With our mission to uncomplicate the complicated, we’ve always thought of our work in immigration as people-first. Our goal is for these updates to make sense of the changes happening across the world. Please share these updates with your colleagues who may find this information helpful, too.
International Updates
Germany | Following a call from the European Commission for the countries maintaining unilateral border restrictions to ease them, Germany said it would uphold the current restrictions.
Japan | Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said the government would meet on Friday to decide if they will extend the current state of emergency, set to expire on March 7, for two more weeks.
New Zealand | Visitor visas have been automatically extended by two months from the expiry date for visitor visa holders in New Zealand on February 19, 2021, and hold a temporary general visitor visa that expires between February 19, 2021, and March 31, 2021. COVID-19 short-term visitor visas will not be extended.
Spain | Spanish authorities are applying a 10-day quarantine period for travelers from Brazil and South Africa, and as of March 8, to Botswana, Union of Comoros, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Peru, and Colombia. The quarantine requirement will apply for 14 days and then be reevaluated. This requirement may be shortened if, on day 7, the person undertakes a COVID-19 test with a negative result.
Thailand | On February 25, 2021, the Royal Thai Government approved the extension of the Emergency Decree nationwide until March 31, 2021.
As part of this, the categories of foreigners who are eligible to enter Thailand have been updated: Guests of the Government; Members of diplomatic missions or international organizations or representatives of foreign governmental agencies; Spouse, father, mother, children of a Thai citizen; Holder of Certificate of Residence (Permanent Residence) issued by the Royal Thai Police Immigration Bureau; Holder of a valid Work Permit, including spouse and children; Carriers of necessary goods, subject to immediate return after completion; Crew members on a mission; ED Visa holder – Pupils or students in government or certain private Thai educational institutions, study, training, internship, or attending religious activities in Thailand; Patients (not COVID-19 patients) who need certain types of medical treatment in Thailand; Non-Thai nationals who are permitted to enter Thailand under a special arrangement or have been granted by the Prime Minister (Approved Thailand Elite Member, APEC card holder, Long Stay Visitor, Medium-term visitor, Tourist -TR visa holder (single entry), Business Traveler and investor (Non-immigrant B visa holder), Special Tourist Visa (STV holder), Approved Film Crew Member); Former Thai Citizens; Court appearance; Transit Passengers; Religious/Missionary work with work permit; Volunteers or Non-Governmental organization worker (NGO); Approved Participants of Sports Activities/Tournaments.
- Visa Exemption Countries/Territories: Andora, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hongkong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, Sweden, UAE, UK, USA, Vietnam.
- Important Note: Passport holders from countries/territories other than those listed above must obtain a visa before entering Thailand. Upon arrival in Thailand, they will be granted permission to stay in Thailand for 45 days. Travelers from the listed countries/territories who visit Thailand for tourism are NOT required to obtain a visa. A specific visa is required for visiting Thailand for other purposes, such as a non-immigrant visa “B” for a business meeting.
All visas granted will be at the sole discretion of each Embassy / Consulate subject to the COVID-19 outbreak and any potential health risk in the country where the Thai Embassy / Consulate is located.
All types of foreign national passengers must obtain a Certificate of Entry (COE) before entering Thailand and complete a 14-day ASQ upon arrival in Thailand. While some people may have received the required dosage of a COVID-19 vaccination, they are still required to complete a 14-day ASQ upon arrival in Thailand. Passport vaccination has not yet been announced to be accepted to replace the ASQ in Thailand for the time being.