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
India | India is experiencing a significant second spike in COVID-19 infections. In response, several countries are suspending, limiting, or advising against travel to and from India. This list was originally published on April 22 and has been updated as governments evolve their restrictions.
Australia | On April 27, Australia announced a temporary pause on direct passenger flights from India to Australia for two weeks. From May 3, citizens and residents who have been in India will be banned from returning to Australia; those who disobey the rule will face fines up to 66,600 AUD and jail time up to 5 years. The government will review this plan on May 15, 2021. When flights restart, the government will prioritize the return of vulnerable Australians. It is estimated that there are approximately 9,000 Australian citizens in India who want to return.
Belgium | From April 27, passenger air travel is suspended to Belgium from Brazil, India, and South Africa.
Ireland | In late March, the government announced that travel to Ireland from specified countries and regions would require a mandatory hotel quarantine. As of Tuesday, May 4 at 4 AM, Costa Rica, Georgia, India, Iran, and Mongolia will be added to the list. Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Moldova, Monaco, San Marino, and the Wallis and Futuna islands will be removed. Read more >>
Israel | From May 3, the government is banning travel to India, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil, Ukraine, Ethiopia, or Turkey without government permission. All Israelis returning from those seven countries must isolate for 10 days and complete two PCR tests, or isolate for 14 days with one test on arrival.
New Zealand | From 11:59 PM NZST on Wednesday, April 28, 2021, only New Zealand citizens and their immediate family may travel to NZ from Brazil, India, Pakistan, and Papua New Guinea. Other travelers, including New Zealand residents, can enter only if they spend 14 days outside a very high-risk country before their arrival. Transit through a very high-risk country is excluded from the 14-day requirement. Permitted travelers must provide a negative RT-PCR (PCR) test result from an accredited laboratory completed within 72 hours of departure and complete a 14-day stay in managed isolation or quarantine.
Singapore | On Tuesday, May 4, the government announced that from May 8, travelers who have been in higher-risk countries and regions would have to serve a 21-day stay-home notice at dedicated facilities. This applies to travelers from all places except Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Mainland China, New Zealand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. Read more >>
Spain | From May 1, 2021, all travelers arriving from any Indian airport, with or without stopovers, will be required to undergo a mandatory quarantine for 10 days, or the duration of their stay in Spain if this is less than ten days.
Thailand | On April 29, 2021, Thailand’s Centre of COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) announced the extension of the quarantine period for all international travelers regardless of their nationalities or vaccination status to reduce the risk of local transmission of new COVID-19 variants in Thailand. Read more >>
The United States | From May 4, at 12:01 am ET, entry into the US is restricted for foreign nationals who have been in India within the previous 14 days. American citizens, lawful permanent residents, humanitarian workers, and certain other people will be exempted from the policy. These travelers will still have to test negative before leaving India and test again after arrival to the US. If they are not vaccinated, they will be required to quarantine.
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