120120 – COVID-19 report
December 1, 2020
This report intends to give the UTD Community a snapshot of the impact of COVID-19 worldwide as reported by the linked official sources from the U.S. and other countries.
Please note the revision date (mmddyy) of this report, printed on the title of the post, and go to the direct sources listed for the most up-to-date information. The information in this report may change without prior notice.
Impact
- Central African Republic * DOS * Do not travel to the Central African Republic due to COVID-19, Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and elections. Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for the Central African Republic due to COVID-19. The Central African Republic has resumed most transportation options (including airport operations and re-opening of borders) and business operations (including schools and restaurants). Other improved conditions have been reported within the Central African Republic. Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in the Central African Republic.
- Dominican Republic * DOS * Reconsider travel to the Dominican Republic due to health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions. Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for the Dominican Republic due to COVID-19. The Dominican Republic has lifted stay at home orders, and resumed some transportation options and business operations. Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in the Dominican Republic.
- Estonia * GOV.UK * The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Estonia based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks.
- Latvia * GOV.UK * The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Latvia based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks.
- Multi-country * Communicable disease threats report, 22-28 November 2020, week 48 * Since 20 November 2020 and as of 27 November 2020, 4 094 266 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (in accordance with the applied case definition in the countries) have been reported, including 72 637 new deaths. Globally, the number of cases has increased from 56 984 774 to 61 079 040 and the number of deaths has risen from 1 360 879 to 1 433 516. In the EU/EEA and the United Kingdom (UK), the number of cases has increased from 11 542 665 to 12 709 336 (+1 166 671 cases), and the number of deaths has risen from 283 673 to 311 529 (+27 856 deaths). More details are available here.
- Pakistan * DOS * Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to COVID-19, terrorism, and sectarian violence. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Pakistan due to COVID-19. The Government of Pakistan has lifted stay-at-home orders and allowed the resumption of intercity domestic travel and mass transit services in most cities. Travel restrictions, stay-at-home orders, business closures, and other restrictions can be reintroduced at any time within Pakistan due to COVID-19. Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Pakistan.
- Western Sahara * CDC * COVID-19. Travelers should avoid all travel to Western Sahara.
Preventative Measures
- Antigua and Barbuda * GOV.UK * Beaches in Antigua and Barbuda are open between 5am and 7pm daily. Except on public holidays when they are open between 5am and 1pm. During these hours, picnics, music, drinking alcohol, and parties are prohibited. People visiting the beach must wear masks covering their noses and mouths, and maintain a distance of six feet from other people.
- Australia * GC.CA * Preventative measures and restrictions are in place and may differ in each state or territory. In the state of Victoria, you must wear a face covering in public. If you violate restrictions, you could be fined and face criminal charges for endangering public health.
- Belize * GC.CA * Movement restrictions are in place, including a nationwide curfew from 9p.m. to 5 a.m for 21 days from November 28 to December 19. You must wear a face covering in public. Local authorities strictly enforce penalties. You could face imprisonment without bail if you cross borders illegally. You could also be fined or face imprisonment for endangering public health If you fail to respect preventative measures.
- Bhutan * GC.CA * Preventative measures as well as restrictions are in place and may change without notice. If you violate the restrictions, you could be fined and face imprisonment for endangering public health.
- Bhutan * GOV.AU * Bhutan has eased its national lockdown measures. Schools, offices and commercial establishments have reopened but some services are limited by COVID-19 restrictions. You should maintain social distancing, wear masks in public and maintain hand hygiene. If you do need to go out, avoid crowded public spaces (including malls and markets) and mass gatherings.
- Brunei * GC.CA * Preventative measures as well as restrictions are in place and may change without notice. If you violate restrictions, you could be fined and face criminal charges for endangering public health.
- Bulgaria * GOV.UK * An Emergency Epidemic situation is in place until 31 January 2021. Various coronavirus measures and restrictions remain in force during this time.
- Cyprus * GOV.AU * There’s a curfew in Cyprus between 9pm and 5am. Entry requirements vary depending on where you’re travelling from (see ‘Travel’). There’s random COVID-19 testing of international arrivals at the airports. You may be refused entry if you don’t comply. Public health measures are in place. Public gatherings are banned. Private gatherings are limited to 10, including children. Face masks are compulsory outdoors and inside public and commercial spaces. Follow the advice of local authorities and comply.
