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
Australia | The government has introduced an Australian Travel Declaration to be completed by all incoming travelers, including Australian citizens and permanent residents, as well as anyone transiting through Australia. The declaration must be completed online at least 72 hours before departure for Australia, and a separate declaration must be completed by each adult over the age of 15. The Australia Travel Declaration collects contact details in Australia, flight details, quarantine requirements, and health statistics.
Case Update: 7 confirmed cases. Last updated: 2020/12/11 5:00 PM CET
Azerbaijan | From December 14 to January 18, there will be an enhanced lockdown in all major cities, advancing the current restrictions to require all nonessential businesses to close.
Case Update: 4,403 confirmed cases. Last updated: 2020/12/10 5:00 PM CET
Belarus | At midnight on Wednesday, the government announced that the land borders would close in 10 days to all people, including Belarus citizens.
Case Update: 1,851 confirmed cases. Last updated: 2020/12/10 5:00 PM CET
The Czech Republic | Lawmakers have granted an extension to the state of emergency until December 23 and held off on easing restrictions as planned.
Case Update: 6,406 confirmed cases. Last updated: 2020/12/10 5:00 PM CET
Italy | Current residence permits’ and “Nulla Osta” (entry clearances for family reasons, work permits) validity has been extended to January 31, 2021.
Case Update: 12,755 confirmed cases. Last updated: 2020/12/10 5:00 PM CET
Spain | The Ministry of Health has published the updated list of countries considered areas of risk whose travelers must undertake an RT-PCR test within 72 hours before their arrival to Spain. The list is available at the link. This list is effective starting December 14.
Case Update: 2,218 confirmed cases. Last updated: 2020/12/10 5:00 PM CET
The United States | The land borders with Canada and Mexico will remain closed for non-essential travel until January 21.
Case Update: 230,852 confirmed cases. Last updated: 2020/12/11 5:00 PM CET
In late November, President Donald Trump issued a new temporary rule to pilot a program that would require tourist and business travelers from 24 countries with higher rates of visa overstay — mostly in Africa — to pay a bond as much as $15,000.
In this week’s Immigration Nerds podcast, we talk to Erickson Immigration Group attorney Krystal Kirst about the rule, its impact, and what to expect.
We will continue to send updates daily or as more COVID-19-related news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or in past updates or want to hear more about a different topic, just reply to let us know. If you have specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.