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.
Australia - Travel Exemption for Arrivals from New Zealand is Back in Effect
Effective March 12, 2021, travelers to Australia who have been in New Zealand for 14 days before arriving are automatically exempted from Australia's travel restrictions. Such travelers are not required to obtain travel exemptions from the Australian authorities in order to enter the country. Routine screenings prior to departure and upon arrival will continue for all travelers, and this exemption does not apply to travelers arriving by sea. Please see here for more information.
China - Ease in Visa Requirements for Applicants Inoculated with Chinese COVID-19 Vaccine
The Chinese authorities have recently announced that applicants who have been inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines produced in China and obtained the relevant vaccination certificate are not required to provide official PU invitation letters as part of their visa applications. PU invitation letters are currently required for visa applications due to COVID restrictions and must be issued by the relevant Foreign Affairs Office in China before visa applications may be filed at consulates or embassies. Visa applicants, including work permit holders obtaining entry visas, who have received COVID vaccines produced in China may be able to significantly streamline their application process and expedite entry to China. Applicants inoculated with COVID vaccines not produced in China are not eligible for the exemption to the PU letter requirement. Please see here for the full announcement.
EU Council - Continued Review of Travel Restrictions and Green Certificate Proposal
The EU Council continues to review epidemiological conditions to revise the list of countries from which travel is currently restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Council makes its recommendations based on COVID-19 case numbers, economic and social considerations, and reciprocity. For the most updated list of recommendations and travel information, please see here.
Please note that each EU member state will implement the recommendations individually. Due to recent surges in COVID-19 case numbers, many EU countries have implemented new quarantine and testing requirements for entry from fellow EU member states as well as non-EU countries.
Given recent vaccination efforts, the EU Commission has recently proposed the implementation of a “Green Certificate” to facilitate travel within the EU. The certificate would serve as evidence that a traveler has been vaccinated against COVID-19, received a negative test result, or recovered from COVID-19. Green Certificates would be available in both digital or paper formats, and the Commission proposes them as a temporary measure to ease travel and trade within the EU. Please see the recent announcement here for further information.
Ireland - New Mandatory Quarantine Requirements Announced
As of this writing, Irish authorities are requiring travelers from certain countries to complete their mandatory self-isolation period in a designated hotel or facility. The new requirements are part of an effort to curb COVID transmission from countries that are designated as “high-risk.” Please see here for the most updated information regarding impacted travelers and requirements.
Singapore - New Work Authorization Requirements for Dependent Pass Holders
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced that as of May 1, 2021 Dependent Pass (DP) holders will be required to obtain their own individual work authorization in the form of an employer sponsored permit (e.g., EP, S Pass, or Work Permit). Previously, DP holders were eligible to work while in dependent status in Singapore if they obtained a relevant Letter of Consent (LOC). Existing Letters of Consent will remain in effect, but may not be renewed. The MOM is scheduled to release further details regarding this change in the next month. Please see the MOM's website for the most recent updates and information regarding DP status.
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