- Czech Republic * GC.CA * Preventative measures and restrictions are in place. Non-essential domestic travel is prohibited until further notice and a curfew is in effect from 11 p.m. to 4:59 a.m. You must wear a face covering on public transportation, in closed public spaces and in outdoor public spaces where physical distancing is not possible.
- Czech Republic * GOV.AU * Health and travel restrictions are changing frequently, and regions may differ according to the rate of infection. Avoid any non-essential contact and movements and follow the latest measures of the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic (see ‘Travel’).
- Estonia * GOV.UK * Additional nationwide restrictions are in place from 24 November and will be reviewed every two weeks. You must wear a mask or cover your nose and mouth in public indoor spaces, including public transport, shops and malls. People with medical exemptions and children under the age of 12 are not required to wear a mask or cover their nose and mouth if sufficient social distancing is maintained. A public indoor space is any space intended for public use that anyone can enter without registering in advance. This includes public transport. The ‘2+2 Rule’ extends to all public indoor spaces. This rule allows two people to meet, keeping a distance of two metres from other people at all times.
- France * GOV.UK * The French government announced a national lockdown from 30 October, with the relaxation of some measures coming into force on 28 November. A full list of circumstances under which you can leave your home is detailed on the French government’s website and includes shopping for food, attending medical appointments, looking after someone, and accompanying children to school. You can leave your home for exercise (including going for a walk) – but you must remain within one kilometre (extended to 20km from 28 November) of your home and be outside for no longer than one hour (extended to three hours from 28 November).
- Georgia * GOV.UK * The government has announced a number of new restrictions to take effect from 28 November to 31 January. There is a nationwide curfew on both vehicular and pedestrian movement from 9pm to 5am, with exceptions for emergency, pharmaceutical, delivery, media and international transport. Violation will result in a 2,000 Lari fine (approx. £475). The curfew will be lifted for New Year’s Eve (31 December) and Orthodox Christmas Eve (6 January).
- Georgia * GOV.AU * A curfew is in place from 9pm to 5am and restaurants and shops will operate for delivery only. Some exceptions apply, including grocery stores and pharmacies. Public transport has been suspended. Additional restrictions or lockdowns in response to COVID-19 may be implemented at short notice and fines imposed. Follow the advice of local authorities.
- Greece * GOV.UK * The Greek authorities have announced new measures that will apply in all parts of Greece, with effect from 6 am local time on Saturday 7 November 2020. These nationwide measures (national ‘lock-down’) replace all previous measures (including different levels of restrictions in different regions) in place until that time. These measures will remain in place until at least 7 December 2020; but given the potential for them to be extended, you should keep up-to-date by checking this page regularly, and following local announcements.
- Guinea * GOV.AU * A state of emergency is still in place. Preventative measures and restrictions apply. A curfew is in place in Conakry, Coyah and Dubréka from midnight (12am) to 4am. Some commercial flights have resumed. You must present a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test taken 72 hours before you depart, otherwise you’ll be tested on arrival and required to quarantine for 14 days. Check with your travel provider and follow the advice of local authorities. The Australian High Commission in Accra currently has very limited capacity to provide consular assistance in Guinea.
- Hungary * GOV.UK * On 24 November, the government introduced dedicated shopping hours for older people. On weekdays between 9am and 11am, and on weekends between 8am and 10am, only people above 65 years of age may shop in supermarkets, drugstores and pharmacies. Street parking is free of charge nationwide, to reduce crowds on public transport. Parking is also free of charge between 7pm and 7am in commercial parking facilities located in residential areas.
- India * GOV.AU * COVID−19 remains prevalent in India. If you’re in India, avoid crowded public spaces (including malls and markets) and mass gatherings. Wear a face mask and maintain 1.5 metres distance from others while in all public spaces. Localised lockdowns are in place in some states, and can be announced at short notice. The ban on international commercial flights remains in place. Restrictions on travel and business operations may be imposed at short notice (see ‘Travel’). Monitor media and follow the advice of local authorities.
- Kosovo * GOV.UK * A curfew is in place in high risk municipalities (red) between 7pm and 5am, during which time it is prohibited to be outside of your home except in an emergency. During these hours entry and exit from these municipalities is prohibited. Public transport and taxi services are permitted to operate in Kosovo at half capacity. When outside, you are obliged to keep your mouth and nose covered and maintain a distance of 2m from other people.
