Country

The Impact of Coronavirus on Business Travel and Immigration

The continuous effects of Covid-19 cases are causing countries to constantly rethink their entry and exit restrictions. But with the businesses struggling, countries are trying to find ways to boost their economies; whether it be by closing their borders to drive up local businesses, by opening borders to allow for global trade to restart, or by making alliances with specific countries to create strategic opportunities.

August 24

Vietnam

Vietnam has tightened restrictions by deploying soldiers to enforce the lockdown. People are currently prohibited from leaving their homes unless it is for essentials.

August 21

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has announced a 10-day nationwide lockdown. The lockdown is expected to end on August 30.

July 5

Indonesia

The Indonesian government has banned entry to foreign visitors who are not fully vaccinated. Exceptions will be made to those entering with diplomatic and service visas and during ministerial-level visits. The duration of quarantine for foreign travelers has increased from five to eight days.

June 29

Nigeria

Nigeria has announced that travelers who are no citizens or permanent residents will not be able to enter the country if they have been in South Africa in the last 14 days due to fears of more infectious variants of the virus.

Citizens and permanent residents must quarantine for 14 days if they have returned from South Africa.

Hong Kong

Travelers who have been in the United Kingdom for more than 2 hours are banned from entering Hong Kong.

March 11, 2021

Malta

Malta has closed its airports and has begun to enforce a temporary lockdown as the rate for positive COVID-19 cases has gone over 10%.

February 22, 2021

Italy

The Italian government has extended the ban on all non-essential travel between its 20 regions until March 27.

Saudi Arabia

The ministry of interior announced that Saudi Arabia will extend its travel restrictions until May 17.

February 15, 2021

Australia

The travel bubble set up between New Zealand and Australia has been suspended due to new Coronavirus cases in Auckland. Travelers who had returned to Australia in the past 72 hours will also need to enter 14 days of supervised hotel quarantine.

February 9, 2021

Spain

The Spanish government has extended its border closure with Portugal until March 1, thus extending its restrictions on non-essential travel with exceptions for cross-border workers, health workers, and truck drivers.

February 4, 2021

Denmark

Denmark is working on offering business travelers a digital coronavirus passport to vaccinated citizens in order to help companies “get back on track”. The passport will be used for travel purposes but may eventually be used to help reopen public life in Denmark.

February 1, 2021

Israel

Israel has extended to keep its airport closed until Sunday, February 7.

January 26, 2021

United States

The US will impose a travel ban on Saturday, January 30 for people who have passed through Soth Africa. The travel ban will also extend to Brazil, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and 26 other countries in the European Schengen. US citizens will be exempt but will still be subject to any required COVID-19 testing or mandated quarantine protocols.

Israel

Israel has halted all commercial flights until January 31, barring entry to both new immigrants and its own citizens. Exceptions will be made for cargo planes, emergency aircraft, and “firefighting flights”.

January 25, 2021

Australia/New Zealand

The travel bubble between the two countries has been suspended for three days after the South African COVID-19 variant was identified.

All green safe travel zone passengers from New Zealand currently en route to Australia, or with planned travel to Australia in the next 72 hours, will be required to enter mandatory hotel quarantine for up to 14 days on arrival.

January 18, 2021

United Kingdom

All travel corridors have been suspended and all arrivals are now required to self isolate for 10 days. Any person aged 11 and above who is arriving from abroad must provide a negative COID-19 test taken up to 72 hours prior to departure. Those who do not comply risk being fined £500.

January 12, 2021

United Kingdom

The UAE has been removed from the UK travel corridor. All travelers arriving in the UK will now need to self-isolate for 10-days and it’s advised against all non-essential travel to the UAE.

Also, from 4 am on January 15, pre-departure testing will be required for all inbound passengers to England. Travelers must test up to 3 days before departure and provide evidence of a negative result before they travel.

Russia

Russia has extended the ban on flights to and from the UK. The ban which began on December 22 will now continue until February 1.

South Africa

South Africa will keep 20 of its land borders closed until February 15 due to the increase in infections due to the new Covid-19 variant.

January 6, 2021

Australia/New Zealand 

On Thursday, January 7, Air New Zealand’s first quarantine-free flight will arrive in Brisbane. This will mark the start of five weekly flights between Auckland and Brisbane. Three will be quarantine-free, with the other two for passengers heading to quarantine.

December 29, 2020

Philippines

The Philippines has suspended all travel from 20 countries until mid-January. The ban is to prohibit entry to countries that have reported cases of the new Covid-19 variant.

The travel ban covers Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, and the UK.

December 27, 2020

Japan

Beginning Monday, December 28, Japan will ban all foreign visitors from entering the country.

Non-resident foreign nationals can still enter unless they have stayed in the UK of Britain in the previous 14 days. Resident foreign nationals and Japanese nationals can still enter but must isolate at home or at a hotel for 2 weeks.

United States

The United States has added restrictions to inbound passengers from the UK due to the new coronavirus variant found there. Beginning December 28, all travelers must test negative before departure and airlines must confirm the test result before the flight.

December 17, 2020

Uruguay

Uruguay is temporarily closing its borders to all non-commercial traffic. The closure will begin on December 21 and last until January 10.

December 14, 2020

Singapore

Singapore has imposed a 14-day quarantine at home or at a dedicated facility for all travelers who have entered in the past two weeks.

The only countries from which travelers can return without needing to quarantine are Fiji, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Hong Kong, Australia, Brunei, Macau, China, New Zealand, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

Greece

Greece has announced that travelers arriving from abroad between December 18 and January 7 will be required to quarantine for three days (reduced from 10 days).

Australia – New Zeland – Cook Islands

These three countries have committed to a travel bubble that should begin at the start of 2021. The travel bubble allows for travel without the need to quarantine.

December 10, 2020

Poland

All international flights from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Montenegro, Armenia, Jordan, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, and the United States (excluding Illinois and New York), will be prohibited from entering Poland until December 31, 2020.

December 6, 2020

Germany

Germany has labeled Estonia and Finland as risk areas while Ireland and Greece have been deemed safe. Travelers to Germany who have been in a risk area in the 10 days prior to entry must register online prior to entry, present proof of this registration on entry, and self-isolate at home for 10 days.

The United States – California

11 counties in Southern California have issued a stay-at-home order that will take effect Sunday, December 6 at 11:59 p.m. This lockdown will restrict all non-essential travel and will be in place for at least 3 weeks.

December 3, 2020

Greece

Non-essential entry into Greece is permitted for residents of EEA countries, Switzerland, the UK, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and Uruguay.

Non-essential entry is still prohibited for citizens of other countries until at least 14 December.

Vietnam

Under the order of prime minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Vietnam has suspended all inbound international commercial flights. REparation flights are still active for citizens who are old, sick or facing financial issues.

November 18, 2021

Canada

Beginning November 21, anyone entering Canada as their final destination will be required to submit personal information through the ArriveCAN website or app before they board their flight. All travelers will need to provide travel and contact information, quarantine plans, and a covid-19 self-assessment.

Chile

Chile’s borders will remain closed until November 22.

United States

Pennsylvania is now requiring out-of-state travelers to test negative for the coronavirus before entering the state.

November 11, 2021

Hong Kong/Singapore

Hong Kong and Singapore have confirmed that they will launch their new air travel bubble on November 22. The new measure will allow residents of each nation to travel freely back and forth without the need to quarantine or other restrive measures. Travelers will still need to undergo a covid-19 test before departure.

November 4, 2021

Austria

Hotels in Austria will be closed to leisure travelers/tourists from Nov 3-20. Essential travel for business will remain open.

Australia

The border between New South Wales and Victoria will reopen on November 23. The border has been closed since July.

Travel between New South Wales and Queensland is now permitted.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong now requires all travelers, except those from mainland China, to quarantine in hotels for 14 days upon entry.

Netherlands

Entry is now permitted for business travel from non-EEA countries to which the entry ban applies, and specifically to those contributing to the Dutch business community. The business traveler must have an invitation and a confirmed appointment with a company registered in the Netherlands or from the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA).

October 27, 2021

Uruguay

Uruguay has decided to keeps its borders closed for the duration of its summer months.

