreak, the below contains information regarding global restrictions and closures as they stand today. Given the constantly changing nature of this situation, we highly recommend reviewing any global mobility inquiries on a case-by-case basis, including any consulate-specific or immigration authority resources, in "real-time" before traveling internationally. Please reach out to our Global Mobility Team in advance of any international travel.

Canada - New Restrictions and Entry Requirements for Air Travel

Beginning January 7, 2021, at 12:01 a.m. EST, all air passengers (five years of age or older) will be required to test negative for COVID-19 before travelling from another country to Canada.

Documentation of a negative test result must be presented to the airline prior to boarding a flight to Canada.  The test must be performed using a COVID-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction (or PCR) test and must be taken within 72 hours prior to the traveler's scheduled departure.  Anyone who receives a negative test result and is authorized to enter Canada must still complete the full mandatory 14-day quarantine.

Denmark - New Immigration Regulations Announced

New immigration regulations take effect as of January 1, 2021.  All salary paid to foreign nationals holding work permits based on work scheme programs must be paid to the assignees' Danish Bank accounts.  A Danish account must be established within 90 days of the work permit issuance or within 90 days of the employee entering Denmark.  The requirement applies to all first-time applicants, and does not apply to assignees applying for permission based on the Positive List for the Highly Educated, Researchers, and Research Track (Fast Track Scheme).

EU and EEA - Brexit Requirements for U.K. Nationals

As of January 1, 2021, U.K. nationals visiting and working in the European Economic Area (EEA) are subject to Schengen rules.  U.K. citizens visiting Schengen/EEA countries for tourism or business activities are generally permitted to enter visa-free and remain for up to 90 days in a rolling 180-day period.  Working in the EEA generally will require specific work authorization such as a work permit.  Each EU member state may impose its own regulations for U.K. citizens, so situations should be reviewed in detail on a case-by-case basis. 

France - COVID Curfew Restrictions Reinstated

Due to increasing COVID case numbers, France has reinstated previous curfew requirements which are now in effect between the hours of 8:00 pm and 6:00 am.  Anyone required to leave their homes during curfew hours must complete an attestation form.  Professional matters and education are among the acceptable reasons for being out of the home during curfew hours. The current attestation form is available here, and previous attestation forms used earlier in the lockdown are no longer acceptable.  Paper copies of the form or versions on mobile devices are sufficient. 

Italy - Recent Entry Ban for U.K. Travelers and Residence Permit Process for U.K. Citizens

Travel from the U.K. to Italy is not permitted from December 20, 2020 until January 6, 2021, with the possibility to extend. Travelers who have stayed in or transited through the U.K. in the 14 days preceding arrival in Italy are not permitted to enter. Travelers from the U.K. who were present in Italy are advised to contact the local health authorities and take a COVID-19 test if possible. For the most up to date information, please see the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs COVID website.

Starting on January 1, 2021, U.K. citizens and their family members residing in Italy must apply for residence permits electronically at the local police station (Questura) based on their place of residence.  Such residence permits will indicate issuance on the basis of the Withdrawal Agreement and will be valid for 5 years.  10 year residence permits will be granted to applicants who have acquired permanent residence based on 5 years of legal and continuous stay.  Appointments are required in advance to submit applications, and "Attestazione di iscrizione Anagrafica" must first be obtained from the City Counsel for the applicant's place of residence.  Additional information regarding the application process may be found here.

The Netherlands - New COVID Entry Requirements

Travelers arriving in the Netherlands by train, coach, or ship are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to arrival as of December 29, 2020.  The negative test result is an additional requirement applicable all arrivals, and does not replace the requirement for travelers to quarantine for 10 days after arrival.  Non-essential travel continues to be discouraged. For more information please see the Dutch authority's website.

Switzerland - Agreement with the U.K. Reached

The Swiss Federal Council approved an Agreement on mobility of service suppliers with the U.K. effective January 1, 2021.  The Services Mobility Agreement (SMA) between Switzerland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland regulates the mutual access and temporary stay of service suppliers (for example management consultants, IT experts, or engineers).  It also contains provisions on the recognition of professional qualifications.

Under the agreement, Switzerland will continue to require the notification procedure used to date, which is familiar to the business community, for U.K. service suppliers working in Switzerland for up to 90 days per year. The agreement thus allows Swiss businesses to continue to use short-term services from U.K. companies without interruption.  The SMA is initially limited to two years.  However, the contracting parties may jointly decide to extend its duration.

Turkey - New COVID Entry Requirements Announced

Effective December 30, 2020, all travelers arriving in Turkey via plane are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival. There is no obligation to submit a test result for passengers under 6 years old.  Passengers who do not submit a negative PCR test (in print or as digital media) will not be permitted to board flights. Additional requirements apply for travelers from the U.K., Denmark, and South Africa. In addition to presenting negative test results, passengers who have been in the U.K., Denmark, or South Africa within 10 days prior to travel are required to quarantine for at least 7 days upon arrival and declare their residential address. At the end of the 7 day period, passengers are required to undergo a second COVID PCR test before being allowed to cease self-isolation. Passengers departing from United Kingdom, Denmark and South Africa, transiting through Turkey and travelling to other countries are allowed to board the flights according to the restrictions applied by the destination country.  Transit passengers are not required to take a PCR test if they stay in the international transit area of airports.

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.