- Luxembourg * GOV.UK * The Luxembourg government has introduced a curfew, and people are required to remain at home from 11pm to 6am. Outings during these hours are only permitted in certain specified circumstances; these can be accessed with further details on the Luxembourg government website. Restaurants and bars are closed to the public until 15 December. Take-away, drive-through and home delivery services remain available. Other restrictions include the ‘rule of two’, limiting the number of people allowed to gather at home or during private events. Gatherings of 4 to 10 people in a public space are allowed, subject to wearing of a mask. With some exceptions, gatherings of 10 to 100 people are allowed on condition that people are assigned seating, observe 2 metres distancing and wear a mask.
- Moldova * GOV.UK * Moldova has announced a state of emergency that will be in place from 30th November until 15th January. The Ministry of Health has announced the closure of restaurants and bars between 10pm to 7am. Night clubs and karaoke bars are closed. Public events in theatres, cinemas and sports arenas are not permitted. Groups of three or less may gather publicly. People over 63 are not able to leave the house unless absolutely necessary. Events with fewer than 50 people are allowed, but cannot take place close to public institutions, schools, hospitals, or other institutions with a high risk of infection. You must wear a mask in enclosed spaces such as supermarkets, restaurants, bars and on public transport. Officials have authority to issue fines for non-compliance from between 50 to 25,000 Lei.
- Mongolia * GOV.UK * The government of Mongolia extended a state of “all-out readiness” and full lockdown in Ulaanbaatar and the provinces of Selenge and Arkhangai until 6am on 11 December. The public in those three locations are required to avoid any non-essential activities and movement. Essential services such as grocery stores, pharmacies and hospitals remain open.
- Montenegro * GOV.UK * Leaving home between 7pm and 5am is banned. Travel between municipalities is banned on weekends from midnight on Friday to midnight on Sunday. There are exemptions for those required to leave home or travel for work, healthcare, or humanitarian reasons during these times. Only up to four persons are allowed to gather in public. All shops, cafes and restaurants will only be allowed to open until 6pm. Visiting people from different households at their homes is banned. These measures will be in place until 8 December, and may be extended if necessary.
- Montenegro * GOV.AU * There is a nationwide ban on movement from 7pm to 5am daily. All people over five years old must wear a mask in indoor and outdoor public spaces, except beaches and national parks. No more than four adults can be together in open places. There is a ban on gatherings, including private and religious gatherings. If you’re staying in Montenegro, follow the advice of local authorities. Entry requirements for Montenegro vary depending on where you’re travelling from (see Travel’). Follow the Australian Embassy on social media for updates (see ‘Local Contacts’).
- Peru * GOV.AU * A nationwide curfew and lockdown measures are in place. Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor media for the latest updates.
- Poland * GOV.UK * Public gatherings are limited to 5 people, excluding households bigger than 5 members and workplaces. Private gatherings may include no more than 5 people, excluding household members – these rules on indoor gatherings will also be in place over the Christmas period. There are restrictions on the number of people attending religious services and funerals
- Poland * GOV.AU * COVID-19 restrictions are changing frequently. You must follow local laws. You must wear a face mask everywhere in public except in forests and parks. For the latest rules for opening hours of cultural institutions, restaurants, hotels and shops, (see ‘Travel’). You should avoid any large-scale protests and marches in case they turn violent (see ‘Safety’).
- Portugal * GC.CA * Preventative measures and restrictions are in place and may vary depending on the municipality. You must wear a face covering in public. A curfew is in effect in many municipalities, including Lisbon and Porto: Monday to Friday from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 a.m. On December 1 and December 8, 2020, from 1 p.m. to 5 a.m. During the curfew, you must remain in your home or accommodations unless you need to perform essential activities. From 11 p.m. on November 27, 2020, to 5 a.m. on December 2, 2020, and from 11 p.m. on December 4, 2020, to 11:59 p.m. on December 8, 2020, it will be forbidden to travel outside of your municipality of residence, except for health reasons or other imperative urgency. If you violate the restrictions, you could be fined for endangering public health.
- Portugal * GOV.UK * Mainland Portugal is currently in a ‘state of emergency’. Confinement is mandatory if you are: suffering from or infected with coronavirus (COVID-19), or being actively monitored by the health authorities for COVID-19 symptoms. You must observe the rules on social distancing and hygiene: keep a social distance of 2 metres, use a face covering in enclosed spaces, and outdoors where a distance of 2m cannot be maintained, wash your hands regularly.
