• Borders

          GREECE: Country increases land border restrictions and introduces rapid COVID-19 testing

          The government of Greece has shut one border crossing with Albania and has started to conduct rapid COVID-19 tests on all visitors at its land borders, following sharp rises in COVID-19 cases. Visitors entering from land borders were already required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result obtained at least 72 hours prior to travel; now upon arrival, they will be re-tested by Greek authorities. The measures came into effect as of 04.00 (GMT) today, 20 November.
          Albania
          Greece
          Borders
          Business
          Leisure

          UNITED KINGDOM: Northern Ireland to enter strict COVID-19 restrictions from 27 November 2020

          The government of Northern Ireland has said that it will impose strict COVID-19 measures for two weeks from 27 November; this includes the closing of its entire hospitality sector, non-essential retail and places of worship in what is essentially a circuit-breaker style lockdown.
          Ireland
          United Kingdom
          Borders
          Business
          Leisure

          UNITED STATES: Borders with Canada and Mexico to remain closed until at least 21 December 2020

          The U.S. government has announced that its land borders with both Mexico and Canada will remain closed to non-essential travel for at least another month until 21 December. The land border restrictions, aimed at controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, were first announced in March and have thus far been renewed monthly.
          Canada
          Mexico
          United States of America
          Borders
          Business
          Leisure

          UNITED KINGDOM: UK government updates its 'travel corridor' quarantine exemption list

          The UK government has announced that from 04.00 (GMT) on Saturday 21 November, anyone arriving or returning from the following countries to England, Wales or Northern Ireland will NOT be required to self-isolate: Israel, Namibia, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Uruguay, Bonaire, St Eustatius & Saba, the Northern Mariana Islands and the US Virgin Islands. No countries were this week removed from the 'travel corridor' list.
          Middle East
          Sri Lanka
          United Kingdom
          Borders
          Business
          Leisure

          IRELAND: Country to decrease COVID-19 quarantine period for arrivals from 'high-risk' destinations

          The government of Ireland has announced that from 30 November those arriving from ‘red’ regions, which includes the UK and the rest of Europe, can reduce their quarantine period from 14 days to five by obtaining a negative COVID-19 test result at the end of the five day period. Previously, Ireland announced earlier this month that they would be aligning with the EU ‘traffic light’ system for international travel, which categorises regions in colour codes according to the effectiveness of their controls over COVID-19.
          Ireland
          United Kingdom
          Borders
          Business
          Leisure

          ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA: Country updates COVID-19 entry requirements

          The government of the Caribbean nation has published its lastest update to COVID-19 entry requirements; travellers from all countries are now allowed to enter under regular visa requirements, however all arrivals into Antigua and Barbuda will need to provide proof of a negative COVID19 PCR test result, obtained a maximum of seven days prior to arrival. If the traveller shows symptoms on arrival or doesn't have an approved test result, a second test may be required at their own cost. All tourists visiting Antigua and Barbuda during the pandemic can stay at only authorised hotels and inns unless they agree to be subject to a 14-day quarantine. Visitors will need to abide by a current curfew, in effect from 23.00 to 05.00 (local time) until 31 December.
          Antigua and Barbuda
          Borders
          Business
          Leisure

          AUSTRALIA: State of South Australia to enter six day COVID-19 lockdown

          The government of South Australia has announced the state will go into a strict circuit breaker-style lockdown for six days in an attempt to get the recent COVID-19 outbreak under control. The lockdown will start at 23.59 (local time) on 18 November, and people will be heavily restricted from going outside of their homes; only one person per household will be able to leave each day, but only for specific purposes, and masks must be worn. Schools and universities will close, takeaway food restaurants will not be allowed to operate and pubs, cafes and coffee shops must shut their doors.
          Australia
          Borders
          Business
          Leisure

          BRITISH AIRWAYS: Airline to trial free COVID-19 testing on U.S. flights from 25 November 2020

          The airline is set to launch voluntary COVID-19 testing for passengers travelling to the UK from three US airports. The trial begins on 25 November and will be free to eligible customers on three flights: an American Airlines flight from Dallas Fort Worth to London Heathrow; British Airways from Los Angeles to London Heathrow, and British Airways from New York John F. Kennedy to London Heathrow. Passengers will be tested 72 hours before their trip, as well as during and after travelling. If they test positive before travelling, they will have to reschedule or cancel their flight, but will be able to rebook at a later date without a fee.
          United Kingdom
          United States of America
          Airline
          Borders
          British Airways
          American Airlines
          Business
          Leisure

          TURKEY: Country announces new measures to curb increase in COVID-19 cases

          The country's government has said that it will introduce a partial curfew on weekends due to the increase in the number of new cases of COVID-19. In addition, the Turkish authorities have decided to close all cafes and restaurants in the country, allowing them to work only for take-out. No time frame has been given as to how long these new measures will remain in place.
          Turkey
          Borders
          Business
          Leisure

          CHILE: Country to re-open borders for tourism from 23 November 2020

          The country’s government has announced that Chile is set to open its borders for the first time in eight months, on 23 November; however, a measured approach is in place and arrivals will be subject to certain restrictions including pre-testing, completion of a health passport, adherence to insurance requirements and also being prepared to quarantine depending on the country of origin.
          Chile
          Borders
          Business
          Leisure

          UNITED KINGDOM: UK arrivals to Spain to require COVID-19 pre-testing from 23 November 2020

          The government of Spain announced last week that from 23 November, all passengers travelling to Spanish airports and ports from ‘risk’ countries, which currently includes the UK, are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result obtained a maximum of 72 hours prior to arrival.
          Spain
          United Kingdom
          Borders

          AUSTRALIA: COVID-19 travel restrictions imposed in state of South Australia

          The government of the state of South Australia has re-introduced travel restrictions after a new COVID-19 cluster was discovered in the north Adelaide area; among them, the state's premier has said that inbound international flights to Adelaide have been halted until the end of the week. Also announced were a other restrictions across the state including the closure of gyms and sports events, funerals being limited to 50 people, and church services capped at 100. Pubs, clubs and restaurants are limited to 100 people with no stand-up drinking allowed.
          Australia
          Borders
          Business
          Leisure

          CUBA: Country announces updated COVID-19 entry requirements for tourists

          The country's government has announced that Cuba has re-opened its borders to international tourism; travellers from all countries are now permitted to visit the country under regular visa requirements. There are no online forms to fill out before travelling, however all travellers must complete a health declaration before arrival, and will be tested for COVID-19 at the airport. The traveller will then quarantine at their hotel for a maximum of 24 hours while awaiting test results. If the test is negative, the traveller can continue to enjoy their trip freely. There is no fee for the COVID-19 tests. All incoming travellers should have travel insurance that covers COVID-19 for the duration of their trip. Travellers visiting Varadero are required to have COVID-19 insurance and must bring proof of their hotel reservation.
          Cuba
          Borders
          Business
          Leisure

          NEW ZEALAND: Country to make face masks mandatory on domestic transport from 19 November 2020

          The country’s government has announced that from 19 November it will make face masks mandatory for passengers on both public transport in Auckland, and on all domestic flights. The rules take effect on 19 November for travellers older than 12 on public transport in and out of Auckland. Taxi and Uber drivers must also wear masks, although their passengers have been exempted.
          New Zealand
          Borders
          Business
          Leisure

          UNITED KINGDOM: UK arrivals to Romania no longer require self-isolation from 13 November 2020

          The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has published updated information for British nationals and residents travelling to Romania; from 13 November, travellers arriving directly from the UK are no longer required to self-isolate on arrival.
          Romania
          United Kingdom
          Borders
          Business
          Leisure

          BOTSWANA: Country announces a phased lifting of international travel restrictions

          The country’s government has announced a phased lifting of international travel restrictions, and is now welcoming back visitors after air travel has resumed at several major airports. The country also expects to re-open its land borders with neighboring countries, including South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe on 1 December. Arriving passengers will, however, be required to adhere to requirements including COVID-19 testing.
          Botswana
          Borders
          Business
          Leisure

          IRAN: Country to increase COVID-19 restrictions as it enters virus third wave

          The country’s government is set to impose tougher COVID-19 restrictions from 21 November, and Iran enters its third wave of infections. The ‘red level three’ measures will be imposed in the capital Tehran, and 100 other towns and cities.
          Middle East
          Borders
          Business
          Leisure

          AUSTRIA: Country implements second COVID-19 lockdown from 17 November 2020

          The government of Austria has announced that a second national COVID-19 lockdown will be in place for at least two and a half weeks. from 17 November. During this time, Austrian citizens and residents are urged not to meet anyone from outside their household; in addition, schools are to close and students will learn from home when the new measures come into force. The new lockdown measures, which will see all non-essential shops and services close, including hairdressers, will remain in place until 6 December. Amid rising numbers, Vienna had already imposed a partial lockdown, including a curfew from 20h00 to 06h00, at the start of November.
          Austria
          Borders
          Business
          Leisure