October 22, 2021

Costa Rica

Beginning November 1, Costa Rica will open its borders and permit visitors from all countries.

October 19, 2021

Canada

Canada has extended non-essential travel restrictions with the United States and Mexico until November 21st, 2020.

Singapore – Indonesia

The two countries have created a green lane for essential business travel and official purposes. The plan will take effect on October 26. Currently, pre-departure (up to 72 hours) and post-arrival COVID-19 swab tests from mutually recognized health institutions will be required.

October 15, 2020

Singapore – Hong Kong

Singapore and Hong Kong have announced a preliminary agreement to create a no quarantine travel bubble between them. The launch of the deal is still to be confirmed, but some details have been revealed:

  • travelers will still need to present a negative PCR test.
  • travelers will be required to travel on dedicated flights, carrying no transit or non-ATB passengers.
  • no restrictions on travel or quarantine required.

October 8, 2020

Austria

Entry is now permitted for residents of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Uruguay without a negative COVID-19 test or self-quarantine.

Canada

The suspension of non-essential entry for foreign travelers arriving from a country other than the United States has been extended until 31 October 2020.

Hungary

The temporary closure of its borders to foreign nationals has been extended until 1 November.

October 5, 2020

Peru

Peru has reopened international air travel from Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay. To enter, arrivals must present a negative result of a PCR test undertaken not more than 72 hours prior to travel and complete an online electronic health declaration, and commitment to isolate or quarantine.

October 1, 2020

Japan

Japan has begun to allow entry to foreign nationals who need to move to Japan to study, work, or join their family. Entry is done through “Residence Track” or “Business Track” and will be required to acquire a visa newly issued by Embassies or Consulates or Consular Office of Japan. There is however a restriction to the number of people permitted to enter, with priority given to those planning on moving to Japan.

A negative COVID-19 test result conducted within 72 hours of the departure time is required.

High-risk countries are still not permitted to enter.

South Africa

Entry is now permitted and commercial flights have restarted at the three main airports: King Shaka, OR Tambo, and Cape Town International Airport. All travelers must present negative PCR test results dated within 72 hours prior to boarding. Those without an adequate negative test result or showing symptoms will have to self-quarantine for 14 days at their own cost.

High-risk countries are still not permitted to enter.

September 29, 2020

New York, United States

New York – The Governor of New York signed an executive order for the purpose of reminding international travelers who enter New York from Level 2 and 3 countries that they must undergo a 14-day quarantine and fill out the health form from the New York State Health Department.  Currently, there are 31 countries that are not subject to this order:

  • American Samoa
  • Anguilla
  • Bonaire
  • Brunei
  • Cambodia
  • Cayman Islands
  • Dominica
  • Falkland Islands
  • Fiji
  • Guernsey
  • Greenland
  • Grenada
  • Isle of Man
  • Laos
  • Macau SAR
  • Marshall Islands
  • Mauritius
  • Micronesia
  • Montserrat
  • New Caledonia
  • New Zealand
  • Palau
  • Saba
  • Saint Barthelemy
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  • Sint Eustatius
  • Taiwan
  • Thailand
  • Timor-Leste

September 22, 2020

Nepal

Nepal has begun to allow the arrival of international flights. however, only Nepalese and certain categories of non-Nepalese employees will be allowed to enter the country.  A negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours from the departure must be presented.

Emergency or evacuation flights will still be allowed to enter Nepal.

South Africa

Right now, South Africa’s borders are closed to all commercial flights however, is planning to open up the borders on October 1, 2020.

September 15, 2020

Switzerland

Switzerland has added several regions to the quarantine list, including Provence-Alpes, Cote d’Azur, and Ile de France, Vienna, and Spain. Ecuador, the Faroe Islands, Guatemala, and South Africa were removed from the quarantine list.

Sweden

Travel warning on non-essential travel to the UK has been lifted.

August 30, 2020

Costa Rica

On September 1, United States citizens and residents from New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and Connecticut will be allowed to travel to Costa Rica. To enter, travelers must complete a digital health pass, obtain a negative coronavirus test 72 hours prior to departure, and purchase travel insurance that covers coronavirus expenses.

Singapore

New border measures in Singapore for low-risk countries/regions will begin September 1.

Travelers entering from Brunei Darussalam and New Zealand will no longer be required to serve a Stay-Home Notice upon arrival.

Those entering from other low-risk countries such as Australia (excluding Victoria State), Macao, Mainland China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Malaysia will have a reduced Stay-Home notice that will be shortened from 14 to 7 days.

August 17, 202

Israel

The borders of Bulgaria, Croatia, and Greece have been opened to Israeli citizens. Israelis entering these countries will not be required to self-quarantine upon arrival.

August 7, 2020

European Union

An updated list of countries that can enter the EU.

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Georgia
  • Japan
  • New Zealand
  • Rwanda
  • South Korea
  • Thailand
  • Tunisia
  • Uruguay
  • China, subject to confirmation of reciprocity

August 4, 2020

Japan

On August 5th, Japan will begin to grant re-entry into the country allowing foreign residents who left Japan before the travel ban to return. The documents they will be required to obtain before reentry are a letter of confirmation of submission for reentry and negative coronavirus tests conducted within 72 hours of the flight.

United States

The United States President has banned technology workers on H1-b visas from replacing American citizens in federal government contracts. The signed executive order is intended to make sure that American workers are offered these jobs first.

Vietnam

Beginning on August 5th, companies bringing in foreign national employees will need to ensure that they take a coronavirus test 7 days before arriving in Vietnam. The traveler will also be required to obtain international health insurance that covers the treatment of coronavirus related sickness.

July 30, 2020

European Union

An updated list of countries that can enter the EU.

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Georgia
  • Japan
  • Morocco
  • New Zealand
  • Rwanda
  • South Korea
  • Thailand
  • Tunisia
  • Uruguay
  • China, subject to confirmation of reciprocity

Brazil

Brazil began to allow entry into the country for foreign travelers of any nationality who meet the necessary immigration requirements, and present proof of a health insurance policy valid in Brazil and covering the whole trip. Currently, the maximum duration of stay for tourists is 90 days.

Costa Rica

Travel into Costa Rica will reopen August 1st for tourists from countries that have been deemed safe. Currently, European Union countries, the United Kindom, and Canada will be allowed entry. However, in order to enter, tourists will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within the previous 48 hours, purchase insurance covering accommodation in case of quarantine or hospitalization, and complete a digital epidemiological form from the Costa Rican Social Security Fund upon arrival.

Hong Kong

The United States and Kazakhstan and have been added to the list of high-risk countries. This means that travellers arriving from these countries must provide a negative Coronavirus test certificate thats been issued within 72 hours before departure, and confirmation of a 14+ day hotel booking in Hong Kong.

July 23, 2020

China

The Civil Aviation Administration of China has begun to require all travelers prior to entering China to fulfill the following requirements:

All nationalities must provide a negative coronavirus test from a recognized medical facility within 5 days of departure.

Foreign nationals are required to present a negative coronavirus test to obtain a Health Declaration from the relevant Chinese Embassy/Consulate.

Chinese citizens must upload a negative coronavirus test report to the health code portal (international version) prior to their travel.

Ireland

Ireland has allowed international travel but depending on which countries a traveler is coming from will depend on the restrictions placed on them.

Green Zones – Anyone arriving in Ireland from a “green list” location will not have to restrict their movements. Countries include Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, and Slovakia.

Those not arriving from a green zone country are required to restrict their movement for 14 days.

Malaysia

Beginning July 24th, Malaysia will once again introduce a mandatory 14-day quarantine for all returning travelers. The quarantine must be taken at a designated facility since home-quarantines are no longer permitted.

Philippines

The Philippines will open its borders on August 1st, however, only foreign nationals with long term visas will be granted entry into the country.

Qatar

Qatar will reopen its borders to foreign travelers and permanent residents on August 1. Those entering will need to follow specific guidelines depending on if they are coming for a “low risk” or “non-low risk” country.

Those entering from a low-risk country will be required to take a coronavirus test at the airport and sign a pledge to adhere to weeklong home quarantine. After 7 days, the traveler will be required to take another test and will be permitted to leave quarantine once a negative result is returned. Low-risk countries include Algeria, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Malaysia, Morocco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, and Vietnam.

Those entering from a “non-low risk” country will be required to provide a certified negative coronavirus test result from an accredited testing facility within the previous 48 hours of travel. They will also need to sign a pledge and adhere to weeklong home quarantine. After 7 days, the traveler will be required to take another test and will be permitted to leave quarantine once a negative result is returned.

July 16, 2020

European Union

An updated list of countries that can enter the EU.

  • Algeria
  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Georgia
  • Japan
  • Morocco
  • New Zealand
  • Rwanda
  • South Korea
  • Thailand
  • Tunisia
  • Uruguay
  • China, subject to confirmation of reciprocity

Although the EU has opened its borders to these countries, individual member states are permitted to enforce their own guidelines and restrictions.

This list will be reviewed by the EU every two weeks and will be updated accordingly.

July 13, 2020

South Korea

On July 13th, foreign nationals coming from countries with high Covid-19 infection rates who wish to enter South Korea will be required to submit a negative Covid-19 test within 48 hours. All who enter will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days, even if test results are negative.

Norway

From the 15th of June, travelers from the Nordic region and countries in the EEA / Schengen area will be allowed to enter Norway without quarantine. Those entering from Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Luxembourg, Portugal, Romania, and parts of Sweden will still be required to enter a 10-day quarantine.

Russia

On July 15th, Russia will begin to ease restrictions and begin talks with countries to restart international flights. Countries will be determined by the amount of Covid-19 infections.

Countries permitted must not have Covid-19 cases that exceed 40 per 100,000 people, an average daily increase in new cases in the last 14 days must be lower than 1%.

July 6, 2020

United Arab Emirates

Dubai has announced that it will open its borders to international tourist tomorrow (July 7).

In order to enter, travelers will be required to:

  • Enter Dubai with a Covid-negative certificate that has been issued to later than 96 hours prior to travel. This will allow for entrance without quarantine.
  • Take a test on arrival and quarantine until they receive their results. A negative test will allow for a normal trip, while a positive result will require further self-isolation.
  • Obtain travelers insurance and bring a certificate. The insurance must cover Covid-19 treatments and costs.
  • Travelers will also be required to download a Covid-19 tracking app that coordinates with the health authorities.

The Department of Tourism and Commerce and their efforts to reopen the city, is a move to revive and bolster tourism and businesses that are being effected by Covid-19.

July 1, 2020

European Union

The EU has released a list of countries whose nationals will be allowed entry into Europe. The list was built based on the number of new Covid-19 cases each country has had over the last 14 days as well as the country’s current Covid-19 trend.

Entrance is currently permitted to:

Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay

*China – will only be allowed entry if the offer is reciprocated towards EU countries.

Although the EU has opened its borders to these countries, individual member states are permitted to enforce their own guidelines and restrictions.

This list will be reviewed by the EU every two weeks and will be updated accordingly.

June 30, 2020

United States

On June 22, President Trump signed a proclamation suspending entry into the United States to certain immigrants and non-immigrants who present a risk to the U.S. labor markets in order to protect American workers from competition during the rebuilding of the economy that was hit from the Corona crisis. This new proclamation will begin on June 24 and will extend through December 31, 2020.

The proclamation suspends entry to:

  • H-1B (and dependent family members)
  • H2B (and dependent family members)
  • J-1 (intern, trainee, teacher, camp counsellor, au pair or summer work travel program) (and dependent family members)
  • d L-1 (and dependent family members)

The new proclamation does not include:

  • U.S. citizens
  • lawful permanent residents
  • aliens who are or were inside the United States
  • those holding valid nonimmigrant or immigrant visas

China/Singapore  

China and Singapore have created a fast lane to facilitate essential business and official travel between the two countries. The fast lane has been established between six Chinese provinces and municipalities (Chongqing, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Tianjin and Zhejiang) and Singapore, and is currently only open to residents in Singapore and China who need to make essential business or official trips between the two countries. Plans to expand to other Chinese provinces and municipalities is in works. For inbound travel to Singapore, business or official travellers sponsored by government agencies may submit applications through their respective sponsors.

China also currently allows residents of Singapore, South Korea and Germany to qualify for an M-visa (A China business visa or trade visa issued to foreigners coming for commercial and trade activities) fast-track route for those who have urgent economic, trade, scientific or technological activities. This fast track also makes them exempt from the 14-day quarantine requirement in certain provinces and cities (Chongqing, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Tianjin and Zhejiang).

The applicant is required to obtain a negative COVID-19 test no more than three days before travelling from their home country after their M visa is issued.

Once a traveller has stayed in the fast lane region for a least 14 days, they will be allowed to travel to non-fast lane regions.

Sweden 

The suspension of travel to Sweden will be extended July 7 for those outside the EU, the EEA, the UK and Switzerland.

Exemptions from the entry ban can be made for foreign nationals who are deemed essential workers or have urgent needs; Such as healthcare professionals, transporters of essential goods, seaman, commercial drivers whose vehicle and cargo is already in Sweden, and people travelling for urgent family reasons.

Other exemptions from the entry ban include:

Foreign nationals with a certain family tie to Swedish citizens (e.g. spouse, common-law partner, children) who are returning home. In such cases there is no requirement for the person who is entering Sweden, to live in Sweden at the time of entry.

Foreign nationals with certain family ties to a foreign national who is already living in Sweden, only if they have been granted their residence permit on the basis of family ties. In such cases there is no requirement for the person who is entering Sweden, to live in Sweden at the time of entry.

Denmark

The borders of Denmark reopened on the June 27, and business travelers and tourist will be allowed for people who are staying in Denmark for at least six nights, travelling from “open” countries” and “open” regions in Nordic “quarantine countries”.

Countries currently allowed to travel into Denmark include:

All EU and Schengen countries apart from Ireland, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Sweden (apart from the Västerbotten region) and the UK.

In order for Denmark to open its borders, a country must ensure low numbers of Covid19 cases. A country must have fewer than 20 infected persons per 100,000 inhabitants per week, and if that number grows to 30 infected persons per 100,000 inhabitants, they will be quarantined.

Taiwan

Since June 22, business travelers and tourist from low risk countries have been able to enter Taiwan. In order to enter the country, they must follow the listed conditions:

  1. Must follow Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) guidelines
  2. Duration of stay may not exceed 3 months
  3. For business such as goods inspection, after-sale services, technical assistance and training, and contract signing.
  4. May only arrive from low/medium risk countries and without any travel to other countries in the previous 14 days.
  5. Must provide documents showing local company, travel itinerary, and a certificate proving a negative covid-19 test within the past 3 days.

If a business traveler plans on staying longer than 14 days, they must observe a 14 day stay at home quarantine upon arrival.

Low/medium risk: New Zealand, Australia, Macao, Palau, Fiji, Brunei, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Thailand, Mongolia, Bhutan.

Medium risk: South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore.

Russia

Entry into Russia for highly-qualified specialist (HQS) employees has now been approved by their respective Ministry and by the Federal Security Service and Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. For HQS employees to be approved, they must present a valid labour or services contract with a Russian employer or customer on entry. Once the employer has entered Russia, they will be subject to a 14-day home quarantine. Their dependents are currently not permitted to enter Russia.

Since June 27, an applicant for a work permit, work patent, temporary residence permit or permanent residence permit will have to submit negative Covid-19 test results. Those seeking an HQS permit are exempt from providing a negative Covid19 test result. Those who test positive for Covid-19 or are arriving from a region strongly affected by the virus will be required to enter a 14-day quarantine.

Israel

Israel is currently only open to citizens and residents or those who have received special permission.

Those who may be eligible for a foreign national entry permit include foreign experts deemed as essential workers. In order for the worker to enter, they must receive a recommendation from  the relevant government office, obtain a work permit, and receive a final approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Those who enter and plan on staying longer than 72 hours will be required to self-isolate for 14 days.

Further Resources for Restrictions, Rules, and Quarantine Information