- Serbia * GOV.AU * You must wear a face mask indoors as well as outdoors where interpersonal contact cannot be avoided or you may be fined. Dual nationals travelling on their Serbian passport need to undertake a self-assessment online before arriving in Serbia. Additional entry requirements apply to some travellers arriving from Croatia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Romania or Bosnia and Herzegovina (see Travel). Monitor media and follow the Australian Embassy Facebook page for updates.
- Sierra Leone * GOV.UK * It is now compulsory to wear a mask when in a vehicle. This policy is being enforced by the Sierra Leone authorities. If you are found without a mask you may face a fine.
- South Korea * GOV.UK * You can find information on any local variations on the metropolitan and provincial government websites as follows: Seoul Metropolitan government Busan Metropolitan City Daegu Metropolitan City Incheon Metropolitan City Gwangju City Daejeon Metropolitan City Ulsan Metropolitan City Sejong City North Chungcheong South Chungcheong Gangwon Gyeonggi North Gyeongsan South Gyeongsang North Jeolla South Jeolla Jeju
- Thailand * GOV.UK * An emergency decree is in place until 15 January 2021. A number of measures are in place, including instructions that you must not: enter high risk areas, hoard essential goods, attend public gatherings, propagate false information. Further measures may be introduced at any time. You should follow the advice of the Thai authorities.
Travel Restrictions
- Argentina * GOV.UK * The 90-day permission for tourists to stay in Argentina is being extended each month by 30 days, if your original 90 days expired after 17 March. The latest extension was announced on 18 November.
- Australia * GOV.UK * On 17 November, Adelaide Airport closed to incoming international passenger flights until further notice. There are also border and travel restrictions between South Australia and other States and Territories. You should check State and Territory websites for further information. Melbourne Airport is closed to incoming passenger flights until further notice. There are also border and travel restrictions between Victoria and other States and Territories. You should check State and Territory websites for further information.
- Bulgaria * GOV.AU * There’s an Emergency Epidemic situation in Bulgaria until at least the end of January 2021. If you’re travelling from a country with a higher COVID-19 risk, you may be denied entry to Bulgaria. Depending on your country of departure, you may be subject to quarantine measures and may need to present a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) taken no more than 72 hours before you travel (see Travel). If you transit through Bulgaria, you’ll be required to complete a declaration on arrival that you’re COVID-19 free, you aren’t under quarantine and you’ll follow Bulgarian health measures. You must wear a mask in all indoor public spaces. Wearing a mask outdoors is highly recommended.
- Burundi * GOV.AU * Limited commercial flights into and out of Bujumbura International Airport have resumed. You must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of boarding your flight when entering or leaving the country. On arrival, you’ll take a COVID-19 test and spend 72 hours in mandatory quarantine while waiting for results of the test. All hotel costs are your responsibility. If any passenger tests positive on your flight you’ll be placed into quarantine for 14 days. Follow the advice of local authorities.
- Colombia * GOV.UK * Commercial flights are now operating to and from Colombia on a limited number of routes, with some direct flights to the UK. Check with your travel company for the latest information.
- Colombia * GOV.AU * International flight operations have resumed in Colombia and foreign citizens are allowed to enter. However, all land, sea and river borders remain closed. Before entering or exiting Colombia, you must complete an online form (Check-mig) on the border authorities’ website, and on the CoronApp mobile application. Colombian authorities or travel providers may request additional requirements to enter or exit Colombia, including COVID-19 tests. Please contact your travel provider and check the Migracion Colombia website (see Travel).
- Croatia * GOV.AU * Travel to Croatia is restricted for non-EU nationals due to COVID-19. Some exemptions may apply. If you’re allowed to enter Croatia, you’ll need to self-isolate for 14 days, or present a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) taken within 48 hours of your arrival. Cafes and restaurants are closed. Shops and essential services remain open. You must wear a face mask in all indoor spaces, including on public transport, and outdoors where you cannot keep 1.5 metres socially distant. Follow the advice of local authorities.
- Cuba * GOV.AU * Cuba has reopened its international airports with strict COVID-19 measures. See Travel for details. Strict hygiene regulations are in place at tourist resorts, restaurants and shopping venues. Follow the advice of local authorities.
- Denmark * GOV.UK * Rules on entry to Denmark depends on whether you are arriving from an ‘open’ country or a ‘banned’ country. The UK is a ‘banned’ country. You must have a ‘worthy’ purpose to enter if you are arriving into Denmark from the UK. You must also present proof of a negative COVID-19 test, taken no more than 72 hours before entry.
