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”
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”
U.S. Expands Entry Ban to Europe’s Schengen Area as Nations Around the World Impose Entry Restrictions
Following the World Health Organization (WHO) declaration that classified the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak as a pandemic on March 11, a number of governments have instituted or announced measures limiting international travel. In the most notable of the new restrictions, the United States has announced that it is suspending all travel from Europe’s Schengen Area for 30 days beginning at midnight on Friday, March 13. This measure would expand existing travel restrictions in place for arrivals from mainland China and Iran.
The restrictions do not apply to U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents or their immediate families as well as holders of some categories of U.S. visas (such as A-1, A-2, C-1, D or C-1/D, C-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4 and NATO visas). The Schengen Area is a 26-country group that has officially abolished border control among themselves.
Globally, it is unknown if other governments will follow suit after the announcement from the White House. However, some of the recent and notable measures that have been implemented or announced this week by other countries are as follows: