Please note: while we address some country-specific updates related to the COVID-19 outbreak, the below contains information regarding global restrictions and closures as they stand today. Given the constantly changing nature of this situation, we highly recommend reviewing priorly.

Australia – Travel Exemption for Arrivals from New Zealand is Back in Effect

Effective March 12, 2021, travelers to Australia who have been in New Zealand for 14 days before arriving are automatically exempted from Australia’s travel restrictions. Such travelers are not required to obtain travel exemptions from the Australian authorities to enter the country. Before departure and upon arrival, routine screenings will continue for all travelers, and this exemption does not apply to travelers arriving by sea.

China – Ease in Visa Requirements for Applicants Inoculated with Chinese COVID-19 Vaccine

The Chinese authorities have recently announced that applicants who have been inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines produced in China and obtained the relevant vaccination certificate are not required to provide official PU invitation letters as part of their visa applications. PU invitation letters are currently needed for visa applications due to COVID restrictions. They must be issued by the relevant Foreign Affairs Office in China before visa applications may be filed at consulates or embassies. Visa applicants, including work permit holders obtaining entry visas, who have received COVID vaccines produced in China may be able to significantly streamline their application process and expedite entry to China. Applicants inoculated with COVID vaccines not made in China are not eligible for the exemption to the PU letter requirement.

EU Council – Continued Review of Travel Restrictions and Green Certificate Proposal

The EU Council continues to review epidemiological conditions to revise the list of countries from which travel is currently restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Council makes its recommendations based on COVID-19 case numbers, economic and social considerations, and reciprocity.

Please note that each EU member state will implement the recommendations individually. Due to recent surges in COVID-19 case numbers, many EU countries have implemented new quarantine and testing requirements for entry from fellow EU member states and non-EU countries.

Given recent vaccination efforts, the EU Commission has recently proposed implementing a “Green Certificate” to facilitate travel within the EU. The certificate would serve as evidence that a traveler has been vaccinated against COVID-19, received a negative test result, or recovered from COVID-19. Green Certificates would be available in both digital or paper formats, and the Commission proposes them as a temporary measure to ease travel and trade within the EU.

Ireland – New Mandatory Quarantine Requirements Announced
As of this writing, Irish authorities require travelers from certain countries to complete their mandatory self-isolation period in a designated hotel or facility. The new requirements are part of an effort to curb COVID transmission from countries that are set as “high-risk.”

Singapore – New Work Authorization Requirements for Dependent Pass Holders
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced that as of May 1, 2021, Dependent Pass (DP) holders would be required to obtain their work authorization in the form of an employer-sponsored permit (e.g., EP, S Pass, or Work Permit).

Previously, DP holders were eligible to work while independent in Singapore if they obtained a relevant Letter of Consent (LOC). Existing Letters of Consent will remain in effect but may not be renewed. The MOM is scheduled to release further details regarding this change in the next month.