- Denmark * GOV.UK * A mutated version of coronavirus in mink has been discovered in Denmark. Strengthened local restrictions were introduced in Northern Jutland but these were eased from 19 November. Persons resident in Denmark can continue to enter Denmark regardless of the purpose.
- Dominican Republic * GC.CA * You must fill an Electronic ticket for entry and exit to share information about your health and your stay with local authorities. You must fill this form before boarding your flight to the Dominican Republic. This electronic form doesn’t replace the Tourist card.
- Equatorial Guinea * GOV.UK * Equatorial Guinea has reopened its borders to nationals, residents, diplomats and visa holders travelling for business reasons or with government approval. Diplomatic missions and international organisations must submit a list of their personnel and/or family members travelling to Equatorial Guinea, in advance of arrival to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, confirming date of arrival, flight number and place of origin. On arrival, you will be required to provide proof of a negative coronavirus (COVID-19) test result taken within the last 48 hours. If you do not present a negative COVID-19 test on arrival, you will be required to undergo a COVID-19 test at the airport and must quarantine for 3-5 days in a location approved by Equatorial Guinea authorities, at your own expense, while you await the test results. If your COVID-19 test is returned positive, you must self-isolate for a further 14 days.
- Estonia * GOV.UK * If you’re arriving to Estonia from the UK, you’ll need to complete and submit a customer locator form (either at the port of entry or electronically before arrival) and self-isolate for 14 days.
- Estonia * GOV.AU * If you travel to Estonia from a country at high risk from COVID-19, you may undertake a COVID-19 test, for a fee, to shorten your period of self-isolation. Estonia updates weekly the list of countries for which a 14-day self-quarantine requirement is imposed (see ‘ Travel’).
- Finland * GOV.AU * Finland now permits entry for residents from some countries assessed to be low COVID-19 risk. If you’re an Australian citizen or resident already overseas and are travelling from a country with a high COVID-19 risk, you may be denied entry to Finland. Public health measures are in place due to COVID-19. There are tighter restrictions in place in some regions depending on the incidence of COVID-19. Check with local authorities and your airline for the latest information.
- Germany * GOV.AU * Germany has entered partial lockdown (see ‘Travel’). Borders remain open and travel from a small number of third countries with low rates of COVID-19 is permitted. If you’re arriving from a high risk country, you must register online prior to entry. You may be required to quarantine for 10 days or provide a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result. If you’re transiting Germany, make sure the country you’re travelling from is in the list of countries without travel restrictions (see ‘Travel’). If you’re staying in Germany, wear a face mask in public areas, including in shops, public transport and maintain social distance. Follow the advice of local authorities and the Australian Embassy in Germany’s social media for major updates.
- Grenada * GOV.UK * Grenada government’s entry requirements and health protocols now includes a negative COVID test result within 72 hours of travel starting 28 November, a Pure Safe Travel Certificate before travel starting 1 December, downloading a contact tracing app, and tests and quarantine on arrival. Travellers are required to apply for this certificate and therefore encouraged to begin the application process as early as possible. The protocols can be found on the Ministry of Health website. They are updated regularly and are subject to change at short notice. In planning your trip to Grenada you should read the protocols before your departure and monitor the pages on a regular basis.
- Guinea-Bissau * GOV.UK * If you display any symptoms for COVID-19 on arrival, you will be tested again, and have to remain in isolation at your place of residence until results are delivered. If someone on your flight is thought to have COVID-19, you may be required to isolate at one location for 14 days, and be monitored by the health authorities.
- Iceland * GOV.UK * All passengers arriving in Iceland on or after 19 August 2020 can choose to either self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival or take two COVID-19 tests, one on arrival and another 5-6 days later. The test fee is ISK 11,000, or ISK 9,000 if booked in advance, and the second test is free. However, the tests will be free of charge from 1 December 2020 until 31 January 2021. Children born in 2005 or later will be exempt from both testing and self-isolation.
- Jamaica * GOV.UK * British Airways have suspended flights in both directions; Virgin Atlantic have suspended passenger flights from the UK to Jamaica.
- Liberia * GOV.UK * On arrival in Liberia, you will be screened for coronavirus. You must be tested on arrival in Liberia (there are some exemptions). To leave Liberia, you must have a negative coronavirus test result and a travel certificate issued by the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL). If you display symptoms of coronavirus, or test positive, public health officials may take you to a government quarantine facility or treatment unit.
