The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) has provided several recent updates for visitors and foreign residents in Ireland in the wake of COVID-19 closures, and travel bans. GNIB offices are now closed and all permits expired between March 20 and May 20 have been automatically extended for 60 days. Continue reading “Ireland: Immigration Authorities Respond to COVID-19”
South Africa Bans Tourists and Implements Immigration Procedures for those Unable to Leave the Country in wake of COVID-19
The South Africa Minister of Department of Home Affairs released a Directive clarifying the implementation of COVID-19 Epidemic travel ban and associated restrictions. Tourist visas normally issued upon entry have been suspended, visas of Chinese and Iranian nationals revoked, and most travelers banned. For those unable to leave the South Africa, visas will be extended until July 31, 2020. Continue reading “South Africa Bans Tourists and Implements Immigration Procedures for those Unable to Leave the Country in wake of COVID-19”
Switzerland Responds to COVID-19; Travel Restrictions and Immigration Processing Limitations
In order to maintain Switzerland’s capacity to cope with the COVID 19 epidemic, and in particular to guarantee the conditions for an adequate supply of care and therapeutic products to the population, the Federal Council issued exceptional entry restrictions at the border on 13 March 2020 and has updated these on 25 March 2020. In this connection, and in light of the fact that several airlines have in between ceased operations on certain routes, the State Secretariat for Migration has issued instructions to the cantonal migration authorities, Swiss representations abroad and the border security authorities. Continue reading “Switzerland Responds to COVID-19; Travel Restrictions and Immigration Processing Limitations”
Luxembourg COVID-19 Travel Ban and Entry Restrictions
Third-country nationals are no longer permitted to enter the territory of the Grand Duchy. The restriction was put in place, initially, for a one month period starting on March 18, 2020. There are several exemptions from this ban, which are discussed below, including for Belgian, French, and German cross-border workers. Continue reading “Luxembourg COVID-19 Travel Ban and Entry Restrictions”
Costa Rica Closed to Visitors until April 12; More Immigration Delays in wake of COVID-19
Costa Rica has announced entry restrictions for tourists until April 12, 2020 and a moratorium on new residency applications until May 17, 2020 on account of COVID-19. Continue reading “Costa Rica Closed to Visitors until April 12; More Immigration Delays in wake of COVID-19”
Australia Announces Unprecedented Travel Ban for Citizens and Permanent Residents in the wake of Covid-19
The Australian government has announced on March 25, 2020 that a travel ban has been introduced which will prevent Australian citizens and permanent residents from departing Australia, except in exceptional circumstances. This is in addition to the recently announced entry bans applicable to any non-Australian citizens or permanent residents who have not been granted prior permission to enter Australia on exceptional circumstance grounds. Continue reading “Australia Announces Unprecedented Travel Ban for Citizens and Permanent Residents in the wake of Covid-19”
Canada Immigration Information on Closure of Land Border with the United States
- Effective 11:59 p.m. EDT last night, the Canada-U.S. land border closed to all non-essential travel. This closure will initially be in effect for 30 days. Non-essential travel includes travel for tourism or recreational purposes. Trade and commerce will continue. The definition of what constitutes “essential” travel remains open to interpretation. Minister Blair today referred to “essential” as serving and keeping Canadians healthy and safe. If you are concerned as to whether your employees’ upcoming travel would be considered “essential”, please contact us to discuss. Please also refer to 2. below for details about further developments which are expected to become effective next week. The official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office can be found at https://bit.ly/2J0DJiD
Continue reading “Canada Immigration Information on Closure of Land Border with the United States”