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On October 12, 2021, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it will reopen the U.S. land borders with Mexico and Canada for non-essential travel for vaccinated travelers.  Non-essential travel includes tourism and family visits.  Land and ferry crossings from Canada and Mexico have been closed to non-essential travel since March 2020.    DHS indicated that this policy change will align land border crossings with the new international air travel COVID-19 prevention protocols to be implemented in November 2021. Accordingly, it does not appear as if U.S. citizens will be required to be vaccinated to enter the U.S. from Canada or Mexico.  Similar to the the new rules for international air travel, DHS has not announced a specific day in November that the land borders with Canada and Mexico would be reopened for non-essential travel.
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Continue Reading US to Reopen Border with Mexico and Canada

Chile’s Ministry of the Interior and Public Security announced an extension to the country’s border closure, due to COVID-19, to remain in place until October 31, 2021, as well as some modifications to the previously announced “Protected Borders Plan”.
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Continue Reading Chile Extends Border Closures and Exit Restrictions, With Some Exceptions

On October 1, 2021, the Australian government announced that it expects to begin lifting pandemic-related travel restrictions for fully vaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents as soon as November. Australia’s move follows the U.S. government’s announcement on September 20 that it would replace its current international travel bans with a new set of vaccination and testing mandates for foreign nationals traveling to the United States.
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Continue Reading Australia Looks to Ease Travel Restrictions in November

On September 20, 2021, the Biden Administration announced that it will rescind the COVID-19 travel restrictions banning most travel from Europe, Brazil, India, China, Iran, and South Africa.  In its place, the Administration will impose new COVID-19 prevention protocols on all international air travelers, including those coming from countries not previously impacted by the COVID-19…

On September 16, 2021, Chile’s Ministry of Health announced major modifications to the country’s “Protect Borders” plan, which will now allow for vaccinated non-resident visitors to enter Chile with a “Mobility Pass” (Pase de Movibilidad).  As of September 16, 2021, potential visitors to Chile can apply for a Mobility Pass with proof of vaccination* through the Chilean government’s website and receive a pass in approximately a month.  Visitors with a Mobility Pass will be able to enter Chile starting on October 1, 2021.
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Continue Reading Chile Introduces a Mobility Pass Relaxing Rules for Entry of Vaccinated Visitors

Chile continues suspending the entry of foreign nationals due to the outbreak of Coronavirus until July 25, 2021. Exemptions have been carved out, including specific procedures for companies to apply for a a safe conduct (“Salvoconducto”) to allow entry to the country for essential or critical personnel.
Continue Reading Chile Continues Banning Entry of Foreign Nationals and Placing Restrictions for Exit

Taiwan continues suspending the entry of visitors and resident visa holders until July 16.  Only foreign nationals with an Alien Resident Certificate are permitted to enter. Exceptions are being considered on a case-by-case basis for emergencies and on humanitarian grounds.

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Continue Reading In Response to Rising COVID-19 Cases, Taiwan Continues Banning Foreign Nationals

In response to COVID-19 outbreaks, some Australian states and territories have enacted new restrictions and closed their borders. These restrictions include mandatory quarantines, COVID-19 tests, and the completion of either declaration or registration forms. Australia has remained closed to international travelers, unless you are an Australia citizen, resident, immediate family member, or meet a specified exemption. If returning home to Australia or if an exception is met, travelers from oversees, with the exception of travelers from New Zealand who meet eligibility criteria, are required to quarantine at their port of arrival for 14 days at a government-designated accommodation.
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Continue Reading COVID-19 Outbreaks Cause Border Closures and New Travel Restrictions Across Australia

On July 6, 2021, the Department of State extended the validity of National Interest Exceptions (NIE) for travelers subject to restrictions under the COVID-19 travel bans (Presidential Proclamations 9984, 9992, 10143, and 10199).  Unless otherwise indicated, existing NIEs will be valid for 12 months from the date of approval and for multiple entries, as long as they are used for the purpose under which they were granted.
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Continue Reading State Department Extends Validity of National Interest Exceptions

The official 30 June deadline to submit an initial application under the EU Settlement Scheme (“EUSS”) has now passed.  There were a flurry of last minute applications and reports of people being unable to submit their applications due to technical difficulties caused by the number of people logging onto the on-line form.  There is a significant backlog of applications and some applications have yet to arrive with the Home Office as they had to be submitted by post.  Fortunately, whilst an application is pending, an applicant continues to have the right to live and work in the UK.

Whilst the deadline for applications has come and gone, there may still be hope for some who may not have managed to submit an application in time.…

Continue Reading Closure Of The EU Settlement Scheme – Not Quite The End . . . Yet