- Lithuania * GOV.UK * British nationals may leave Lithuania before the end of their isolation period in order to return to the UK/their country of residence.
- Lithuania * GOV.AU * COVID-19 remains a risk in Lithuania. Avoid unnecessary travel and contacts and follow local restrictions. For a full list of COVID-19 regulations, see ‘Health’. Before you travel to Lithuania, you must register with the National Health Centre. Depending on the country you’re coming from, you may be required to self-isolate for 14 days (see ‘Travel’).
- Malaysia * GOV.AU * You’re not allowed to travel to Malaysia as a tourist. You require permission from the Malaysian Government to enter, even if you hold a valid visa. If you’re permitted to enter, you’ll need a ‘Letter of Undertaking and Indemnity’ approved by your nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission and you’ll undertake mandatory 14 day quarantine at your own cost (see ‘Travel’). A Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) is in place for the majority of Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah. Additional entry restrictions are in place for Sabah and Sarawak.
- Maldives * GOV.UK * Tourists can travel been islands and resorts that do not have COVID-19 cases and are not subject to monitoring for COVID-19, but need prior approval for inter-island travel from splitstays@tourism.gov.mv. If you have stayed at a tourist guesthouse (as opposed to a resort island) at any point during your stay in Maldives, you are required to conduct a PCR test 72 hours prior to your scheduled departure from Maldives.
- Malta * GOV.UK * Travellers from the United Kingdom are required to present evidence of a negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test. Random testing of arrivals, testing of those without a test certificate and temperature checks will be carried out at the airport.
- Montserrat * GOV.UK * Entry into Montserrat is restricted to Montserratians and dependants, Resident Permit holders and dependants, air crew, non-resident technicians, crisis support workers, health professionals and people who have a reservation confirmed by a real estate agent to stay in, what would otherwise be unoccupied property, for at least two months
- Multi-country * GOV.UK * If you are returning to Scotland from US Virgin Islands and Northern Mariana Islands, Bonaire/St Eustatius/Saba, Israel, Namibia, Rwanda, Sri Lanka or Bonaire/St Eustatius/Saba on or after 4am on 28 November, you do not need to self-isolate on your return.
- Multi-country * GOV.UK * Micronesia, Kiribati, Timor-Leste, Mongolia, Samoa, Aruba, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Tongo, and Bhutan, are now on the list of countries and territories where self-isolation is not required on return to the UK.
- Norway * GOV.AU * Norway’s borders are closed to foreign travellers who don’t have Norwegian residency or a work permit, though some exemptions may apply. Only residents of EU/EEA and Schengen countries may enter without a permit. Airports are operational and you can transit through Gardermoen (Oslo) Airport, but expect travel delays. If you’re travelling from a high risk country, you must present proof of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test taken within 72 hours before you arrive. A 10-day quarantine period applies to everyone permitted to enter Norway, unless arriving from certain EU/EEA and Schengen countries. Most Norwegian ports won’t allow disembarkation of cruise ship passengers. Check with your travel provider about disruptions.
- Philippines * GOV.UK * From 28 November, some airports including Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) require passengers to download the ‘Traze Contact Tracing’ app prior to entry. You can find further information on the NAIA facebook page.
- Qatar * GOV.UK * From 1 August, British nationals holding a Qatar residence permit are allowed to enter the country, subject to receiving prior approval. Upon entry to Qatar, you will need to quarantine for a total of 14 days: 7 days in a government approved hotel at your own expense, followed by a further 7 days of self-isolation in your own home. This will be dependent on the results of your COVID-19 tests.
- Singapore * GOV.AU * You may enter Singapore for short-term visits if you travel from Australia. However, you can’t leave Australia unless you seek an exemption from Home Affairs. If you’re a long-term resident you still need to get approval to enter Singapore. You can transit Changi Airport if you’re travelling between Australian cities and certain locations in Asia, Europe and New Zealand provided you’re on Singapore Airlines, Silk Air or Scoot Airlines and connecting with the same airline. From 1 December, passengers on Jetstar Asia flights may transit Singapore and join various Jetstar Asia flights. You can’t transit on flights operated by other airlines, including codeshare flights. Transit and flight options to/from Singapore change frequently. Contact Singapore Airlines for the latest flight and transit requirements. For further details on entry measures see ‘Travel’.
- Slovakia * GOV.UK * From 16 November, there are travel restrictions for travellers from the UK and most other countries. The website of the Slovak Ministry of Foreign Affairs contains a flowchart showing the options, depending on where you are travelling from.
- Slovenia * GC.CA * Travellers arriving from Canada are allowed to enter Slovenia only in limited circumstances if they meet specific criteria and follow certain procedures. It is your responsibility to verify this information with the appropriate foreign diplomatic office and to ask if you may be allowed entry, based on your individual circumstances and your itinerary. Local authorities may impose additional requirements without notice and your travel plans could be severely disrupted. You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance related to changes to your travel plans.
- Spain * GOV.UK * On arrival, travellers entering Spain from the UK will not be required to self-isolate. However, from 23 November, all passengers (including children of all ages) travelling to Spanish airports and ports from ‘risk’ countries (the website is in Spanish, the list of ‘at risk’ countries is at the end of the document), as determined by the European Centre for Disease Prevention & Control will be required to present a negative PCR (swab) test taken within no more than 72 hours prior to arrival, in order to enter the country. The UK is currently on the ‘risk’ countries list and passengers arriving from the UK are therefore subject to this requirement.
- Sri Lanka * GOV.UK * On 6 November, Sri Lanka’s health ministry designated Sri Lanka under its COVID-19 Risk Alert Level 3. This stipulates a range of measures which could affect travellers to Sri Lanka. For further information please refer to guidelines via Newswire and follow the advice of the local authorities.
- Taiwan * GOV.AU * Between 1 December 2020 and 28 February 2021, you’ll need to provide a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result issued within three business days before boarding your flight to Taiwan, regardless of your nationality, visa status, or whether you’re arriving or transiting. Antigen or antibody test results will not be accepted. Taiwan has announced a fifth automatic 30-day visa extension for foreigners arriving on short-term visitor visas on or before 21 March and whose stay has exceeded 180 days. Face masks will be mandatory in most public venues from 1 December. You may be fined if you don’t comply.
- Tonga * GOV.UK * A State of Emergency was declared on 20 March by the government of the Kingdom of Tonga. This has been renewed until 8pm on 21 December 2020. Tongan borders are closed for entry to all foreign nationals, except if authorisation has been granted by the relevant Tongan government authority. The Kingdom of Tonga has extended the National COVID-19 Restrictions Directions until 8pm on 21 December 2020. These include a night time curfew from midnight to 5am. You should follow the guidance of the government of the Kingdom of Tonga. The Declaration of a Public Health Emergency (COVID-19) Regulations 2020 and the Declaration of an Emergency Notifiable Condition has been extended to 12 March 2021.
- Turkmenistan * GOV.UK * Mandatory quarantine is in place for all arrivals from abroad for up to 21 days.
- United Arab Emirates * GOV.AU * The UAE has extended the grace period to 31 December 2020 (previously 17 November 2020) for visas that expired before 1 March 2020. COVID‑19 (PCR) test requirements for entry into Dubai are now determined based on your country of origin or final destination. Check the latest information for travelling to, from or connecting through Dubai (See Travel). If you’re a Dubai resident, you’ll need an online approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs to enter. If you’re headed to Abu Dhabi, you’ll need a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result within four days of travel. You’ll also be required to quarantine for 14 days either at home or a designated facility and wear a medically approved wristband. Some exemptions apply (see ‘Travel). These requirements may change at short notice. Contact your airline directly for the latest update on entry or exit requirements. Delays and disruptions are likely.
- Vanuatu * GOV.AU * COVID-19 remains a risk in Vanuatu. You can expect additional health screening measures and mandatory quarantine. You’ll also need evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken no earlier than 72 hours before your flight. The State of Emergency is in place until 31 December 2020. There are limited international flights to and from Vanuatu. Vanuatu borders remain closed except with specific permission, including for arrival by private vessel.
- Venezuela * GOV.UK * On 11 November 2020, local authorities announced that all international regular commercial flight operations are prohibited until 11 February 2021, with the exception of operations to/from: Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, Iran, Mexico, Panama, Russia and Turkey. Frequencies to these destinations are limited and under constant review due to COVID-19. Websites contain very limited information. You should contact and remain in touch with your tour operator or preferred local travel agent for further details on upcoming schedules, availability of seats (including onward connecting flights to the UK), and associated costs.
Please note the revision date (mmddyy) of this report, printed on the title of the post, and go to the direct sources listed for the most up-to-date information. The information in this report may change without prior notice.